Australia Working at Heights Safety Checklist (WHS Regulations)
This working at heights checklist ensures compliance with WHS Regulations (Managing risks of falls), SafeWork Australia Code of Practice for Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces, and AS/NZS 1891 (Industrial fall-arrest systems). Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Australia. PCBUs must follow the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise fall risks.
- Industry: Construction
- Frequency: Daily / Before height work
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: WHS Officer / Site Supervisor
- Total Items: 29
- Compliance: WHS Regulations 2011, SafeWork Australia Falls Code of Practice, AS/NZS 1891, AS/NZS 4488
Hierarchy of Fall Controls
Verify hierarchy of controls per SafeWork Australia Code of Practice.
- Can the work be done at ground level (elimination)?
- Passive fall prevention installed (guardrails, barriers)?
- Work positioning systems in use where suitable?
- Fall arrest systems as last resort only?
- SWMS prepared for working at heights (high-risk work)?
Edge Protection & Guardrails
Fixed edge protection assessment.
- Guardrails at 900-1100mm height?
- Mid-rails installed?
- Toe boards/mesh installed to prevent objects falling?
- Guardrails securely fixed and stable?
- All penetrations, holes, and openings covered/guarded?
Fall Arrest & Harness Systems
Personal fall arrest equipment per AS/NZS 1891.
- Full body harness inspected (webbing, stitching, hardware)?
- Harness correctly fitted to worker?
- Lanyard/SRL in good condition and within service life?
- Anchor points rated to 15kN or engineered?
- Adequate fall clearance distance calculated?
EWPs & Ladders
Elevated work platforms and ladder safety.
- EWP pre-start inspection completed?
- EWP operator holds current licence/training?
- Ladders in good condition (no damage)?
- Ladder at correct angle (4:1 ratio)?
- Three points of contact maintained on ladders?
Exclusion Zones & Falling Objects
Protection from falling objects and exclusion zones.
- Exclusion zones established below height work?
- Barricades and warning signage in place?
- Tools and equipment tethered or contained?
- Catch platforms or nets installed where required?
Rescue Planning
Rescue procedures for fall arrest situations.
- Height work rescue plan documented?
- Rescue equipment available and accessible?
- Personnel trained in height rescue?
- Suspension trauma awareness training completed?
- Emergency contact numbers posted at work area?
Related Construction Checklists
- Australia Fall Prevention Checklist (WHS Code of Practice)
- 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
- Australia Excavation & Trenching Safety Checklist
- Australia Demolition Safety Checklist (AS 2601)
- Australia Traffic Management Plan Checklist (AS 1742)
- Scaffolding Erection and Daily Inspection Checklist
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 Working at Heights Safety Checklist (WHS Regulations)?
This australia working at heights safety checklist (whs regulations) helps construction teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for whs officer / site supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily / before height work.
Ensures compliance with WHS Regulations 2011, SafeWork Australia Falls Code of Practice, AS/NZS 1891, AS/NZS 4488. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Australia Working at Heights Safety Checklist (WHS Regulations)?
A Australia Working at Heights Safety Checklist (WHS Regulations) is a standardized inspection form used by whs officer / site supervisor to ensure consistent construction operations. It contains 35 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE PDF download - Australian working at heights safety checklist. Covers SafeWork Australia Managing the Risk of Falls Code of Practice, WHS Regulations fall prevention, AS/NZS 1891 fall-arrest systems, and hierarchy of fall controls. Download FREE template now.
How often should I use this construction checklist?
This checklist is designed to be completed daily / before height work. Regular use ensures compliance with WHS Regulations 2011 and SafeWork Australia Falls Code of Practice and helps identify issues before they become problems.
Can I download this Australia Working at Heights Safety Checklist (WHS Regulations) as a PDF?
Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 35 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete.
What compliance standards does this checklist cover?
This checklist helps ensure compliance with WHS Regulations 2011, SafeWork Australia Falls Code of Practice, AS/NZS 1891, AS/NZS 4488. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.
How do I complete this construction inspection checklist?
Begin by completing the header fields for Site/Location Name, Inspection Date, Inspector Name, State/Territory, Maximum Working Height (metres), and Primary Fall Protection. Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. The entire process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
What are the key sections in this construction checklist?
This construction checklist is organized into 6 key sections: Hierarchy of Fall Controls, Edge Protection & Guardrails, Fall Arrest & Harness Systems, EWPs & Ladders, Exclusion Zones & Falling Objects, Rescue Planning. Each section contains specific inspection points that whs officer / site supervisor must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during construction inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 15-20 minutes to complete.
Who should use this Australia Working at Heights Safety Checklist (WHS Regulations)?
This checklist is primarily designed for whs officer / site supervisor working in construction operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that construction standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Australia Working at Heights Safety Checklist (WHS Regulations) to maintain consistency and accountability.