Whether you’re a seasoned ladder user or just pulling that old ladder out of storage to put up decorations, safety should always be a top priority.

Before you climb, take a moment to refresh your ladder safety knowledge – it could make all the difference!

This festive season, we encourage everyone to follow a few simple steps to ensure you’re safe while at height. Remember: a missed step, improper angle, or even a quick overreach can quickly turn a joyful moment into an unfortunate accident.

Stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and keep those holiday traditions going strong!

Here are our simple steps you can take before you use your ladder:

• Decide if it’s right to use a ladder – ladders can be appropriate for low risk and short duration tasks (no more than 30 mins).
• Select the right equipment – does it meet current product standard (AS 1657)? Is it the right type of ladder for the task?
• Follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual – every ladder should come with instructions, so take some time to read before you climb.
• Check your ladder is in good condition – is it safe to use now? If it’s been in the shed for a while, check the components, give it a clean so you can see any possible damage. Make sure rungs and stiles aren’t bent or damaged, or feet missing. Check the locking mechanisms too before you take your first step.
• Position your ladder correctly – Extension ladders should be angled at a ratio of 4:1. That is, position the base of the ladder 1 metre away from the structure for every 4 metres of height. Make sure all feet are on the ground and the steps are level.
• Make sure the ladder is stable and not on soft ground – soft, sandy or rocky ground is not stable, and makes climbing unsafe.
• Make sure the ladder is long enough for the task – don’t be tempted to overreach (and please don’t try to add extra height!), if it’s a stepladder then avoid standing on the top three steps.
• ‘Get a Grip’ by maintaining a firm handhold at all times – always maintain three points of contact, this could be two feet and one hand, or when both hands need to be free for a brief period (like knocking in a nail), two feet and the body supported by the ladder.
• Don’t overload – decorations could be heavier than you think. Make sure your weight, plus anything you’re carrying doesn’t exceed the maximum total load.
• Secure your ladder – if you need to you should tie your ladder to a suitable point, use a stability device, wedge the ladder, or last resort, get someone to foot the ladder for you.
• Wear suitable footwear! Slippers, thongs or bare feet won’t cut it, so make sure you’re wearing sturdy, flat shoes.

Source: WorkSafe Victoria

Employers and workers are being reminded that even a small falling object can hit hard – from a seemingly harmless bolt striking with the force of a fast motorcycle to a sledge hammer packing the punch of a city bus.

Falling objects remain a leading cause of workplace harm in the building industry and also pose a risk to members of the public near work sites, with more than 280 construction workers injured since the start of 2023 and countless near miss incidents in recent years.

To highlight the risk, WorkSafe has published an animated video outlining the circumstances and factors that led to a sprinkler head falling 26 storeys from a Melbourne construction site in March 2020, landing close to workers at street level.

WorkSafe’s dropped object calculator – which allows users to select the weight of an object to discover how much damage it could cause when falling from a certain height – estimates the sprinkler head would have struck the ground at more than 153 kilometres per hour, with the same force as being hit by a car on the street.

The video was produced as part of an Enforceable Undertaking worth more than $195,000 entered into with Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd following the incident, which also includes funding the promotion of educational materials and a scholarship.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin urged construction workers and duty holders to watch the video, which uses investigation findings to recreate the incident and explains the steps that duty holders should have taken to reduce the risk.

“Every year hundreds of workers are seriously injured by falling objects,” Mr Jenkin said.

“Alarmingly, WorkSafe inspectors continue to see near misses where objects fall from construction sites – and it’s only luck that prevents someone below being seriously injured.”

The falling sprinkler head was just one of many serious incidents involving falling objects on construction sites in the past five years, including:

• In September 2024, an 850 millimetre long steel smoke baffle falling from level 21 of a building under construction on to a public road in South Yarra.
• In April 2024, a 50 millimetre piece of render falling from the fourth floor of a CBD construction site and striking a pedestrian on Rose Lane.
• In November 2023, a six millimetre checker plate falling from a hoist on level six of a building under construction in the CBD, landing in an unlocked exclusion zone.
• In December 2022, a mounting bracket weighing 12 kilograms falling 34 storeys onto Collins Street, before bouncing onto the footpath in close proximity to pedestrians.
• In March 2022, a steel plate weighing around 12 kilograms falling between 13-15 storeys from a South Melbourne high rise project, narrowly missing a worker on the ground below.
• In May 2020, an electrical testing device accidentally knocked into the lift shaft of a Melbourne office building hitting a worker 39 metres below.

Mr Jenkin said risk control measures for falling objects were well known so there was no excuse for duty holders failing to implement them.

