Workplace Height Safety Audits: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Height safety compliance is not a set-and-forget responsibility. Regular workplace height safety audits are essential to verify that fall prevention systems remain effective, compliant, and fit for purpose. For Australian businesses, audits also demonstrate due diligence under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws.
Understanding what to expect from a height safety audit, and how to prepare, ensures the process is efficient and delivers real risk reduction.
What Is a Workplace Height Safety Audit?
A workplace height safety audit is a formal onsite assessment conducted by a qualified and accredited professional. Its purpose is to assess the condition, compliance, and effectiveness of systems used for work at heights, including roof access systems, anchor points, static lines, walkways, ladders, and guardrails.
Audits are typically conducted:
- Every 2-3 years
- After any modifications to structures
- Following significant weather events
- After a fall or near-miss incident
The findings guide corrective actions, maintenance, or system upgrades necessary to maintain compliance with standards such as AS/NZS 1891 and AS/NZS 1657.
What to Expect During a Height Safety Audit
A thorough audit includes the following stages:
1. Documentation Review
The auditor will review:
- System design and installation certifications
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Risk assessments and safe work method statements (SWMS)
- Confined space entry permits, if applicable
2. Site Inspection
The physical inspection will assess:
- Condition and functionality of existing height safety equipment
- Installation against relevant Australian Standards
- Wear, corrosion, damage, or non-compliant modifications
- Adequacy of fall protection and access systems for intended tasks
3. Risk Identification
Auditors identify hazards such as:
- Unprotected edges
- Inadequate anchorage systems
- Deteriorated equipment
- Inaccessible or unsafe access points
- What maintenance tasks need to be performed?
Each hazard is assessed for risk severity and likelihood.
4. Compliance Assessment
The audit measures your site’s compliance with:
- WHS regulations
- AS/NZS 1891 and AS/NZS 1657 standards
- Industry codes of practice
Non-compliance areas are documented clearly in the final report.
5. Reporting and Recommendations
After the inspection, you receive a detailed report that includes:
- Photographic evidence
- Identified hazards and compliance gaps
- Recommended corrective actions
- System recertification (if applicable)
The report becomes a critical part of your WHS documentation and audit trail.
How to Prepare for a Height Safety Audit
Preparing properly improves the efficiency of the audit and ensures all areas of risk are reviewed.
Steps to take:
1. Gather Relevant Documentation
Organise system certifications, previous inspection reports, maintenance logs, and any incident records involving work at height.
2. Provide Full Site Access
Ensure the auditor can access all relevant areas, including:
- Roofs
- Plant rooms
- Elevated walkways
- Confined spaces if applicable
Provide keys, access codes, or site escorts where needed.
3. Notify Facilities and Safety Teams
Inform site managers, facilities staff, and safety officers about the audit schedule. Having the right personnel available on the day ensures immediate answers to auditor queries.
4. Review Past Corrective Actions
Ensure that any issues identified in previous audits have been addressed. Outstanding hazards will be noted again and may lead to increased scrutiny or regulatory concern.
Why Regular Audits Matter
A single overlooked fault in a height safety system can have catastrophic consequences. Regular audits help to:
- Prevent accidents and fatalities
- Maintain compliance with WHS legislation
- Protect your business from legal and financial risk
- Extend the lifespan of safety systems through proactive maintenance
Working with accredited inspection providers ensures your audits are thorough, objective, and legally defensible.
Final Thoughts>
Height safety audits are a critical component of risk management in any workplace where people operate at heights. Preparing thoroughly and engaging a certified, experienced inspection provider ensures you not only meet legal requirements but also create a safer working environment for everyone on site.
