26 May Working at heights regulations in NSW
Whether you’re climbing a ladder or working on the roof of a four-storey building, working at heights comes with risks. Without following the right safety measures and regulations, workers can be seriously injured. In 2023, worker deaths caused by a fall rose to 15% and became the second-highest reason for work-related deaths. With this, it’s easy to see why safety regulations and height safety equipment are so crucial.
This is why New South Wales follows strict height safety regulations: to help ensure the safety of workers across the state. In this article, we’ll detail what requirements these regulations outline, from safety assessments to management and more.
If you need more advice or guidance on height safety regulations or equipment, reach out to our team at Australian Height Safety Services today.
Health and safety regulations
In New South Wales, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 outlines key legal requirements employers must adhere to. This is to ensure workers are able to complete tasks in a safe and secure environment as much as possible.
Understanding working at heights
When picturing workers at height, many people think of platforms at the very top of buildings. However, height is not the only instance where workers must follow fall safety measures.
These regulations must also be followed at any time there is a risk of a fall. This means applying safety measures every time a worker even takes a few steps up a ladder, or when workers have to navigate terrain near a pit or hole.
Employer expectations
In short, employers in New South Wales are expected to provide a safe working environment as much as possible. This includes working from any level of height. To do this, they must ensure their workers have a safe way to access and exit work zones, such as roof access hatches.
Employers must also provide fall safety and prevention devices when needed, as well as ensure their workers are fully trained to utilise them. Their training must also ensure they understand the risks and how they should respond in an emergency or when rescue procedures are required.
Fall safety devices
Height safety equipment and fall safety devices are any devices that can be used to semi-permanently secure a working area at height. This includes equipment such as roof guardrails and fencing, edge protection equipment, roof walkway systems and working platforms, and covers.
If fall safety devices are not viable for the working area, employers must still attempt to mitigate risk. Their next step should be to implement a work positioning system, or a full body harness, to reduce the risk of falling.
If a work positioning system is also not practical, then setting up fall arrest systems becomes necessary. This essentially works as a harness and line attached to roof anchor points that catch a worker after a fall.
The consequences of non-compliance
Refusing to meet these requirements and regulations is not permitted. Not only does it put workers at increased risk, causing serious injury or death, but it also comes with severe fines.
These fines start at $250,000, increasing depending on the severity and number of violations. Similarly, many employers can be at risk of jail time if their lack of safety compliance results in worker injury or death. In New South Wales, inspections are regularly completed to ensure height safety regulations are being adhered to.
Working at heights safety guide
This step-by-step guide breaks down exactly what you need to do to ensure you’re meeting all the necessary requirements.
- First, take steps to avoid working at heights and work on ground level where possible.
- Carefully assess the risk of falls and the impact they can have on your workers.
- Ensure you are using fall prevention devices to secure your working area. Employ a work positioning system or fall arrest system if this is not viable.
- Implement administrative controls to reduce worker access to high-risk areas and time spent there.
- Make sure to communicate clearly with your workers to ensure they understand safety requirements and have the necessary training.
- Monitor, document, and review hazards to ensure safety procedures remain relevant.
Keep workers safe
re you struggling to ensure your workplace is safe for workers? At Australian Height Safety Services, we understand the different height safety standards that must be adhered to across Australia. With high-quality height safety equipment and a tested installation process, we can ensure your workplace is as secure as possible.
Every time a worker moves between levels or steps onto a ladder, they are at risk of falling. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to our team today to get the height safety support you need.
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