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Safety priorities for working at heights

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  1. Safety priorities for working at heights
  2. Checklist
  3. More information

1. Safety priorities for working at heights

A national study conducted between 1989 and 1992 found that in Australia 214 workers died after falling from heights. Most of these falls (60%) occurred from relatively low heights (less than 5 metres).

In Western Australia between 1989 and 2005, 38 workers died after falling from heights. Many more suffered serious injuries.

WorkSafe Western Australia believes that all these injuries and deaths were preventable. As a result, we are focusing on working from heights as one of seven priority areas to reduce lost time injuries and deaths in the workplace. Our inspectors will be visiting your workplace to ensure that you have assessed and controlled all risks associated with working at heights, as prescribed under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and Regulations 1996.

Among other safety considerations, inspectors will be looking at:

  • Could a person fall from one level to another while working?
  • How far would the person fall?
  • Where would they fall? (eg. Protruding objects, water, vehicles, people)
  • What is the risk of injury?

Inspectors will also be checking for three specific key elements presented overleaf. These deal with common problems affecting working at heights that WorkSafe Western Australia has found in workplaces over the years. The elements of the checklist do not cover all mandatory requirements under workplace safety and health laws. However, following the same checklist yourself will assist you to identify shortcomings in your safety training and procedures, and to correct or update them, thus getting you started on meeting your safety and health responsibilities.

In looking at safety when working at heights and all workplace safety matters, please remember the three ThinkSafe steps:

  • spot the hazard;
  • assess the risk; and
  • make the changes.

The Code of practice for prevention of falls at workplaces (PDF 973kb) is available in hard copy or online. It provides practical guidance on how to achieve compliance with statutory duties and regulatory requirements.

2. Checklist

Are practical control measures in place to eliminate or reduce the risk of falling?

  • Have you identified potential or existing hazards and assessed the risks of anyone falling from heights?
  • Have you considered alternative ways of carrying out the work?
  • Have you assessed whether a fall would be broken before hitting the ground/other structure?

Is there safe access and egress to work being performed at heights?

  • Have you checked stairs? 
  • Have you checked walkways?
  • Have you checked ladders?
  • Have you checked mechanical lifts?
  • Are work areas free of obstructions?

Have people working at heights been given adequate information, instruction and training?

  • Have you been vigilant in ensuring that safe work practices are in place?
  • Have you taken all practical steps to prevent falls?
  • Have you got fall prevention systems in place?
  • Have you considered alternative ways to do the work? 

3. More information

You can download a copy of the code of practice here (PDF 973kb), or for further information about working at heights and WorkSafe inspections, please contact WorkSafe via email safety@commerce.wa.gov.au or telephone 1300 307 877.

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