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Working at Heights SWMS

Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace death in Australian construction. The WHS Regulation 2025 classifies any work where a person could fall more than 2 metres as high risk construction work, requiring a documented SWMS before work begins. This template covers roof work, elevated work platforms, scaffolding access, and ladder use with controls mapped to the binding Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice effective 1 July 2026. All controls follow the hierarchy of control from elimination through to PPE.

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Legal Requirements

regulation

WHS Regulation 2025 Part 4.4 — High Risk Construction Work

hrcw category

Work at height greater than 2 metres

code of practice

Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (binding 1 July 2026 under Section 26A)

section 26a binding

Yes — effective 1 July 2026. Non-compliance is admissible as evidence of breach.

hrwl required

Scaffold erection/dismantle >4 m; EWP operation >11 m (boom-type)

Hazards

HazardConsequenceLikelihood
Fatal fall from unprotected edge or openingDeath or permanent spinal injuryLikely
Falling objects striking workers belowTraumatic brain injury, fracturesPossible
Scaffold collapse due to overloading or inadequate tiesMultiple fatalities, crush injuriesUnlikely
EWP tip-over on uneven ground or slopeDeath, crush injuriesPossible
Ladder slip or overreachFractures, head injuryLikely
Weather exposure — wind, rain, lightning on elevated platformsFalls, hypothermia, electrocutionPossible

Controls (Hierarchy of Controls)

Eliminate the need to work at height by prefabricating components at ground level
Install permanent guardrail systems compliant with AS/NZS 1170 before work begins
Use travel restraint systems to prevent workers reaching fall edges
Deploy fall arrest systems compliant with AS/NZS 1891 with anchor points rated to 15 kN
Implement a fall from heights permit system with pre-start checklist
Require HRWL holders for scaffold erection above 4 m and EWP operation above 11 m
Develop and communicate a rescue plan before any fall arrest system is used
Enforce wind speed limits — cease work above 40 km/h for EWPs and scaffold erection

Recent Prosecutions

Canon Roofing Pty Ltd$300,000

Worker fell 7 metres from roof edge with no edge protection or fall arrest. Company had no SWMS, no training records, and no rescue plan.

2023 — SafeWork NSW v Canon Roofing Pty Ltd [2023]

Always Energy Pty Ltd$101,000

Apprentice fell 3 metres from residential roof during solar panel installation. No edge protection, no harness, inadequate supervision.

2025 — SafeWork NSW v Always Energy Pty Ltd [2025]

Allcott Hire Pty Ltd$90,000

Workers accessed incomplete scaffold with missing planks and no guardrails. Scaffold erected by unlicensed persons.

2025 — SafeWork NSW v Allcott Hire Pty Ltd [2025]

What Your SWMS Must Include

✓Identification of all locations where a fall of more than 2 metres is possible
✓Specific fall prevention controls for each task and location in hierarchy order
✓HRWL verification records for scaffold and EWP operators
✓Rescue plan with trained rescuers, equipment, and emergency service contact details
✓Weather monitoring triggers and cease-work thresholds

Need a compliant Working at Heights SWMS?

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