Australia Fall Prevention Checklist (WHS Code of Practice)

This fall prevention checklist ensures compliance with SafeWork Australia Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice, WHS Regulations, AS/NZS 1891, and AS/NZS 4488. Falls from height are the most common cause of workplace fatalities in Australia.

Industry: Construction
Frequency: Before height work / Weekly
Estimated Time: 15-25 minutes
Role: WHS Officer / Site Supervisor
Total Items: 28
Compliance: WHS Regulations 2011, SafeWork Australia Falls Code of Practice, AS/NZS 1891, AS/NZS 4488, AS/NZS 1657

Fall Risk Identification

Identify all fall risks in the work area.

All potential fall hazards identified?
Unprotected edges identified and controlled?
Fragile surfaces identified and marked?
Sloping surfaces assessed for fall risk?
Stacking/storage at height assessed?

Hierarchy of Fall Controls

Fall control hierarchy per SafeWork Australia Code of Practice.

Can work be done from ground level (elimination)?
Passive fall prevention systems (guardrails) in place?
Work positioning systems used (scaffolding, EWPs)?
Fall arrest systems as last control measure only?
Administrative controls in place (procedures, training)?

Guardrail & Barrier Systems

Fixed fall prevention systems assessment.

Guardrails installed at all edges >2m height?
Guardrails between 900mm-1100mm height?
Mid-rails and toe boards installed?
Guardrails structurally sound and securely fixed?
All floor openings and penetrations protected?

Personal Fall Arrest Systems

Personal fall protection equipment per AS/NZS 1891.

Harnesses inspected and within service life?
Anchor points rated and certified (15kN)?
Fall clearance distance adequate to prevent ground impact?
Self-retracting lifelines in good condition?

Rescue Planning & Procedures

Rescue arrangements for fall from height scenarios.

Rescue plan documented and communicated?
Rescue equipment available and tested?
Personnel trained in height rescue techniques?
Suspension intolerance awareness communicated?

Training & Competency

Fall prevention training and competency requirements.

Workers trained in working at heights safely?
Workers trained in harness use, inspection, and fitting?
EWP operators licensed/trained?
SWMS for height work communicated to all workers?
Additional observations