A guidance note about the Use of plasterers’ stilts was issued by the Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) in 2007 and Master Builders strongly recommends that builders and plastering subcontractors should have strong regard for this guidance when using stilts on site.

The CFMEU recently issued a safety alert titled Stilts are for circuses, not building sites. The CFMEU produced the alert in response to an article by the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries Victoria, which featured in the August 2014 edition of the Incolink Onsite magazine.

Contrary to the views put forward by the CFMEU in its alert, there are many plastering tradesmen in the industry that have enormous confidence in the use of these devices and regard the use of them to constitute a safe system of work.

The CFMEU is currently going around on building sites with a 1998 guidance note from the VWA, which suggests stilts are not suitable because they interfere with the ergonomics of the human body’s natural movement and balance. The 1998 guidance note has been superseded by the far more detailed 2007 guidance note.

Stilts are certainly not banned and can be used safely on site so long as appropriate steps are taken. A comprehensive supervisors’ checklist is attached to the 2007 guidance note.

If you need further advice regarding the use of plasterers’ stilts or any other, feel free to contact our OHS Unit on (03) 9411 4555.