Working at height presents significant risks, making it one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in Australia. To ensure worker safety, strict regulations have been established under Australian work health and safety (WHS) laws. These regulations set out employer responsibilities, safe work practices, and necessary equipment to minimise risks.
This article explores the working at height regulations in Australia, including legal requirements, employer and worker responsibilities, risk management strategies, and best practices to ensure compliance.
What is Considered Working at Height?
According to Safe Work Australia, working at height refers to any task where there is a risk of falling from one level to another. This includes:
- Working on ladders, scaffolds, or elevated work platforms (EWPs)
- Working on rooftops or near edges
- Working over pits, holes, or near fragile surfaces
- Any work where a worker could fall and sustain injuries
- Working on the crane or tree for tree lopping and pruning service
Height-related risks are not limited to extreme heights. Even working on a low-height platform can be hazardous if appropriate safety measures are not in place.
Key Regulations and Standards
1. Work Health and Safety (WHS) Laws
Each state and territory in Australia follows the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, which provides a legal framework for workplace safety. These laws are supported by regulations and codes of practice, including:
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
- Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice
These regulations require businesses to eliminate or minimize the risks of falls in the workplace through risk assessments, control measures, and appropriate equipment.
2. Safe Work Australia Guidelines
Safe Work Australia provides national guidelines that outline best practices for working at height. These include risk assessment protocols, safety equipment requirements, and fall prevention strategies.
3. Australian Standards
Several Australian Standards provide additional safety requirements for working at height, including:
- AS/NZS 1891.1-4 – Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
- AS/NZS 1657 – Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders
- AS/NZS 4488.1 & 4488.2 – Industrial rope access systems
Employers must ensure that all equipment used complies with these standards to enhance safety and reduce liability risks.
Employer Responsibilities
Under WHS laws, employers (or persons conducting a business or undertaking – PCBU) have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment for employees. This includes:
- Conducting Risk Assessments – Identifying potential fall hazards and evaluating the risks associated with working at height.
- Implementing Control Measures – Eliminating risks where possible or minimizing them through engineering and administrative controls.
- Providing Training and Competency Checks – Ensuring all workers are trained and competent in using height safety equipment.
- Supplying Suitable Fall Protection Equipment – Such as harnesses, guardrails, safety nets, and fall-arrest systems.
- Regularly Inspecting Equipment – Checking ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear to ensure they meet safety standards.
- Monitoring Work Conditions – Ensuring safe work procedures are followed and responding to any safety concerns.
Worker Responsibilities
Workers also have a duty to follow safety regulations and take precautions when working at height. Their responsibilities include:
- Following Safe Work Procedures – Adhering to employer guidelines and WHS laws.
- Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Wearing harnesses, helmets, and other required safety gear.
- Inspecting Equipment Before Use – Checking for damages or defects before using ladders, scaffolds, or other safety systems.
- Reporting Safety Hazards – Informing supervisors of any hazards or unsafe conditions.
- Participating in Training Programs – Attending height safety training sessions provided by the employer.
Risk Management and Fall Prevention Strategies
To prevent falls from height, businesses must implement a hierarchy of controls, prioritizing hazard elimination and risk reduction measures.
1. Elimination
The best way to prevent falls is to eliminate the need for working at height altogether. This can be achieved by:
- Using extendable tools instead of climbing ladders
- Prefabricating structures at ground level
- Relocating tasks to safer areas
2. Substitution and Engineering Controls
If elimination is not possible, substitute or engineer out the risk by:
- Installing guardrails, barriers, or edge protection
- Using elevated work platforms (EWPs) instead of ladders
- Ensuring safe roof access systems are in place
3. Administrative Controls
Implement work procedures that reduce risks, such as:
- Developing and enforcing a working-at-height permit system
- Establishing exclusion zones below work areas
- Rotating tasks to reduce fatigue
- Ensuring workers maintain three points of contact on ladders
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
As a last line of defence, workers must use PPE, including:
- Full-body harnesses with lanyards
- Shock-absorbing fall-arrest systems
- Safety helmets with chin straps
- Slip-resistant footwear
Height Safety Equipment
Employers must provide appropriate safety equipment for working at height, such as:
- Scaffolding – A stable and secure platform for working at height
- Ladders and Step Platforms – Used for short-duration work with stable footing
- Safety Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems – Prevent serious injuries in case of falls
- Guardrails and Safety Nets – Passive fall prevention measures
- Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs) – Such as scissor lifts and boom lifts for safer height access
Training and Certification Requirements
Workers engaged in high-risk tasks at height must undergo specialized training to ensure competency. Training requirements include:
- Work Safely at Heights (RIIWHS204E) – A nationally recognized training course for height safety
- EWP Training (Yellow Card or High-Risk Work Licence) – For operating elevated work platforms
- Scaffold Erection and Dismantling Training – Required for working with scaffolding above certain heights
- Rescue Training – Ensuring workers know how to respond to height-related emergencies
Regular refresher courses are also necessary to maintain compliance and safety awareness.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with height safety regulations can result in severe penalties, including:
- Fines – Businesses can face fines up to AUD 3 million, while individuals may be fined up to AUD 600,000.
- Legal Consequences – Directors and managers may face personal liability and imprisonment for breaches leading to workplace injuries or fatalities.
- Workplace Shutdowns – Safe Work Australia or state regulators may halt unsafe work operations until compliance is met.
Conclusion
Working at height presents serious risks, requiring strict adherence to Australian WHS regulations. Employers must prioritize safety through proper risk management, training, and provision of appropriate safety equipment. Workers, in turn, must follow safety guidelines and use personal protective equipment to minimize hazards.
By understanding and implementing these height safety regulations, businesses can create a safer work environment, prevent accidents, and comply with legal obligations. For those working at height in Australia, staying informed and proactive about safety measures is essential to protecting lives and avoiding legal repercussions.
