ABOUT

    Sydney Harbour Bridge construction, 1930
    Image provided by the NSW State Library (Public Domain)

    A Brief History

    The Working at Height Association of Australia (WAHA) was established in 2009 in response to the industry’s demand for a peak body to provide information, guidance and support for businesses needing to address working at height issues.

    Formerly known as the Fall Protection Manufacturer’s Association (FPMA), the members identified the need to expand its mission to offer a forum for commercial businesses, training organisations, consumers and all those involved in working at height to meet as a community with a common goal of developing a pathway to higher safety standards.

    With this expansion, the Association recognised the parallels in risk profiles between working at height and that of confined space entry and work. Defining a fall risk as essentially anywhere there is a potential of a fall from one level to another, a confined space by its nature clearly fits into this category and has consequently become a key area of focus for the Association as we continue to evolve.

    Our Mission

    The WAHA is dedicated to supporting and influencing the ongoing development of safe practice, equipment innovation, systems and product design, continuous education of all stakeholders and the operational competency of all persons working at height and in confined spaces.

    As a professional membership organisation, WAHA is a centre for the working at heights, safety, engineering and design communities to come together to advance safety, increase knowledge and advocate for best practice in the discipline.

    As a voice for industry, our industry tiers of membership reflects leadership in the field, utilising an internal audit process for our Gold and Silver Members to ensure we represent best practice and to help maintain our position as a leading advocate for safety, and agency for change on current and emerging issues. Our Bronze Members are companies who support best practice. Our Individual and Student Members represent a community of engaged professionals from a variety of industries with an interest and incentive to enhance safety in the workplace.

    With over 50 Member Companies, the aim of the organisation is act as a representative voice for industry, provide professional alignment and facilitate continuous learning by managing and improving the Body of Knowledge library.

    Aims & Objectives

    • To maintain our position as the peak body for height safety, representing the interests of all those involved in providing products, services, training or advice relating to safe Working-at-Height and Confined Spaces.
    • To promote and maintain the highest standards in safety, work quality and working practices for the Working-at-Height and Confined Spaces industries.
    • To facilitate increased knowledge and compliance with safety Standards for all those involved in Working-at-Height and Confined Spaces.
    • To promote the continuous improvement of education and training in Working-at-Height and Confined Space to meet the changing needs of industry and increase the competencies and professionalism or practitioners.
    • To facilitate and encourage the exchange of technical knowledge and to encourage further research into industry issues based on cooperation and collaboration with related industries and professions.
    • To work with industries to:
    • Reduce the number of injuries and fatalities as a result of falls from height and the risks involved in confined space works.
    • Drive compliance in the areas of equipment design, selection and use, and training competencies;
    • Provide a forum for industry-based discussion, issue identification and resolution;
    • Be a primary source of information for members, the industry, safety, engineering and all stakeholders involved in working at heights and confined space.
    • To encourage engagement from across industries to ensure ….

    Every Member of the Working at Height Association is an Industry Ambassador.

    WAHA Main Objectives

    • To be the peak body for working at height and confined space and the primary resource for information relating to the discipline
    • Support members and facilitate the transfer of knowledge.
    • Organise annual networking events for the Working at Heights and Confined Spaces community.
    • Regulation of the WAHA Internal Audit system as used by our members.
    • Continually review and update policies and procedures related to Standards and audit and assessment tools/procedures to ensure they remain relevant and fit for purpose.
    • Promote and maintain a high standard of Working at Heights and Confined Spaces activities in terms of safety and work quality.
    • Provide guidance on training and certification of personnel involved in Working at Heights and Confined Spaces industries.
    • Produce publications and guidance on safety, best work practice, training and other related topics.
    • Prepare submissions and provide informed and evidence-based review and advice to Australian Government departments, Regulatory Authorities and other engaged organisations on matters concerning work-at-height and confined space health, safety and training.
    • Development of Codes of Practice for industry to reflect and map best practice expectations.
    • Assist working parties charged with reviewing, commenting on and discussing existing and draft Australian Standards.
    • Provide a forum for the free and informal exchange of experience and opinion.