Working at height remains one of the most hazardous activities in the Australian workplace. Despite continued efforts to minimise risk, falls from height continue to account for a significant proportion of workplace injuries and fatalities each year. According to Safe Work Australia, falls from height were responsible for 11% of worker fatalities between 2017 and 2021. There were 29 worker fatalities attributable to the mechanism of incident, falls from a height, in 2023. This is 32% higher than the 5-year average of 22 worker fatalities per year (2019 to 2023). With such statistics highlighting the seriousness of the issue, it is essential that safety professionals ensure all work at height complies with stringent legal requirements and best practices.
In this article, we will explore how to work safely at height in the workplace, drawing on relevant Australian legislation, providing practical examples of safe practices, and highlighting key considerations for selecting and using height safety equipment effectively.
Understanding the Legal Framework for Working at Height
In Australia, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) and the accompanying Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 provide the legislative framework that governs workplace safety, including working at height. Under the WHS Act, Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) have a primary duty of care to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers.
Specifically, Regulation 78 to 80 of the WHS Regulations outline the requirements for managing risks associated with falls. These include:
- Identifying all reasonably foreseeable hazards associated with working at height
- Eliminating the risk of falls so far as is reasonably practicable
- Where elimination is not possible, minimising the risk using the hierarchy of control
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines and potential prosecution.
Risk Management and the Hierarchy of Controls
The first step to working safely at height is comprehensive risk assessment and hazard identification. Safety experts must assess the specific risks related to the task, environment, and equipment. The hierarchy of control for fall prevention includes:
- Elimination – Remove the need to work at height altogether. For example, assembling structures on the ground before lifting them into place.
- Substitution – Use safer alternatives, such as long-handled tools from the ground.
- Engineering controls – Install physical barriers like guardrails, scaffolding, or elevated work platforms.
- Isolation: Isolate or separate the hazard or hazardous work practices from people not involved in the work or the general work areas.
- Administrative controls – Develop safe work procedures, signage, and provide training.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – As a last resort, use fall arrest systems, harnesses, and lanyards.
Read our article, Workplace Hazards and the Hierarchy of Controls.
Safe Use of Height Safety Equipment
When elimination is not feasible, selecting and using the right equipment is crucial. Some commonly used height safety equipment includes:
1. Scaffolding
Scaffolding must be designed by a competent person and erected by qualified workers. It should be inspected regularly, particularly after adverse weather, modifications, or prolonged periods of non-use.
2. Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs)
EWPs such as boom lifts and scissor lifts should be selected based on the task and working environment. Operators must be licensed and familiar with the specific machine. Pre-start inspections and safe operating procedures are essential.
3. Ladders
Ladders should only be used for short-duration, low-risk tasks. They must be industrial-rated, well-maintained, and used at the correct angle (typically a 4:1 ratio). Workers should maintain three points of contact at all times.
4. Fall Arrest Systems
These systems include full-body harnesses, shock-absorbing lanyards, and anchorage points. It is essential to ensure all components are compatible, inspected before use, and that rescue procedures are in place in the event of a fall.
Read our article, What Does Safely Working at Height Mean?
Training and Competency Requirements
Safety experts must ensure that all personnel working at height receive adequate training and supervision. This includes:
- Understanding the risks of working at height
- Correct selection and use of equipment
- Emergency and rescue procedures
- Familiarity with site-specific fall protection plans
Training should be refreshed regularly and tailored to the specific tasks and equipment being used.
The TIS Training Platform & LMS has you covered with short courses to support your training on how to work safely at height in the workplace. Take a look at our courses and toolboxes on height safety, height safety equipment, access and egress, and working at height.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Some common mistakes made in managing work at height include:
- Using inappropriate equipment for the task
- Failing to inspect or maintain equipment properly
- Inadequate supervision or lack of worker training
- Absence of documented safe work method statements (SWMS) for high-risk construction work
To avoid these, safety experts should implement robust safety management systems, ensure regular audits, and foster a culture of safety and accountability in the workplace.
Case Study: Safe Roof Work on a Commercial Building
A maintenance team was required to service an air conditioning unit on the roof of a commercial building. The safety officer conducted a risk assessment and determined that working near the edge posed a fall risk. The following measures were implemented:
- Installed temporary guardrails along the roof edge
- Used a boom lift to access the roof safely
- Workers wore fall arrest harnesses connected to anchor points
- A rescue plan was in place in case of a fall
These proactive measures ensured that the task was completed without incident, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining multiple control measures.
Conclusion: Embedding a Culture of Safe Height Work
To work safely at height in the workplace, safety experts must do more than comply with legal requirements—they must champion a proactive, risk-based approach. This includes thorough planning, choosing the right controls, training workers effectively, and continuously reviewing procedures.
By integrating safe height work practices into everyday operations and promoting a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility, organisations can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls and protect the lives of their workers.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand and apply the WHS Act and Regulations
- Follow the hierarchy of controls to manage fall risks
- Select and maintain appropriate height safety equipment
- Train all personnel thoroughly and regularly
- Regularly review and audit height safety procedures
By following these guidelines, safety experts can lead the way in reducing workplace injuries and fatalities related to working at height in Australia.