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?