AU hazard library
Falls from height
Falls from roofs, scaffolds, edges, and ladders ≥2 m. HRCW under WHS Reg 291(1)(a).
Fall from unprotected edge ≥2 m
Worker fall from an unprotected roof edge, slab edge, scaffold platform, or elevated work platform basket resulting in serious injury or fatality. Triggers HRCW under WHS Reg 291(1)(a).
Initial risk
EXTREME
L4 × C5
Best residual
LOW
With full hierarchy of controls
HRCW reference
risk of fall over 2m
Controls (hierarchy of controls order)
Eliminate
Residual LOWPerform work at ground level where practicable
Pre-fabricate components at ground level; assemble at ground and lift into position; use long-handle tools to avoid working at height altogether.
Cited: WHS Reg 78 · Managing the Risk of Falls in Workplaces CoP
Engineering controls
Residual LOWInstall collective edge protection / guardrail to AS/NZS 4994.1
Permanent or temporary guardrail / edge protection system installed at ≥900 mm top rail, mid-rail and toe-board, designed and certified by a competent person, prior to any work taking place within 2 m of the edge.
Cited: WHS Reg 79(1)(c) · AS/NZS 4994.1 · Managing the Risk of Falls CoP
Engineering controls
Residual LOWErect compliant scaffold to AS/NZS 1576
Scaffold erected, modified and dismantled only by ticketed scaffolder (basic/intermediate/advanced as scaffold height dictates), with handover certificate / Scaftag prior to access. Inspected every 30 days and after any modification.
Cited: WHS Reg 225 · AS/NZS 1576.1 · AS/NZS 4576
Administrative controls
Residual MEDIUMExclusion zone + permit-to-access at height
Establish a 2 m exclusion zone from any leading edge enforced by physical barricades and signage. Access controlled by a daily working-at-height permit signed by the site supervisor identifying the worker, the task, the fall-arrest system in use and the rescue plan.
Cited: WHS Reg 79(1)(d) · WHS Reg 297(2)(g)
Personal protective equipment
Residual MEDIUMFall-arrest harness with rated anchor
Where collective protection is not reasonably practicable, full-body harness compliant with AS/NZS 1891.1 connected to a rated anchor (≥15 kN single-person or ≥21 kN two-person) via shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline. Anchor point identified, certified and tagged. Pre-use inspection mandatory.
Cited: WHS Reg 79(2) · AS/NZS 1891.1 · AS/NZS 1891.4
PPE
- Full body fall-arrest harness — Full body harness with dorsal D-ring between shoulder blades, connected to a rated anchor point (≥15 kN) via shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline. Pre-use inspection and 6-monthly competent-person inspection mandatory.Standard: AS/NZS 1891.1
- Industrial safety helmet — Type 1 industrial safety helmet with chin strap where required by site rules or wind exposure. Replace at expiry date or after impact.Standard: AS/NZS 1801
- Hi-visibility vest or shirt (day use) — Class D fluorescent hi-visibility garment for daytime use on site.Standard: AS/NZS 4602.1
- Steel-cap safety boots — Type 1 safety footwear with steel toecap, slip-resistant sole, ankle support; electrical hazard rating where exposed to live electrical work.Standard: AS/NZS 2210.3
Fall from ladder during access or work
Worker fall from extension or step ladder during access or task performance. Common cause of medical-treatment injury (MTI) and lost-time injury (LTI). Reg 291(1)(a) triggers HRCW when the fall is ≥2 m.
Initial risk
HIGH
L3 × C4
Best residual
LOW
With full hierarchy of controls
HRCW reference
risk of fall over 2m
Controls (hierarchy of controls order)
Eliminate
Residual LOWUse an EWP, mobile scaffold or platform ladder instead
For any task exceeding 1 hour, located ≥2 m above the surface, or requiring two-handed work, substitute the ladder with an EWP (scissor lift, boom lift), mobile scaffold (AS/NZS 1576.4) or platform ladder.
Cited: WHS Reg 78 · Managing the Risk of Falls CoP
Administrative controls
Residual MEDIUMIndustrial ladder, footed, 3-points contact
Use industrial-rated (120 kg) ladder to AS/NZS 1892.1; place on stable level surface at 4:1 ratio; extend 1 m above landing where used for access; one person on ladder at a time; three points of contact maintained; not used near energised electrical (use fibreglass).
Cited: AS/NZS 1892.1 · AS/NZS 1892.5
PPE
- Industrial safety helmet — Type 1 industrial safety helmet with chin strap where required by site rules or wind exposure. Replace at expiry date or after impact.Standard: AS/NZS 1801
- Hi-visibility vest or shirt (day use) — Class D fluorescent hi-visibility garment for daytime use on site.Standard: AS/NZS 4602.1
- Steel-cap safety boots — Type 1 safety footwear with steel toecap, slip-resistant sole, ankle support; electrical hazard rating where exposed to live electrical work.Standard: AS/NZS 2210.3
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