“Things like gaps in safety screens on mid and high-rise construction sites, missing kick boards on scaffolding or debris or materials coming loose while being lifted can have devastating consequences for anyone caught below at the wrong time,” he said.

WorkSafe enforcement action against 10 companies for incidents involving falling objects in construction has resulted in more than $1.05 million in fines, costs and undertakings since start of 2023.

Employers and site duty holders must ensure they prevent falling objects by:

• Eliminating the risk through off-site assembly of equipment that would otherwise be performed at an elevated edge.
• Using containment systems or securing objects through substitution, isolation or engineering controls.
• Using guardrail systems that incorporate mesh infill panels and kickboards.
• Isolating the risk with barricades or fencing to create exclusion zones at ground level.
• Implementing engineering controls such as perimeter safety screens, overhead protection gantries, enclosed perimeter scaffolding, and restraining loose material.
• Using administrative controls such as lines markings and signage to advise lanyard systems are to be used on tools, or to monitor the possibility of windy weather.

Article By Association Secretary and Strategic Programs Manager, Deborah Chick

Working at heights is one of the most hazardous tasks across various industries, including construction, maintenance, telecommunications, and energy. Falls from heights consistently rank among the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities worldwide. In Australia alone, falls from a height accounted for 15% of worker fatalities in 2025, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety protocols. One of the most critical components of these safety measures is training.

Organizations like the Working at Heights Association (WAHA) are dedicated to improving industry standards and promoting the importance of training in this high-risk sector. Let’s explore why training is essential and how it contributes to a safer working environment.

In many countries, including Australia, workplace safety laws mandate that workers exposed to heights undergo appropriate training to ensure workers are competent. Compliance with these regulations is not just about avoiding fines or penalties; it is about safeguarding lives. The Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act outlines stringent requirements for businesses to ensure workers are competent to perform high-risk tasks. Training ensures that employees understand these legal obligations and can apply safe work practices in the field.

Working at heights involves a complex array of hazards, from unstable surfaces and weather conditions to the misuse of equipment. Comprehensive training programs teach workers to identify these risks, assess potential dangers, and implement controls to mitigate them. With this knowledge, workers are better equipped to handle the unpredictable nature of working at heights, minimizing the likelihood of accidents.

Training for the effective use of PPE is a cornerstone of working at heights safely. Harnesses, lanyards, anchors, and fall arrest systems are critical for protecting workers from injury or death in case of a fall. However, PPE is only as effective as the user’s knowledge of how to use it properly. Training ensures that workers understand the types of PPE available, how to inspect their gear, and how to correctly wear and use it for maximum safety. Regular refresher courses ensure that workers stay updated on new technologies and safety equipment.

Training provides workers with the practical skills needed to perform tasks safely at heights. These courses often include hands-on practice in real-world scenarios, which boosts worker competence and confidence. When workers feel confident in their abilities, they are less likely to make errors that can lead to accidents. Proper training can transform a potentially hazardous job into a manageable, routine task by fostering a sense of professionalism and self-assurance in workers.

Reducing Incidents and Improving Safety Culture

A well-trained workforce is a safer workforce. Studies show that companies with robust safety training programs have fewer incidents and injuries compared to those that do not prioritize training. Training programs promote a culture of safety within organizations, encouraging workers to take responsibility for their own safety and that of their colleagues. This proactive approach leads to fewer workplace accidents and injuries, resulting in better outcomes for both employees and employers.

Rescue and Emergency Response

While preventing falls is a top priority, it is equally important to prepare for emergencies. In the event of an accident, a fast and effective response can be the difference between life and death. Training workers in rescue operations ensures that they know how to react quickly, efficiently, and safely in case of a fall. This training covers the use of equipment such as rescue kits and proper techniques for retrieving a fallen worker, minimizing the time between an incident and medical intervention.

Cost-Effectiveness

While investing in training programs might seem like an added expense, it is a long-term cost-saving measure. Injuries and fatalities due to falls from heights can lead to significant financial losses for businesses through medical costs, legal fees, insurance premiums, and downtime. By reducing the likelihood of incidents, training can protect businesses from these financial risks, while also ensuring the well-being of their workforce.

There are also immediate productivity gains as a by-product of a more competent, aware and effective workforce. The ability to navigate the space more efficiently leads directly to greater, and safer, output.

Training in the working at heights sector is essential to protect workers from the dangers of falls and ensure compliance with safety regulations. It helps in hazard recognition, proper use of PPE, and instils a culture of safety and preparedness. Organizations such as the Working at Heights Association (WAHA) advocate for high standards of training, which are key to reducing incidents, improving response times in emergencies, and creating a safer workplace overall.

