Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries across Australia. The Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice (WA) provides practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and others responsible for workplace safety to eliminate or minimise the risk of falls.
This guide summarises the key requirements of the Code and highlights practical steps businesses can take to create safer workplaces.
What is a Fall?
The Code defines a fall as:
"A fall by a person from one level to another."
This includes any situation where a worker could fall from an elevated surface, platform, ladder, roof, mezzanine or structure and suffer injury.
Purpose and Scope
The Code of Practice applies to all workplaces where there is a risk of a person falling from one level to another.
Its purpose is to provide practical guidance on meeting obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act and Work Health and Safety Regulations, helping duty holders eliminate or minimise fall risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Legal Duties and Responsibilities
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility.
Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs)
PCBUs must, so far as is reasonably practicable:
- Eliminate fall risks wherever possible.
- Minimise risks where elimination is not possible.
- Provide safe access and egress.
- Supply appropriate fall protection systems.
- Ensure equipment is maintained.
- Provide suitable training and supervision.
Designers, Manufacturers, Importers and Suppliers
Those responsible for plant or structures must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that their products are designed and supplied without risks to health and safety throughout their lifecycle.
Workers
Workers are required to:
- Take reasonable care of their own safety.
- Follow workplace procedures.
- Correctly use supplied equipment and PPE.
- Report hazards when identified.
Officers
Company directors and officers must exercise due diligence to ensure their organisation complies with workplace health and safety obligations.
Managing the Risk of Falls
Managing fall risks follows a structured process.
1. Identify Hazards
Inspect the workplace for potential fall hazards, including:
- Roof edges
- Floor openings and penetrations
- Mezzanines
- Fragile surfaces
- Unstable working areas
- Elevated platforms
- Ladders
- Excavations
2. Assess the Risks
When assessing risks, consider:
- The likelihood of a fall occurring.
- The potential severity of injury.
- Existing control measures.
- Whether current controls remain effective.
3. Control the Risks
The Code recommends applying the Hierarchy of Controls, beginning with the most effective solutions.
Eliminate the Risk
The preferred option is to remove the need to work at height altogether by:
- Performing work from ground level.
- Prefabricating components.
- Using equipment that removes the need for elevated access.
Use Fall Prevention Devices
Where working at height cannot be avoided, fall prevention devices should be considered.
Examples include:
- Guardrails
- Temporary work platforms
- Scaffolding
- Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs)
- Safety mesh
These systems prevent workers from reaching a fall hazard.
Use Work Positioning Systems
Where prevention devices are not reasonably practicable, work positioning systems may be appropriate.
These include:
- Restraint systems
- Industrial rope access systems
These systems allow workers to safely perform tasks while preventing exposure to a fall.
Use Fall Arrest Systems
Fall arrest systems should only be used as a last resort.
Examples include:
- Safety harnesses
- Catch platforms
- Safety nets
Because these systems arrest rather than prevent a fall, suitable rescue procedures must also be in place.
Administrative Controls
Administrative controls support higher-order controls and may include:
- Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
- Permit systems
- Exclusion zones
- Work sequencing
- Supervision
- Signage
Ladder Safety
Ladders remain an important access tool but should only be used where safer alternatives are not reasonably practicable.
The Code recommends ladders for:
- Short-duration work.
- Light-duty tasks.
- Situations where the task can be completed safely using a ladder.
Ladders should always be:
- Inspected before use.
- Positioned on firm, stable ground.
- Maintained in good condition.
- Used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Selecting the right ladder for the application is an important part of reducing workplace risk.
Emergency Procedures
Every workplace where workers are exposed to fall risks should have documented emergency and rescue procedures.
This should include:
- Prompt rescue following a fall.
- Procedures for harness suspension.
- First aid arrangements.
- Emergency contacts.
- Regular testing and practice of rescue plans.
Training, Information and Supervision
Workers exposed to fall hazards should receive suitable information, instruction and supervision.
Training should cover:
- Hazard identification.
- Safe work procedures.
- Correct use of fall protection equipment.
- PPE inspection.
- Emergency response procedures.
Regular refresher training helps maintain competency and reinforces safe work practices.
Consultation and Coordination
Consulting with workers and other duty holders is an essential part of managing workplace safety.
Consultation assists with:
- Identifying hazards.
- Assessing risks.
- Selecting practical control measures.
- Reviewing existing procedures.
Design and Planning
The safest workplaces consider fall prevention during the design stage.
Designers should incorporate features that eliminate or minimise fall risks during:
- Construction
- Operation
- Maintenance
- Repair
- Demolition
Early planning often removes hazards before they exist.
Maintenance and Review
Fall protection systems should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they remain effective.
This includes routine inspection of:
- Guardrails
- Platforms
- Ladders
- Harnesses
- Anchor points
- Safety nets
Control measures should also be reviewed following workplace changes, incidents or near misses.
Practical Example
A warehouse identifies a fall risk around its mezzanine storage area.
To minimise the risk, the PCBU:
- Installs compliant guardrails around exposed edges.
- Provides workers with safe access to the mezzanine.
- Delivers training on working safely at height.
- Establishes emergency rescue procedures.
- Conducts regular inspections of the guardrails.
- Consults workers to review the effectiveness of these controls.
By following the hierarchy of controls, the business significantly reduces the likelihood of a workplace fall.
Creating Safer Workplaces
Managing the risk of falls requires more than simply complying with legislation—it requires ongoing planning, consultation and commitment to continuous improvement.
By identifying hazards early, applying the hierarchy of controls, maintaining equipment and providing workers with appropriate training, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls and create safer workplaces for everyone.
At Branach, we understand that safe access equipment forms an important part of any fall prevention strategy. Selecting the right equipment for the task helps workers access elevated work areas safely while supporting compliance with workplace health and safety requirements.
Managing the Risk of Falls in the Workplace (WA): A Practical Guide