Safety (Issue 29)

Procedure for Prevention of Falls from Heights

As a result of several recent incidents, all members are asked to review their current procedures for preventing falls from heights.

It is a regulatory requirement to identify and manage any task that will be undertaken which has the potential to fall more than 2 metres. Attached is a WorkCover publication outlining basic steps for fall prevention. Also of importance are the OHS (Prevention of Falls) Regulations 2003.


If there are tasks that are undertaken regularly, it would be recommended that these are engineered out as soon as possible (for example, by installing a working platform, suitable access steps or guard rails).

To manage this issue, the following guidance may be used:

• Before commencing any task, consider if it will require any work where it is possible to fall more than 2 metres in height. If it is not possible, consider other possible risks and once appropriate controls are in place, complete the task safely.
• If there is a possibility of falling more then 2 metres, talk with your supervisor to establish how the task should be undertaken. If at all possible, the task should be changed so that it can be completed where there is no possibility of falling. (For instance, do it at ground level or installing a work platform)
• If this is not possible, it should be made so that the task is completed with a ‘passive fall prevention device’ in place. (That is material or equipment, or a combination of material and equipment, that is designed for the purpose of preventing a fall, and that, after initial installation, does not require any ongoing adjustment, alteration or operation by any person to ensure the integrity of the device to perform its function. Eg guard rails, temporary work platform)
• If these two options are not possible or do not address all issues, there is a set order in which control mechanisms can be used. These are as
  follows:
  1. Can the task be completed by using a ‘work positioning system’? (That is an industrial rope access system; or a drainer’s hoist; or a travel restraint system; or any other equipment, other than a temporary work platform, that enables a person to be positioned and safely supported at a work location for the duration of the task being undertaken at height.)
  2. Can the task be completed with a ‘fall injury prevention system’ in place? (That is means equipment or material or a combination of equipment and material that is designed to arrest the fall of a person. E.g. safety harness secured to an appropriate point)
  3. As a last and least preferable option, can the task be completed using a ladder (as long as it is appropriate for the task being undertaken, the duration of the task, and is set up in a correct manner) or an administrative control is implemented? Please consult with your WorkCover or DPI inspector or your OHS manager for further advice
• Before using any of control measure, ensure that it is suitable for the task, you have been trained in its use and that it has been properly maintained. Secondly ensure that you are aware of the emergency procedures you should follow if something goes wrong. If you are unsure about either of these points, please speak to your supervisor.
• When carrying out the task, ensure that isolation procedures are in place, that a second person is present, and that any equipment is used correctly. Never complete a task outside of the control’s limitations (i.e. climbing over a guard)

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