Height and Falls Prevention

A Trans-Tasman safety blitz undertaken by Workcover Authorities in 2004 targeting falls prevention in industry found about half the sites visited had workers exposed to risk.

The highest risk industries are the construction and transport industries that are four times more at risk than other industries.

Regulations throughout Australia specify particular control measures for work being undertaken where there is a risk of a fall. Some states and territories specify a height at which the Regulations apply, whilst others refer to “dangerous falls” or “falls from one level to another”. Each jurisdiction has regulations which come into effect at a certain height [usually at two metres].

Risk Control Factors

A risk assessment process is the standard requirement for managing risk of falls using the hierarchy of controls appropriate to risk of falls. The following controls are listed in order of most desirable (elimination) to least desirable (fall arrest).

• Elimination
  The best way to control the risk of falls from height is to eliminate the risk. That is, relocate the work activity to ground level so there is no risk of fall.
• Engineering controls [includes isolation controls] – physical barriers
  If elimination can not be achieved, falls should be prevented by the installation of permanent or temporary platforms and walkways, fences, scaffolding or work access equipment.
• Fall prevention – safe systems of work
  A JSA can identify and plan options for work organisation and support processes to prevent risk of falls. These may include housekeeping to clear the site of hazards and limit of other activities whilst the height work is occurring. Training and competency of operators should also be confirmed during the JSA process.
• Fall arrest
  Fall arrest and restraint devices should only be used where other measures are not able to be implemented. The usefulness of these controls are dependent on having strong anchorage points and the provision of training and supervision to ensure compliance.

Even when using a restraint [fall arrest] system, all equipment should be fall arrest rated.