Plasterers stilts have been a bit of a “grey area” within the industry since their introduction 30-years or so ago.
Many states took a hard line against the use of stilts enforcing steep fines if contractors were caught using them on site. The last 5 years has seen a relaxation of that stance allowing stilts to be used more freely throughout Australia.
In 2007 Victoria amended their Zero Tolerance policy on plasterers stilts. WorkSafe Victoria, the states health and safety regulatory body, released guidance notes for the safe use of stilts. The purpose of the guidance notes was to provide builders, plastering contractors, employers and users of stilts with health and safety guidance in construction workplaces.
More recently New South Wales followed suit relaxing their long standing plasterers stilts policy replacing it with a competency based approach. At the start of 2013 Work Cover NSW released a Fact Sheet for the safe use of plasterers stilts in construction. The fact sheet outlines the risks associated with stilts, preparing a safe working environment, usage guidelines and the importance of proper maintenance.
To assist plasterers wishing to use plasterers stilts on site in NSW, AWCI-NSW developed stilt safety and usage workshops to give plasterers the knowledge they require to meet the WorkCover code of practice. The workshops run for 4 hours and a successful outcome will provide the trainee with a Stilts Safety and Maintenance competency card.
Wallboard Tools is proud to support the new stance on stilts and the AWCI’s workshops.
Please check with your states health and safety regulatory body or your regional AWCI office regarding safe stilt usage in your state or territory.