Have you ever wondered what you need to do to work safely at heights?

When a person’s job involves working at heights, both the employer and the employee must understand the regulations. These regulations set out stringent measures when there is a risk of falling. Specifically when a  person is working at a height greater than 3m in housing construction or 2m in any other construction. Failure to follow the WorkSafe regulations can lead to fines and even loss of business.

Work safely at heights regulations

The  Work health safety regulation 2011 specifies that an employer must put control measures into place when there is a risk of falling either 2 or 3m. In addition, a worker must be protected from any risk of injury due to a fall.

Working at heights training

One of the first things an employer can do is ensure that all employees working at heights receive the correct training. To mitigate risks, staff should undergo the  Work safely at heights training RIIWHS202E. Whilst this may not be essential, it is highly recommended.

All employees working at heights should understand basics such as:

  • Identifying work requirements and understanding how to manage risk.
  • Ensuring that any work at heights with a risk of falling is conducted on the ground or on a solid construction where possible.
  • Identifying work requirements and understanding how to manage risk.
  • Ensuring that any work at heights that has a risk of a fall is conducted on the ground or on a solid construction where possible.
  • How to provide a safe way to enter and exit a work site.
  • Understanding how to minimise the risk of a fall by understanding fall prevention devices, work positioning systems or fall arrest systems.

How can you minimise the risk of a fall?

The easiest way to minimise the risk of falling to remove the need to work at heights altogether. If this isn’t possible, safety measures must be put in place.

  • Installing fall prevention device such as safety mesh, guard railings, scaffolding etc.
  • Using the correct PPE
  • Use ladders properly
  • Complete Work safely at heights training Brisbane

For more information to assist you with working safely at heights, go to