Working at Heights (General)
General working at heights activities including ladder work, roof access, elevated work platforms, scaffold access, and any work where there is a risk of falling more than 2 metres. Pre-filled hazards, controls, and risk ratings.
What's In Your SWMS
7 Hazards & Controls
Death, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple fractures, permanent disability
Where possible, complete work at ground level or use long-reach tools
Use EWP or scaffold instead of ladder where height exceeds 4m or task duration exceeds 30 minutes
Establish exclusion zones below work area to protect others from falling objects and fallen workers
- Install edge protection guardrails (top rail 900-1100mm, mid rail, toe board) as per AS/NZS 4994.1
- Use EWP with guardrails for mobile elevated work
- Install safety mesh or covers over fragile surfaces, openings, and skylights
- Use scaffold with full platforms and guardrails for extended duration work
- Complete site-specific risk assessment before commencing work
- Ensure all workers hold current Working at Heights training (RIIWHS204E)
- Implement permit-to-work system for high-risk elevated work
- Conduct pre-start briefing covering fall hazards and rescue procedures
- Monitor weather conditions - cease work if wind exceeds 40km/h or surfaces are wet/icy
Full body harness (AS/NZS 1891.1) with energy absorbing lanyard connected to anchor rated to 15kN when edge protection not practicable
15-Step Work Procedure
Equipment & PPE
Equipment (8)
- Industrial ladder (fibreglass or aluminium)
Industrial rated 120kg+, inspect before each use, AS/NZS 1892.1 compliant
- Full body harness with lanyard
AS/NZS 1891.1 compliant, inspect before each use, 6-monthly formal inspection
- Anchor points or temporary anchor devices
Must be rated to 15kN or manufacturer certified, AS/NZS 5532 compliant
- Temporary edge protection guardrails
Top rail 900-1100mm, mid rail, toe board as per AS/NZS 4994.1
PPE (8)
- Safety helmet (hard hat)AS/NZS 1801
Type 1 minimum, chin strap required for heights work
- Safety boots with ankle supportAS/NZS 2210.3
Non-slip sole, steel cap, ankle support for ladder/scaffold work
- Full body harnessAS/NZS 1891.1
Required when fall prevention devices not practicable
- Energy absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifelineAS/NZS 1891.1
Max 2m length, energy absorber limits arrest force to 6kN
Training & Emergency
Competency Requirements
- Construction Induction Card (White Card)training
Required for all workers on construction sites
- Working at Heights Training (RIIWHS204E or equivalent)training
Required for all work at heights with risk of falling 2m or more
- Site-Specific Inductiontraining
Required before commencing work on any site
- EWP High Risk Work Licence
Required if operating boom lift over 11m (WP class). Scissor lift under 11m requires training only.
- Scaffolding Licence (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced)
Required if erecting scaffolds. Basic (SB) for scaffolds up to 4m, Intermediate (SI) up to 15m, Advanced (SA) unlimited.
- Height Safety Rescue Training
Recommended for at least one worker when harness-based fall arrest is used
- First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011 or equivalent)
Recommended for at least one worker on site
Emergency Procedures
FALL FROM HEIGHT - Call 000 immediately. Do not move injured person unless in immediate danger. Provide first aid, monitor breathing, keep warm.
SUSPENDED WORKER (harness arrest) - CRITICAL: Initiate rescue within 10 minutes to prevent suspension trauma. Activate rescue plan - use rescue pole or descent device to lower worker. Once rescued, lay worker flat with legs elevated. Call 000 even if worker appears uninjured.
FALL THROUGH ROOF - Call 000 immediately. Secure scene to prevent further falls. Access injured worker via safe route. Assume spinal injury - do not move unless breathing compromised.
- + 2 more included in your SWMS
Everything above, included in your SWMS document.
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High-Risk Construction Work Categories
Under Australian WHS Regulations (291 - High Risk Construction Work (falls from height)), this work is classified as high-risk due to:
- Work at height (>2m) with risk of fall (Primary hazard - all work involves risk of falling more than 2 metres)
- Use of powered mobile plant (Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs), scissor lifts, boom lifts if used)
- Temporary support for structural alterations (Scaffold erection and temporary edge protection systems)
Australian Standards Referenced
Who Needs This SWMS?
This template is designed for the following trades and roles performing working at heights (general) work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a SWMS required for working at heights?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required for all construction work where there is a risk of falling more than 2 metres. This is classified as high-risk construction work under WHS Regulation 2017 Section 291. The SWMS must be prepared before work commences and workers must be consulted in its development.
What training is required for working at heights in Australia?
All workers performing work at heights with a risk of falling 2 metres or more must hold current Working at Heights training (unit RIIWHS204E or equivalent). Additionally, a White Card (Construction Induction) is required for all construction site work. EWP operators may need a High Risk Work Licence depending on the equipment type.
What is the hierarchy of controls for fall prevention?
The hierarchy from most to least effective is: 1) Elimination - do work at ground level, 2) Fall prevention devices - guardrails, scaffolds, EWPs, 3) Work positioning systems - rope access with positioning, 4) Fall arrest systems - harnesses, safety nets, 5) Administrative controls - permits, procedures, training. Higher order controls must be used where reasonably practicable.
When must a fall arrest harness be worn?
A full body harness must be worn when fall prevention devices (guardrails, EWP guardrails) are not reasonably practicable and there is a risk of falling 2 metres or more. The harness must comply with AS/NZS 1891.1 and be connected to an anchor point rated to at least 15kN. A rescue plan must be in place before harness work commences.
What is suspension trauma and how is it prevented?
Suspension trauma (harness hang syndrome) is a life-threatening condition that can occur when a worker is suspended in a harness after a fall. Blood pools in the legs, reducing circulation. Death can occur within 15-30 minutes. Prevention includes using harnesses with suspension relief straps, having a rescue plan that allows rescue within 10-15 minutes, and never working alone when using fall arrest systems.
What are the ladder safety requirements in Australia?
Ladders must be industrial rated (120kg+), compliant with AS/NZS 1892.1, and inspected before each use. Extension ladders must be set at a 4:1 angle (1m out for every 4m up) and extend 1m above the landing point. Maintain 3-point contact at all times, do not overreach, and secure the top of extension ladders to prevent movement.
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