Product Overview

Summary: This Working at Heights Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for planning and carrying out any work where a fall could cause injury. It is designed to help Australian businesses comply with WHS laws, control fall-from-height risks, and give workers confidence that tasks are being done safely and consistently.

Working at height remains one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities across Australian workplaces. Whether it’s accessing a roof, installing services on elevated platforms, working from scaffolds, or performing maintenance on plant and structures, employers have a clear duty to eliminate or minimise the risk of falls so far as is reasonably practicable. This Working at Heights Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step-by-step framework to assess, plan, authorise and complete height-related tasks in a controlled and compliant manner.

The procedure guides you through critical elements such as pre-work planning, risk assessments, selection of appropriate access systems (e.g. EWP, scaffold, fall restraint, fall arrest), inspection of fall protection equipment, and safe methods for performing the work. It also details requirements for permits, emergency and rescue planning, supervision, and worker training, ensuring that your system of work can be demonstrated to regulators, clients and auditors. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce the likelihood of falls, improve consistency across sites, streamline inductions and toolbox talks, and embed a safety culture that aligns with Australian WHS legislation and industry best practice.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of falls from height by standardising safe planning, access and work methods.
• Ensure compliance with WHS Regulations and relevant Australian Standards for fall prevention and fall-arrest systems.
• Improve worker competence and confidence through clear, step-by-step instructions and defined responsibilities.
• Streamline permit-to-work, pre-start checks and supervision requirements for all height-related tasks.
• Demonstrate a robust, documented system of work to clients, principal contractors and regulators during audits or incident investigations.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Roofers
• Electricians
• HVAC Technicians
• Telecommunications Technicians
• Maintenance and Facilities Managers
• Scaffolding Coordinators
• Civil and Structural Engineers
• Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from roofs, ladders, platforms, scaffolds and elevated work areas
• Falls through fragile surfaces such as skylights, brittle roofing and floor openings
• Falling objects striking workers or members of the public below
• Failure or incorrect use of fall-arrest systems, harnesses and lanyards
• Incorrect use or placement of portable ladders
• Collapse or instability of temporary work platforms and scaffolding
• Weather-related risks such as wind, rain and heat affecting footing and stability
• Restricted access and egress during emergencies at height
• Trip hazards from tools, materials and leads on elevated work areas
• Suspension trauma following a fall into a harness

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Height Thresholds
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Planning the Work and Hierarchy of Control for Falls
• 5.0 Working at Heights Risk Assessment and JSA/SWMS Requirements
• 6.0 Permit to Work at Heights Process
• 7.0 Selection of Access Systems (Scaffolds, EWPs, Ladders, Roof Access, Fall Restraint/Arrest)
• 8.0 Inspection, Use and Maintenance of Fall Protection Equipment
• 9.0 Safe Work Methods for Common Height Tasks (Roof Work, Ladder Use, EWP Operation, Fragile Surfaces)
• 10.0 Control of Falling Objects and Exclusion Zones
• 11.0 Environmental and Weather Considerations
• 12.0 Emergency Response and Rescue Planning for Work at Heights
• 13.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 14.0 Monitoring, Supervision and Review of Height Work
• 15.0 Recordkeeping, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Part 4.4 Falls
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 1891.1: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Harnesses and ancillary equipment
• AS/NZS 1891.2: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Horizontal lifeline and rail systems
• AS/NZS 1891.3: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Fall-arrest devices
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation
• AS/NZS 1576: Scaffolding (series)
• AS 2550.10: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms