Working up high is dangerous. Falling from any height can lead to death or long-term injuries.

Over the past three years more than 13,000 workers were injured after falling from a height at NSW workplaces. Nineteen died and more than 200 were permanently disabled.

These incidents largely happen in the construction, manufacturing, telecommunications, transport, agriculture and forestry industries.

This video provides some simple advice when working from flatbed trucks and trailers.

MUST DO’S

There are specific laws about working safely at heights. Here we summarise those laws and give you some practical tips.

Manage the risks

Firstly, talk to everyone in your workplace. Listen to their views about working at heights. Draw on everyone’s experience and ideas.

You have several options:

1. Work on the ground or on a solid construction

If you don’t have to work at height, working from the ground is always the safest option. Or, better still, find alternatives to working at height during the design-phase of the project.

2. Use a fall-prevention device

If you have to work from height, you need to manage the risk of a fall. A fall-prevention device is best because it will prevent your workers from falling. Examples include temporary work platforms, guardrails, suspended stages and scaffolding. All help keep you safer when working at heights.

3. Use a work-positioning or fall-arrest system

When it's not possible to use a fall-prevention device, a work-positioning system or a fall-arrest system are your next best options. When using a fall-arrest system, a safety net should be used for extra protection.

There are many different types of work-positioning and fall-arrest systems, but those involving lifelines all have an anchorage point, lanyard and body-holding device.

If you use a work-positioning or fall arrest system, have emergency and rescue procedures in place.

MORE INFORMATION

For the specific laws about working safely at heights, see clauses 78 – 80 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

There are also general work health and safety laws that will apply to you in any situation, including when working at heights.

For practical information about working on the ground or from a solid construction, fall prevention devices, work positioning systems, fall arrest systems, ladders, administrative controls, emergency procedures, and the design of plant and structures, see the code of practice for managing the risk of falls at workplaces.

Source: SafeWork NSW