Working at Heights Template for Local Government
A procedure for managing the risks associated with working at heights, including planning, fall prevention, fall protection systems, and rescue planning in compliance with WHS Regulations.
Purpose
To prevent falls from height — the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Australia — through systematic risk management, appropriate fall prevention and protection measures, and emergency rescue preparedness.
Scope
Applies to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall that could cause injury. Includes work on roofs, scaffolding, ladders, elevated work platforms, open edges, and any surface more than 2 metres above a lower level.
Prerequisites
- Risk assessment completed for all work at height activities
- Workers trained in working at heights and fall protection systems
- Fall prevention and protection equipment inspected and certified
- Rescue plan developed for each work at height scenario
Supports Local Government Act compliance, freedom of information requirements, and public accountability standards.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Assess Whether the Work at Height Can Be Avoided
Determine if the task can be performed at ground level or if the need to work at height can be eliminated entirely.
- 1.1Consider alternative methods — can the work be done from the ground using long-reach tools?
- 1.2Can the item be lowered to ground level for the work to be performed?
- 1.3If work at height cannot be avoided, proceed to risk assessment
- Always prioritise elimination — the safest approach to working at heights is not working at heights
Conduct the Risk Assessment for Working at Heights
Assess the risks specific to the work at height task including fall distance, surface conditions, weather, duration, and work complexity.
- 2.1Identify the height, duration, and nature of the work
- 2.2Assess environmental factors — wind, rain, temperature, lighting
- 2.3Evaluate the structural integrity of the work surface — roof, scaffold, platform
- 2.4Identify fall zones, exclusion areas, and risks to persons below
- 2.5Determine the appropriate fall prevention or fall protection method
Select and Implement Fall Prevention Measures
Implement fall prevention measures as the first priority — barriers, guardrails, scaffolding, or elevated work platforms that prevent the possibility of a fall.
- 3.1Install edge protection, guardrails, or barriers where practicable
- 3.2Use scaffolding erected by a competent person for extended work
- 3.3Use elevated work platforms (EWPs) for short-duration or mobile work
- 3.4Install fall prevention screens or mesh where open edges or penetrations exist
Implement Fall Protection Where Prevention is Not Practicable
Where fall prevention measures are not reasonably practicable, implement fall protection systems — safety nets, harnesses with anchor points, or travel restraint systems.
- 4.1Select the appropriate fall protection system for the task and environment
- 4.2Confirm anchor points are rated and certified for the required loads
- 4.3Fit workers with harnesses and conduct a pre-use inspection
- 4.4Ensure the fall arrest system provides adequate clearance — calculate the total fall distance including lanyard stretch and harness deceleration
- Always calculate the total fall distance to ensure there is sufficient clearance below the worker to arrest the fall without striking a lower surface
Confirm the Rescue Plan
Ensure a rescue plan is in place for each work at height scenario. A suspended worker in a fall arrest harness must be rescued promptly to avoid suspension trauma.
- 5.1Develop a rescue plan specific to the work location and fall protection system
- 5.2Confirm rescue equipment is available and accessible — rescue kit, ladder, EWP
- 5.3Ensure rescue-trained personnel are on site or a rescue service is on standby
- 5.4Brief all workers on the rescue plan and communication procedures
- A worker suspended in a harness after a fall arrest can develop suspension trauma within minutes — rescue must be prompt
Conduct the Pre-Start Briefing and Commence Work
Brief all workers on the task, controls, fall protection requirements, restricted zones, and emergency procedures before commencing work.
- 6.1Review the risk assessment and safe work method statement with all workers
- 6.2Confirm all fall prevention or protection measures are in place
- 6.3Establish exclusion zones below the work area
- 6.4Commence work and maintain supervision
Monitor Conditions and Compliance During Work
Continuously monitor weather conditions, worker compliance with fall protection requirements, and the integrity of safety systems throughout the work.
- 7.1Monitor wind speed and weather conditions — cease work if unsafe
- 7.2Observe that workers are using fall protection correctly at all times
- 7.3Check that exclusion zones are maintained
- 7.4Halt work if any unsafe conditions or behaviours are observed
Demobilise and Complete Documentation
Remove fall protection equipment, dismantle exclusion zones, and complete all required documentation and inspection records.
- 8.1Remove and inspect all fall protection equipment — harnesses, lanyards, anchor points
- 8.2Tag out any equipment that requires servicing or is damaged
- 8.3Remove exclusion zone barriers and signage
- 8.4Complete the work at height permit or safe work method statement sign-off
Quality Checkpoints
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expected Outcomes
Number of falls from height per work at height activity, targeting zero
Percentage of fall protection equipment inspected, certified, and within service date during audits
Frequently Asked Questions
What training is required for working at heights?
Workers performing work at height should hold the nationally recognised competency RIIWHS204E — Work Safely at Heights (or equivalent). Additional training is required for specific equipment such as elevated work platforms (TLILIC0005) or scaffolding (CPCCLSF2001).
How often should fall protection equipment be inspected?
Fall protection equipment should be inspected by the user before each use and formally inspected by a competent person at least every six months. Equipment must be removed from service if damaged, subjected to a fall arrest, or past its manufacturer-specified service life.
What is suspension trauma and why is rescue so urgent?
Suspension trauma (also called harness hang syndrome) occurs when a worker is suspended in a harness after a fall arrest. Blood pools in the lower legs, reducing blood flow to vital organs. Without prompt rescue, it can lead to unconsciousness and death within 15–30 minutes. This is why a rescue plan and prompt rescue capability are essential for all fall arrest systems.
At what height do the WHS Regulations apply?
The WHS Regulations require managing the risk of a fall from any height where injury could occur. The commonly referenced 2-metre threshold triggers specific duties for PCBUs, but risks of falls from lower heights must also be managed based on the circumstances.
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