Working at Heights Safety Checklist for Trades & Construction
A safety checklist for assessing and controlling risks when work is performed at height, including ladders, scaffolds, elevated platforms, and roof access.
Compliant with Safe Work Australia requirements, state WHS legislation, and Building Code of Australia (NCC) documentation standards.
Complete Checklist
- 1Assess whether the task can be completed without working at heightCritical
- 2Conduct a risk assessment specific to the work at height taskCritical
- 3Verify that all workers involved hold the required Working at Heights ticketCritical
- 4Check that the work area below has been secured and barricaded if needed
- 5Inspect ladders for damage, correct height, and secure footing before use
- 6Verify scaffold has been erected by a qualified person and tagged as safeCritical
- 7Check that guardrails, toe boards, and edge protection are in placeCritical
- 8Inspect harnesses and fall arrest systems for wear, damage, and correct adjustment
- 9Verify that anchor points for fall arrest are rated and certified
- 10Check weather conditions and postpone work if wind, rain, or lightning pose a risk
- 11Ensure tools and materials are secured to prevent falling objects
- 12Confirm that a rescue plan is in place in case of a fallCritical
- 13Verify communication arrangements between workers at height and ground level
- 14Complete the safe work method statement or permit to work before commencing
- 15Conduct a final safety briefing with all workers before work begins
Frequently Asked Questions
What training is required for working at heights in Australia?
Workers who perform construction work at a height of two metres or more must hold a current Working at Heights high risk work licence issued by their state or territory WHS regulator. The training covers risk assessment, selecting and using equipment, and emergency procedures. The licence must be renewed every five years through a refresher course.
What is considered working at height under Australian WHS law?
Working at height means any work where a person could fall a distance likely to cause injury, including working on ladders, scaffolds, roofs, elevated platforms, or near open edges. There is no minimum height threshold in Australian WHS legislation. Even falls from relatively low heights can cause serious injury, so all work at height requires a risk assessment and appropriate controls.
What are the hierarchy of controls for working at height?
The hierarchy is: first eliminate the need to work at height, then use passive fall prevention such as guardrails and barriers, then work positioning systems, then fall arrest systems such as harnesses, and finally administrative controls. Always use the highest-level control that is reasonably practicable. Harnesses and fall arrest should be the last resort, not the first choice.
Need help implementing these checks into your daily operations?
Our team can build custom checklists integrated into your daily operations workflow.