Working at Heights

About this topic

Falls from heights are the number one cause of construction fatalities in Australia. The White Card exam focuses heavily on the hierarchy of fall controls and when a SWMS is required.

Key facts to remember

• Any work with a fall risk requires a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).
• Hierarchy: Eliminate → Passive fall prevention (guardrails) → Work positioning → Fall arrest → Admin.
• Guardrails are preferred over harnesses, they are passive and don't rely on correct user behaviour.
• Scaffolding over 4 m requires an advanced scaffolding licence (SA).
• Ladders are a last resort, three points of contact at all times, never carry items in both hands.
• Safety nets and catch platforms arrest a fall after it has started.

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