Understanding the Hierarchy of Control in Fall Prevention
Working at height presents one of the most serious risks in the workplace. To manage these risks effectively, Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws require businesses to apply the Hierarchy of Control, a structured system that prioritises the most effective methods of hazard management.
Understanding and correctly applying the hierarchy is critical for minimising fall risks, maintaining compliance, and safeguarding workers.
What Is the Hierarchy of Control?
The Hierarchy of Control ranks safety measures based on their effectiveness in controlling hazards. It is designed to eliminate or minimise risks systematically, prioritising solutions that address hazards at their source rather than relying solely on worker behaviour.
The five levels of control, in order of effectiveness, are:
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering Controls
- Administrative Controls
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employers must work through each level in sequence, aiming to implement the highest-level control measures first.
1. Elimination: Remove the Hazard
Elimination is the most effective form of risk control. It involves removing the need to work at height entirely.
Examples include:
- Relocating plant and equipment to ground level for maintenance
- Using drones for inspections instead of requiring workers to climb
- Prefabricating structures at ground level before installation
Where elimination is practical, it must be the first option considered.
2. Substitution: Replace the Hazard
If elimination is not feasible, the next step is substitution, replacing the hazard with a safer alternative.
Examples include:
- Using extendable tools to perform tasks from ground level
- Installing adjustable platforms that reduce the need for ladders or scaffolding
- Replacing fragile roofing with more robust, walkable materials
Substitution reduces the risk level but does not remove it entirely, so ongoing controls may still be necessary.
3. Engineering Controls: Isolate the Hazard
Engineering controls involve physically isolating workers from the fall hazard through structural means.
Common examples include:
- Guardrails installed around roof edges
- Walkways with handrails on roofs and elevated surfaces
- Fixed access ladders designed with cages and fall protection systems
- Static lines and anchor points to prevent falls
Engineering controls are highly effective when elimination and substitution are not possible and should form the backbone of most fall prevention systems.
4. Administrative Controls: Change How People Work
Administrative controls focus on altering the way work is performed to reduce exposure to hazards. They are less effective because they rely on human behaviour and compliance.
Examples include:
- Implementing safe work procedures
- Scheduling work at heights during safer weather conditions
- Warning signs and restricted access zones
- Conducting regular height safety training and drills
Administrative controls should support, not replace, higher-level controls.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Last Line of Defence
PPE should only be used when higher-order controls are not reasonably practicable or as an additional layer of protection.
Examples include:
- Harnesses and lanyards
- Helmets
- Fall arrest systems
While PPE is essential for many tasks, it relies heavily on correct use, proper maintenance, and user training. It does not eliminate the hazard itself.
Why Prioritising Higher-Order Controls Matters
Relying solely on PPE and administrative measures places too much responsibility on workers and increases the likelihood of accidents. By prioritising elimination, substitution, and engineering controls, businesses create a safer, more controlled working environment, one that aligns with WHS obligations and demonstrates a genuine commitment to worker safety.
Practical Application: Using the Hierarchy for Fall Prevention
When planning any work at height:
- Start by asking: Can the hazard be eliminated?
- If not, work down the hierarchy to find the next best solution.
- Combine multiple control measures where necessary for layered protection.
- Regularly review controls to ensure they remain effective as the worksite or conditions change.
Consulting experienced height safety specialists can help ensure your systems align with the hierarchy and meet all regulatory requirements.
In Summary:
Understanding and applying the Hierarchy of Control is essential for effective fall prevention. By systematically addressing risks through elimination, substitution, engineering, administration, and PPE, businesses can minimise incidents, achieve compliance, and protect their workforce at every level.
