Working at Heights

About this topic

Falls from height are among the leading causes of death and serious injury in Australian construction. Because the stakes are so high, working at heights is one of the most important, and most tested, White Card (CPCWHS1001) topics. The key is knowing how to prevent a fall in the first place, not just how to survive one.

When fall protection is required

WHS law requires you to manage the risk of any fall that could cause injury. In construction, a risk of falling more than 2 metres is treated as high-risk work and triggers specific control requirements. But height is not the only factor, a fall into an excavation, onto reinforcing steel, or near an edge can be deadly from a much lower height.

The hierarchy for working at heights

Controls for height follow the same most-to-least-effective logic:

• Work from the ground where you can, prefabricate at ground level and lift into place.
• Passive fall protection – guardrails, scaffolds and edge protection that work without the worker doing anything.
• Work positioning systems – equipment that holds you in place.
• Fall-arrest systems – a harness and anchor that stop a fall once it happens (requires training and a rescue plan).
• Ladders and administrative controls – the last resort, for light, short-duration work only.

Ladders and scaffolds

Ladders are for access and short tasks, not a workstation. Maintain three points of contact and never overreach. Scaffolding must be erected safely, and any scaffold from which a person or object could fall more than 4 metres must be erected and dismantled by a licensed scaffolder.

Key facts to remember

• Falls are a leading cause of death in construction.
• A risk of falling more than 2 metres is high-risk work in construction.
• Passive protection (guardrails, scaffolds) comes before harnesses.
• A fall-arrest harness needs a proper anchor, training and a rescue plan.
• Scaffolding with a fall risk over 4 metres needs a licensed scaffolder.
• Ladders are a last resort, not a workstation.

Frequently asked questions

At what height do I need fall protection?
WHS law requires managing the risk of any injury-causing fall. In construction, a fall risk of more than 2 metres is treated as high-risk work, but lower falls (into trenches or onto steel) can also be deadly and must be controlled.

Is a safety harness the first choice for working at heights?
No. Passive controls such as guardrails and scaffolds come first because they protect you without relying on you doing anything. A fall-arrest harness is used only when higher controls are not practicable.

Who can erect scaffolding?
Any scaffold from which a person or object could fall more than 4 metres must be erected and dismantled by a person holding the relevant high-risk work licence (a licensed scaffolder).

Are ladders safe for working at heights?
Ladders are for access and short, light tasks only. Keep three points of contact, don't overreach, and use a safer platform such as a scaffold or elevated work platform for longer work.

Sample exam questions

Try these example questions, then practise the full set with our free quiz.

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