What Are the Regulations for Working at Heights?

In need of working at heights training in Perth?

OHS and WHS laws and regulations continue to develop, assist and improve the health and safety of workers in a wide range of industries across Australia.

Unfortunately, employers and employees often find it difficult to comply with the latest regulations and requirements of the industry. Failure to comply may result in penalties, fines, damage to reputation and loss of business.

The following information relates to the definition of work at height and the Regulations on health and safety at work for the management of the risk of falling.
What are the Heights Working Regulations?

According to the 2011 Work Health and Safety Regulation (Cth), employers need to provide specific control measures when there is a risk of a reduction of at least two or three metres, depending on the work setting.

To understand how these control measures are to be implemented, workers need to complete the RIIWHS204D Work Safely at Heights programme. If the work setting is a construction site, employees also require additional training requirements, such as the need to obtain a ‘Construction Industry White Card’ through general risk in building induction training.

The RIIWHS204D course is not a requirement, but it outlines the steps required to comply with the WHS Regulations. Under WHS legislation, employers are responsible for reducing or minimising health and safety risks at the workplace.

As part of these responsibilities, employers need to insure that workers have a secure way out of the workplace. Employers also need to provide a fall arrest and restraint system if they work at heights above three metres in housing construction or two metres in any other construction setting.

Does your workplace comply with these high-level work regulations? When you are concerned about the safety conditions of your workplace, always speak to your elected health and safety representative (‘HSR’). If your work site has no HSR, discuss your concerns with an immediate supervisor.
Who is allowed to work at Heights?

When working in an area where there is a risk of falling, you may need to work at the height of the ticket. The employer may also need to complete a safe work method statement and procedure that outlines the specific risks that may be encountered while working at an altitude and the steps required to perform the task safely.

When is a ticket required to work at heights? Working in height legislation includes the need to complete training when working on structures that involve the risk of a fall of more than two metres. The minimum height for working housing construction is three metres.
How can you minimise the risk of falls?

To minimise the risk of falls, employees should complete the RIIWHS204D training course. This programme outlines the skills and knowledge needed to reduce work hazards from heights. It also follows the fall of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (‘ASCC’) from the height code of practise developed with Safe Work Australia, which sets out the following priorities:

Reduce the severity of occupational hazards;
Improve the management of occupational health and safety (OHS);
Prevent occupational diseases and injuries;
Eliminate risks during the design phase;
Increase the influence of government on health and safety of workers.

The Code of Practice does not cover specific steps to reduce risks. It only provides guidance for compliance and clarification of the WHS Regulations.
What does Heights Training do?

RIIWHS204D Work Safely at Heights is a nationally recognised course you need to complete before working at heights of two metres or more. However, changes to the OHS Code of Practice for the Management of the Risk of Workplace Falls may eliminate this requirement.

Instead of requiring training to work at heights of more than two metres, employees may need to use the height permit system before working from any height. This change is designed to reduce the risk of injury from low-level platforms, ladders and other structures that do not meet the two-metre requirement.

Training is offered face-to-face through registered training organisations. The training programme shall cover the requirements for working at heights to manage the risk of falling. This includes the use of the hierarchical control measures:

Disposal;
Replacement;
Controls of engineering;
Administrative controls;
Personal protection equipment (‘PPE’).

Each control measure provides a different level of protection and risk reduction. Elimination is the most effective control measure, while the use of PPE provides the least protection.

Eliminating the risk may involve carrying out a task on the ground or on a solid construction surface. If this is not an option, employees should find proactive ways to reduce risk.

Substitution is the second measure of control. This typically involves replacing the means of access with a safer option, such as installing a permanent ladder instead of using a temporary ladder. The use of elevated work platforms can also provide a safer alternative.

Engineering controls help identify hazards and reduce the risk of accidental exposure to hazards. Common engineering controls include safety barriers, signs and notifications that alert people to hazards.

Administrative controls include measures taken by managers or supervisors to limit worker exposure to hazards. For example, the supervisor may choose to rotate workers in order to limit the amount of exposure to the hazard.

The use of safety equipment is the final control measure and the least effective as it provides protection after the occurrence of the hazard. Fall prevention equipment and other PPE shelter workers from injuries when they fall. The PPE protects workers when the previous control measures have failed, acting as a last resort.

After completing this training, the attendees will receive a certificate of achievement. The statement is proof that you have completed this unit of competence, allowing an employee to work from heights at most of the work sites. Keep in mind that you may still need to get your white card when working on a construction site.

The statement of achievement acts as proof that you are trained to work safely at heights. It does not have an expiry date, but best practise within the industry recommends a refresh every two years. The refresher course is available online, providing a convenient option for maintaining this competence unit and the ability to work at heights.
Concluding

WHS Regulations require employers to provide a reasonably safe working environment. This often includes the need for specialised training to manage hazards and hazards.

When work involves working at heights, employers should provide workers with appropriate training to assess hazards. Use the RIIWHS204D training programme to further reduce the risk of injury when working at a height of two metres or more.

To find out more about the work of the Perth Training Centre working at heights course or to make a booking.