A MAINTENANCE worker at the Yallourn W Power Station in the LaTrobe Valley has survived a 30 to 40m fall, after his harness failed.
The 47-year-old man had been carrying out maintenance on a boiler. The rope system failed, causing him to fall into an ash hopper beneath a boiler.
According to WorkSafe Victoria, the consequences could have been much worse. Most falls from that height lead to death.
The authority says the incident is a warning to all workers to enhance their workplace safety. January is one of the most dangerous months of the year, with an average of 3.8 people dying every year over the past decade.
WorkSafe says workers can make a difference in occupational health and safety by using the right equipment, consultation, training, planning and preparation.
