Working at Heights
Our safety consultants are here to provide thorough working at heights risk assessments and recommendations.
Understanding the Risks of Working at Heights
Working at heights is legally defined as a “high risk” work and is governed by regulations and codes which stipulate how the work must be undertaken. The term working at heights means any task that is performed at elevation, or in an elevated area. This exposes workers to the risk of falling, or similar and related hazards. Examples of working at heights include:
- Roof maintenance
- Window cleaning
- Certain construction tasks
- Telecommunications work
- Scaffolding
- Painting
- And many more similar tasks.
Working at heights comes with a diverse range of scenarios that could lead to injury for workers. Therefore, stringent measures and processes must be created to manage and eliminate risk where possible. What’s more, expert advice from experienced safety consultants will also ensure that your business remains compliant.
The risks and hazards of working at heights
There are several hazards present when working at heights. These various hazards can lead to injury if they are not identified and addressed in a timely manner. They include:
- Unstable surfaces
- Objects falling from heights
- Wet surfaces at height
- A lack of protective equipment
- Poor weather conditions
- Poor quality equipment
- Weight overloading
- Poor traffic management systems
- Many more.
Identifying these hazards early on is essential. When issues are identified, action can be taken to eliminate or manage them, and reduce risk for your workers and anyone in the vicinity of the operation in question.
Safety Assessments for Working at Heights
At Your Safety Partners, our expert safety consultants have a wealth of experience in assessing working at heights processes and conditions and providing actionable reports. Analysing your processes is essential, and we’re here to help identify working at height hazards for your business. There are numerous benefits to having a working at heights assessment done . These include:
- A safer workplace for employees, customers, clients, and visitors
- Ensure compliance and eliminate liability for owners and managers
- Create a more efficient and profitable workplace
- Receive expert advice that covers all aspects of your working at heights process, improving the quality of work within your facility.
OUR PROCESS
What do you get?
1
Safety Audit
We conduct comprehensive safety audits to assess risks associated with working at heights, ensuring compliance with Australian safety regulations.
2
Compliance Certificate
We help businesses obtain compliance certificates by verifying that their working at heights practices meet legal safety standards.
3
Risk Scores
Our risk scores highlight potential hazards in working at heights, allowing businesses to implement targeted safety improvements and reduce risks.
Still have a few questions?
Speak To A Safety Consultant
What defines working at heights?
Working at heights refers to any task performed at elevation where there is a risk of falling. This can include tasks such as roof maintenance, window cleaning, scaffolding, and certain construction activities.
Working at heights can include heights as low as 1.5m, and also includes the use of ladders, and the risk of falling to lower ground levels, such as loading bays. It also covers the risk of objects falling onto people below.
It is legally classified as “high risk” work in Australia and requires specific safety measures to prevent falls and related injuries, as mandated by Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations.
What are common hazards when working at heights?
Common hazards of working at heights include:
- Unstable surfaces
- Falling objects
- Wet or slippery conditions
- Inadequate protective equipment
- Poor weather
- Faulty equipment
- Weight overloading
Addressing these hazards is crucial as falls from heights are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace.
Why is it important to conduct working at heights safety assessments?
Conducting safety assessments for working at heights is critical because falls are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and serious injuries in Australia.
In 2022, falls from heights accounted for 13% of all workplace fatalities, with the construction industry being particularly affected.
Regular assessments help identify and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protecting workers from harm.
How can Your Safety Partners assist with working at heights?
Your Safety Partners provides expert assessments and consulting services to help businesses manage the risks associated with working at heights.
We conduct detailed risk assessments, develop safety procedures, and offer training to ensure compliance with Australian standards.
Our goal is to create safer working conditions by providing actionable recommendations tailored to your specific needs, helping you maintain a compliant and safe work environment.
What is our working at heights risk assessment process
We follow a detailed process to assess your working at heights process, equipment, and environment in the most effective way possible. Our safety consultants have conducted assessments for businesses all over Australia, providing actionable advice and recommendations to promote a safer working environment and ensure compliance with safety laws and regulations. Our process is adaptable to different environments and industries, but looks a little like this:
- A safety expert arrives at your facility to assess your working at heights practices, equipment, processes, and documentation.
- We take the time to ask questions (and answer your questions), to ensure we find out as much as possible. The more information we have, the better the recommendations we can provide.
- We provide a detailed report and process documentation to create a safer, more efficient environment for you and your people.
STATISTICS ABOUT INDUSTRY
Working at heights is one of the most hazardous activities in the workplace, necessitating strict safety measures to prevent injuries and fatalities.
13%
In 2022, falls from heights accounted for 13% of all workplace fatalities in Australia, one of the leading causes of death in high-risk industries.
44%
Falls from heights contribute to more than half of all injuries in the construction sector, accounting for 44% of workers’ compensation claims.
$75,000
Failing to adhere to safety standards for working at heights can result in significant penalties, with recent fines averaging $75,000 for violations.
Testimonial
Client Opinions & Review
Tyrepower has had an ongoing relationship with YSP and John Tregambe for last four years. John and the team at YSP assisted Tyrepower on a number of projects over this time, including the total updating and re-launch of the Tyrepower safety management system of our stores and offices. When you need any service, we go straight to YSP.
Michael Vassallo
Former Education and Development Manager (Tyrepower Australia and New Zealand)
Your Safety Partners are like having a team of in-house safety experts. They are extremely responsive, can support or run a complete GAP analysis, design tailored relevant solutions to suit your business quickly and then help you implement them, including training any third parties. All boxes ticked!
Karina Richter
Risk and Compliance Manager Hazeldenes