International Workers’ Memorial Day – April 28

April 28 is a day to remember the workers who’ve lost their lives or been seriously injured on the job – and a reminder of why safety matters, every single day.

In 2025, 14 construction workers in Victoria didn’t make it home. Six of those deaths were from falls from heights. That’s not just a stat – it’s families, workmates and communities that are impacted.

To honour those we’ve lost, the Victorian Trades Hall Council is holding a memorial service. It’s a chance to pause, pay respect, and recommit to safer worksites.

Memorial details:

Date: Tuesday, April 28
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Argyle Square, Carlton

Memorial with flowers and shoes representing people who have passed.

Falls Construction’s number 1 cause of fatalities

WorkSafe Victoria’s latest campaign is all about keeping things practical and focusing on the risks that continue to cause the most harm on construction sites.

Here’s where attention is needed:

Falls from heights: still the biggest cause of fatalities. Download the fall prevention checklist
Manual handling: the leading cause of injury. Download posters for your site here
Crystalline silica: a long-term health risk that can’t be ignored – resources available
Construction pocket guide: a simple tool to help manage safety on site. Download or request a hard copy.

WorkSafe are also running Falls basics, a free interactive webinar series with straightforward guidance on managing falls risks. Register for a session here:worksafe.vic.gov.au/construction/falls-basics

Fall prevention – don’t get caught out

Inspectors will be out on Victorian construction sites this year, checking that fall prevention measures are in place and up to standard.

That means making sure hazards are identified, controls are working, and sites meet OHS requirements. More importantly, it’s about making sure everyone on site stays safe.

A reminder that you can’t undo a fall, but you can prevent one. Use the highest order of control, or a combination of:

Level 1 – eliminate the risk

Level 2 – Passive prevention controls

Level 3 – Work positioning systems

Level 4 – Fall-arrest systems

Level 5 – Ladders and admin controls

Common fall hazards to keep in check:

unprotected edges
unsafe or incomplete scaffolds
unsafe ladder use including using the wrong ladder
roofs, fragile roofs and skylights
stair voids
truck beds or plant platforms
holes, pits and shafts

Visit high standards for more information on fall prevention.

WorkSafe: Get Home Safe, Every Day

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