Product Overview

Summary: This Working at Heights Regulations Compliance SOP provides a clear, step-by-step framework to plan, authorise and carry out height-related tasks safely and in full alignment with Australian WHS requirements. It helps businesses control fall risks, standardise permits and documentation, and demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and workers alike.

Working at heights remains one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities across Australian workplaces, from construction and maintenance through to utilities, facilities management and telecommunications. This Safe Operating Procedure translates complex regulatory requirements into a practical, easy-to-follow process that your teams can apply on any site where there is a risk of a fall. It focuses on regulatory compliance, but is written in plain language so supervisors and workers can quickly understand what is required before, during and after height-related work.

The SOP guides you through hazard identification, risk assessment, selection of the most suitable fall prevention or fall arrest systems, and the correct use of permits and rescue plans. It helps you align day-to-day operations with WHS legislation, relevant Australian Standards and Safe Work Australia guidance, while providing the documentation trail you need if an incident is investigated. By implementing this procedure, your business can reduce the likelihood of falls, improve consistency across different sites and contractors, and provide clear evidence that reasonably practicable steps have been taken to protect workers at height.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent compliance with Australian working at heights regulations across all sites and projects.
• Reduce the likelihood and severity of fall-from-height incidents through structured planning and controls.
• Standardise permits, pre-start checks and documentation to simplify supervision and auditing.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, principal contractors and clients with a clear, defensible process.
• Improve worker confidence and competency when performing tasks at height through clear, practical guidance.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Safety Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Roofing Contractors
• Telecommunications Technicians
• Utilities Field Workers
• Labour Hire Providers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from roofs, ladders, scaffolds and elevated work platforms
• Falls through fragile surfaces such as skylights, roof sheeting and penetrations
• Falls from unprotected edges, openings and mezzanines
• Objects falling from height and striking people below
• Incorrect use or failure of fall arrest systems and anchor points
• Slips and trips on elevated work surfaces
• Inadequate emergency and rescue arrangements for suspended workers
• Adverse weather conditions affecting stability and footing at height

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Regulatory Context
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, Workers, Contractors)
• 4.0 Pre-Work Planning and Consultation Requirements
• 5.0 Working at Heights Risk Assessment Procedure
• 6.0 Hierarchy of Control for Falls (Elimination to PPE)
• 7.0 Selection and Use of Fall Prevention Systems (Guardrails, Platforms, Edge Protection)
• 8.0 Selection and Use of Fall Arrest Systems (Harnesses, Lanyards, Anchor Points, Lifelines)
• 9.0 Use of Ladders, Scaffolds and Elevated Work Platforms
• 10.0 Working on Roofs, Fragile Surfaces and Near Roof Penetrations
• 11.0 Permit to Work at Heights Process
• 12.0 Pre-Start Checks and Inspection of Height Safety Equipment
• 13.0 Site Set-Up, Exclusion Zones and Control of Falling Objects
• 14.0 Safe Work Steps for Conducting Tasks at Height
• 15.0 Communication, Supervision and Competency Requirements
• 16.0 Emergency Response and Rescue Planning for Falls
• 17.0 Post-Work Activities, Equipment Storage and Documentation
• 18.0 Training, Induction and Refresher Requirements
• 19.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of Height Safety Controls
• 20.0 Recordkeeping, Auditing and Compliance Evidence

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Part 4.4: Falls
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• 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 4576: Guidelines for scaffolding
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work