Working At Heights in Victoria

Working at Heights in Victoria Needs Adequate Protection

Slips and trips are the biggest causes of accidents in all types of businesses in Australia. But if they occur when working at heights in Victoria, the consequences are much more severe, often causing serious injury or even death.

The problem is so widespread there is legislation in place to ensure companies provide adequate protection for anyone who is working at heights in Victoria. Failure to comply with this legislation can result in severe financial penalties. In addition, should preventable accidents occur, your company is likely to suffer reputational damage, a loss of productivity, legal costs and compensation claims so it’s in your interests to do everything you can to provide the best possible protection. Read More

Required Equipment and Training to Ensure Compliance With Working at Heights in Victoria

Working at heights safely in Australia is overseen by Worksafe & Workcover, which enforces various Standards and Industry Codes:

AS/NZS 1657:2018 Fixed platforms, walkway systems, stairways and ladders – Design construction and installation
AS/NZS 1891.1:2020 Safety belts and harnesses
AS/NZS 1891.2:2001 Horizontal lifeline and rail systems
AS/NZS 1891.3:2020 Fall-arrest devices
AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, Use & Maintenance
AS 1891.5:2020 Personal equipment for work at height – Lanyard assemblies and pole straps
AS/NZS 2865 Working in Confined Spaces
AS/NZS 4488 Industrial Rope Access Inspections and Systems
AS/NZS 5532 Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor device used for harness-based work at height.

To achieve compliance with these Standards and Codes, you need to install and maintain the appropriate safety equipment and ensure workers know how to use it. A working at heights course in Victoria will supply the necessary knowledge although a refresher course may be needed periodically to keep your workers up to date with changing regulations.

These regulations apply to anyone required to work at two metres or higher above ground level and this affects both regular and infrequent working. The type and frequency of work together with the hazards of each area will determine the equipment and controls that need to be put in place. These can be anything from permanent walkways and guardrails through anchor points and rope systems to warning signs and control procedures.

Continuous Safety through Regular Assessments in Victoria When Working at Heights

To establish what you need, we’ll undertake a survey of your work areas and working practices in order to identify the hazards that exist and how they’re currently being dealt with. We can then determine what needs to be done to ensure your workers are kept safe and you comply fully with legislation.

The first remedy will be for us to supply and install all the safety equipment together with training in its use. We’ll also help you to set up control procedures that your workers can understand and adhere to.

Over time, even the best equipment can deteriorate due to regular use and harsh environmental conditions. At the same time, regulations can change and cause you to be no longer complaint.

To ensure your workers always remain safe, we’ll keep you updated with the latest regulations. We’ll also inspect and test your equipment at prescribed intervals, recertifying any that remains in good condition and repairing or replacing the rest. That way, you know they’re always safe to use and your employees have confidence that you have their safety in mind.

The safety of your employees is too important for you to take any risks, especially if they’re in Victoria working at heights. So contact us today and we’ll ensure their safety isn’t jeopardised. Read Less