Product Overview

The Working at Heights Policy is a professionally drafted, Australian-focused safety document designed to help businesses control the significant risks associated with working at height. Developed specifically for construction, roofing, electrical, solar, glazing, painting, carpentry and HVAC environments, it provides a clear, practical framework to prevent falls, manage hazards and strengthen work health and safety performance.

This comprehensive policy aligns with Australian WHS legislation, the Code of Practice for Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces and relevant Australian Standards. It sets out how your organisation will plan, authorise, supervise and review work at height, from roof work and ladder use through to scaffolds, EWPs and fall arrest systems.

Key Features

• Detailed WHS policy statement covering all work at height activities, including roofs, scaffolds, ladders and EWPs.
• Clear roles and responsibilities for officers, supervisors, workers and contractors to support WHS compliance.
• Step-by-step risk management approach using the hierarchy of control, tailored to building and construction trades.
• Guidance for Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high risk construction work involving falls.
• Practical controls for roofing, solar installation, glazing, painting, carpentry, electrical and HVAC work at heights.
• Requirements for inspection, maintenance and record-keeping for ladders, harnesses, anchors and access equipment.
• Structured sections on training, competency, consultation, incident reporting and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Strengthens WHS compliance by aligning your work at height practices with Australian legislation and Codes of Practice.
• Reduces the likelihood of serious incidents, injuries and regulatory enforcement from falls and falling objects.
• Saves time by providing ready-to-use safety documentation that can be integrated into your WHS management system.
• Supports consistent standards across multiple sites, crews and subcontractors in high-risk construction environments.
• Demonstrates due diligence to clients, principal contractors and regulators through documented procedures and responsibilities.
• Improves worker awareness and engagement with clear expectations for safe work at height.

Who is this for?

This Working at Heights Policy is ideal for Australian businesses that regularly perform work at height, including:

• Building and construction companies and principal contractors.
• Roofing contractors, solar installers and guttering specialists.
• Painting and decorating businesses working on external facades and high internal areas.
• Glazing and window installation contractors operating on multi-storey projects.
• Carpentry and joinery contractors working on frames, trusses, decks and mezzanines.
• Electrical, air conditioning and refrigeration contractors servicing equipment at height.

Legislation & References

This policy is structured to support compliance with key Australian work health and safety requirements, including:

• Work Health and Safety Act and Work Health and Safety Regulation (jurisdiction-specific).
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work.
• Relevant Australian Standards for fall arrest systems, scaffolding and access equipment.

By adopting this Working at Heights Policy, your business gains robust, practical safety documentation that supports legal obligations, protects workers and reinforces a strong safety culture on every job.