Falls are still one of the biggest killers on Australian building sites, and any work with a risk of falling more than 2 metres is high risk construction work. That means a SWMS is legally required before the work starts, every time, no exceptions for "just a quick one".
When a heights SWMS is required
The trigger is a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres. That covers roof work, work from scaffolds and EWPs, work near unprotected edges and penetrations, and work on fragile surfaces. If that risk exists, you need a SWMS.
The controls a builder expects
A working-at-heights SWMS has to work down the hierarchy of controls, not jump to a harness:
- • Eliminate the fall: do the work on the ground where you can
- • Passive protection: edge protection, guard rails, covers over penetrations
- • Work platforms: scaffolds and EWPs before ladders
- • Fall-arrest systems: harness and anchor as a last resort, rated and inspected
- • Protect people below: exclusion zones and toe boards so tools do not fall
The mistakes that get it rejected
Leading with "workers will wear a harness" is the classic one. So is ignoring the crew below, or treating a fragile roof as if it will hold weight. A reviewer checks that the highest practicable control is used, not the easiest.
Get it right fast
Pick your trade and state and generate a working-at-heights SWMS written to your site, or first check whether you need one.