Painters were recently observed by ACT CFMEU Branch officials working from an elevated work platform (EWP) at a block of flats in Braddon. The work method used was both dangerous and in breach of Australian Standards.

To paint the interior walls on the balconies, the workers were exiting the bucket of the EWP when it was adjacent to the balconies, and then stepping over the handrail from the bucket onto a ladder.

The Australian Standards are quite clear on the issue of when a worker can exit an EWP when it is at height, and their use in Braddon meets none of the criteria.

Download a Safety Zone Alert with details of the Standard.