Working Safely at Heights

What does it mean to work safely at heights?

To work safely at heights, risks must be managed if a person may fall less than 3 metres (housing construction), 2 metres (other construction) or if work is on a roof pitch, not more than 26 degrees.

For instance, hazards that may present a risk from a fall include:

• Vertical reinforcing steel, the edge of a rubbish skip, a picket fence, or a stack of bricks below workers.

• Un-sheeted floor bearers and joists 2 metres below workers.

• Work on a brittle roof.

Causes of falls:

There are many reasons why workers fall from heights, including:

• Incorrect use of ladders and scaffolding

• Slippery surface (weather)

• Poor housekeeping

• Unprotected edges

• Working near open holes

• Insufficient level of training and fitness

• Lack of supervision and

• Incorrect use of PPE

Pre-Requisites

• None.

Units/Aspects Covered:

In summary, this unit covers working safely at heights in the resources and infrastructure industries and includes:

• Identifying the work requirements

• Work procedures and instructions for the task

• Accessing and installing equipment

• Performing work at heights

• Cleaning up the work area