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
Related Construction Checklists
- BOCW Rules 1998 Rule 93 Scaffolding Inspection Checklist
- BOCW Rules 1998 Rule 34 Working at Height Fall Protection Checklist
- BOCW Rules 1998 Working at Height Permit to Work Checklist
- NOM-009-STPS-2011 Work at Height Safety Inspection Checklist
- Scaffolding Erection and Daily Inspection Checklist
- Construction Site Safety Inspection Checklist - India
- PPE Inspection Checklist for Construction - India (BIS Standards)
- Inspeccion de Seguridad Electrica NOM-019-STPS
Related Fall Protection Checklists
- Fall Protection Equipment Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Scaffold Daily Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Fall Protection Harness Inspection - FREE Download
- Lifeline and Anchor Point Inspection - FREE Download
- OSHA 1926.501 Fall Protection Plan Audit - FREE PDF - FREE Download
- Portable Ladder Inspection Checklist - FREE PDF - FREE Download
- Fall Protection Plan Checklist - FREE PDF - FREE Download
- Full Body Harness Inspection - FREE PDF - FREE Download
- Lanyard and Shock Absorber Inspection - FREE PDF - FREE Download
- Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) Inspection - FREE PDF - FREE Download
Why Use This Australia Fall Prevention Checklist (WHS Code of Practice)?
This australia fall prevention checklist (whs code of practice) helps construction teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for whs officer / site supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: before height work / weekly.
Ensures compliance with WHS Regulations 2011, SafeWork Australia Falls Code of Practice, AS/NZS 1891, AS/NZS 4488, AS/NZS 1657. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Australia Fall Prevention Checklist (WHS Code of Practice) cover?
This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 6 sections: Fall Risk Identification, Hierarchy of Fall Controls, Guardrail & Barrier Systems, Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Rescue Planning & Procedures, Training & Competency. It is designed for construction operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed before height work / weekly. Each completion takes approximately 15-25 minutes.
Who should use this Australia Fall Prevention Checklist (WHS Code of Practice)?
This checklist is designed for WHS Officer / Site Supervisor professionals in the construction industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.