Working from Heights Part One: Understanding the Risks and Legal Requirements for Working at Heights in Australia

Year on year, working at heights is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in Australia.

In 2023, 29 workers were killed due to a fall from height. Just in Victoria, there were 1983 injury claims from falls from heights in construction alone. Understanding and mitigating these risks is essential for everyone to go home safe. This guide breaks down the risks associated with working at heights, key Australian regulations, employer obligations, and what businesses must do to ensure worker safety.

What is Considered ‘Working at Heights’?

Working at heights refers to any work where a person could fall from one level to another and sustain an injury. This includes:

Using ladders, scaffolding, or elevated work platforms (EWPs).

Working on roofs, fragile surfaces, or near unprotected edges.

Operating at height in construction, warehousing, mining, and utilities.

Tasks performed near trenches, pits, or openings.

The Risks of Working at Heights

Falls from height can result in severe injuries or fatalities, often caused by:

Lack of fall protection: No guardrails, harnesses, or safety nets.

Poorly maintained equipment: Faulty scaffolding, damaged ladders, or improper PPE use.

Inadequate training: Workers unaware of proper height safety procedures.

Unstable surfaces: Working on fragile or uneven structures.

Environmental factors: Wind, rain, or lighting conditions affecting balance and stability.

Legal Requirements for Working at Heights in Australia

Employers have a legal duty under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 and the Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice 2018 to eliminate or minimise risks associated with working at heights.

It is essential employers adhere to these requirements not only to keep their workers safe, but avoid severe legal penalties and fines. WorkSafe conducts regular and random worksite inspections to make sure all businesses are complying with the requirements. Penalties for breaches can range from $50,000 to over $3 million, depending on the severity of the incident.

Key obligations include:

Risk Assessments

Identifying hazards and implementing control measures before work begins.

Assessing height risks based on work location, duration, and environmental factors.

Hierarchy of Controls

Employers must follow a hierarchy of controls to manage risks:

Eliminate the risk: Can the task be done from ground level instead?

Substitute or modify work methods: Use extendable tools instead of working at height.

Engineering controls: Install guardrails, safety nets, or access platforms.

Administrative controls: Implement safe work procedures and training.

Personal protective equipment (PPE): Use harnesses and lanyards as a last resort.

Training and Competency Requirements

Workers must be trained and competent to perform tasks at height. Training is mandatory for anyone working at a height 2m or above.

High-risk work, such as operating scaffolding or EWPs, may require a High-Risk Work Licence.

Employers must provide refresher training to ensure ongoing competency.

Fall Prevention and Protective Equipment

Employers must provide fit-for-purpose safety equipment, including:

Fall restraint systems (harnesses, anchor points).

Guardrails and barriers.

Scaffolding and secure work platforms.

Regular inspection and maintenance of all height safety equipment is mandatory.

Partner with Life International Training

At Life International Training, we specialise in nationally recognised safety training solutions tailored to high-risk industries, ensuring compliance with Australian WHS regulations.

Our Working at Heights competency training equips workers with the skills and knowledge needed to safely operate at height, mitigate risks, and comply with the Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice 2018. Whether you're in construction, mining, manufacturing, or warehousing, our experienced trainers provide hands-on, practical instruction to help businesses meet their safety obligations and reduce workplace incidents. Contact us today to book training or discuss your workplace safety needs.

Call 1300 888 765

You can find our relevant courses such as the RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights – 1 Day and RIIHAN301E Operate Elevated Work Platform here:

https://lifeint.com.au/training.html

In Part Two of this series, we’ll cover best practices for working safely at heights, including equipment selection, risk mitigation strategies, and real-world examples of effective height safety programs.