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Fall prevention / working at heights

p1Falls from any height can be disastrous for workers in the workplace. It can not only affect the direct health of the person that falls; but that of other workers around them that could be caught in the incident. These are commonly known as secondary incidents. Whether it's a twisted ankle, broken bone or permanent disability that the incident causes; these types of incidents can easily be avoided with safety in mind and a little care taken.

Working from heights can have huge penalties involved even when an incident doesn't occur. If a Workplace Inspector arrives at a building site for example and witnesses a worker working on a roof without appropriate barriers and/or harnesses attached, the employer could be find and the site shut down until it's deemed safe to work again.

Different states and territories have different rules and regulations deeming what exactly is the level of height before certain precautions have to be set in place. Check with your state or territories authority to find out what is expected from employers and workers regarding working from heights in the workplace.

Working safely at heights is important for everyone's health and wellbeing. Correct training regarding correct use of safety equipment, how to identify hazards and understanding your surroundings are key aspects that every worker and employer need to be aware of in the workplace. It is the responsibility of all supervisors, managers, employers and higher management to provide their workers with a safe place of work under the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) act.

Construction Safety Training Video by Cleveland Construction, Inc.

Topics include:

  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Fall Protection
  • Elevated Work Platforms
  • Material Handling and Storage
  • Power Tools and Electrical Safety
  • Hazardous Communication Program
  • Fire Protection

Free Resources

States and territories

Links

Victoria

 
 

New South Wales

 

Fact Sheet - Working at Heights - Part 1: Falls from Heights

Fact Sheet - Working at Heights - Part 2: Falling Objects

Guide - Safe Working from Heights

Utilities - Working at Heights

 

Queensland

 

Code Of Practice - Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces

 

Western Australia

 

 

 

Tasmania

 

Code of Practice - Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces

Code of Practice - Preventing Falls in Housing Construction

 

Australian Capital Territory

 

Guidance note - Safety When Working From a Height

Guidance note - Portable Ladders

Code OF Practice - Preventing Falls in Housing Constructionl

 

Northern Territory

 

Code of Practice - Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces

Code of Practice - Prvention of Falls in General Construction

 

South Australia

 

Industry guide - Safe Work at Heights

Fact SHeet - Working at Heights in Construction

Working at Heights/Fall Prevention