By investing in quality training programs, businesses not only protect their employees but also foster a more productive and secure working environment. The emphasis on continuous learning and upskilling within this sector is vital, as advancements in safety practices and technology continue to evolve, making training an ongoing necessity for all who work at heights. 

For more information on safety standards and training opportunities, explore our website www.waha.org.au

Source: SafeWork NSW

Mennen Constructions Pty Ltd has plead guilty and was fined $180,000 after an incident exposing workers to a risk of death or serious injury. ​

On 11 January 2021, Mennen Constructions Pty Ltd was engaged as the principal contractor for the construction of a new two-storey duplex.​

Mennen Constructions engaged subcontractors for the supply and installation of roofing works on the garage of the site. While a subcontractor was on the garage roof the worker placed his left foot on the fascia at the southern edge. The fascia moved under his weight, causing him to lose balance and fall from the roof and over a dividing fence, landing on the concrete driveway of the neighbouring property and suffering serious injuries.​

It was found that Mennen Constructions had failed to install fall prevention measures, adequately consult, and coordinate activities with the subcontractors, undertake site-specific risk assessment, or provide adequate supervision when workers were performing works on the garage roof. ​

Mennen Constructions Pty Ltd has the right to appeal this sentence.​

Visit the SafeWork NSW website for a comprehensive collection of safety resources, guides and information designed to keep you and your workers safe: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/your-industry/construction

Source: WorkSafe WA

The death of a 71-year-old roof plumber in October is currently being investigated by WorkSafe WA.

The man was reported to have been working on the roof of a vacant factory unit in Malaga when he fell approximately five metres through the metal roof.

WorkSafe investigators are examining the circumstances of the incident with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing future incidents of a similar nature.

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said that this was a tragic incident and relayed her sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends.

Article By Association Secretary and Strategic Programs Manager, Deborah Chick.

Within the broader working at heights, confined space, and construction industry, workplace ethics are developed both at a professional and organisational level. Professionals such as lawyers, engineers and surveyors have ethical codes to uphold as befits their profession. Ethical behaviour is often measured by the degree of trustworthiness and integrity with which companies conduct business. Most organisations have a code of conduct and internal policies, like bullying and harassment to assist in creating the foundations of an ethical business – but what is documented and encouraged isn’t always what happens onsite. 

In industries such as construction, mining, and within the broader working at heights sector, ethics are key. While professionalism and organizational codes of conduct emphasize trust and integrity, these aren’t always reflected in on-site attitudes. The “she’ll be right” mindset persists, trivializing safety concerns.

Where has this attitude come from? The phrase has become characteristically Australian: “she’ll be right, mate” seems to be built into every Aussie’s vocabulary from a very young age. It literally and figuratively sums up a way of thinking, and a way of living here in Australia. Depending on the application / situation, the phrase has become a means of laughing off or making light of a situation until it can be solved. 

So when this phrase is used within the broader working at heights, confined space, and construction industries … what is the impact? We are living in a time where there is an abundance of health awareness and an increasing amount of education and statistics published about the risks and long-term impacts of various illnesses and diseases. Things, that quite simply, a “she’ll be right” attitude won’t help. 

It has been broadly accepted that working at heights is deemed as a high-risk work activity, yet it does not fall under the scope of a high-risk work licensing here in Australia. And sadly, it remains a leading cause of death and serious injury in Australia. Those statistics? Yeah … they aren’t getting any better. 

Between 2017-2024:

• 154 workers were killed following a fall from heights.
• In 2023-24 the construction industry accounted for 23% of fatalities.
• 29 worker fatalities (15%) were attributable to the mechanism of incident Falls from a height in 2023. This is 32% higher than the 5-year average of 22 worker fatalities per year (2019 to 2023).
• 30% of serious claims for falls from a height were caused by ladders.
• 45% (13) of Falls from a height worker deaths in 2023 occurred within the Construction industry

We have the data. Even investigations from 2003 were showing the same numbers: all the construction accidents, falls are the leading cause of serious injuries (48%) and fatalities (30%). In particular, falls from height represent more than one third of construction injuries, and are leading causes of multi-serious injuries and fatalities (Albert P. C. Chan). Despite technological and procedural advances, complacency remains a barrier to progress​.

So in nearly twenty years, we have a trending theme of more paperwork onsite, more equipment used to reduce the risk to workers, more engineering solutions to work sites, advancements in technology, infrastructure and equipment – but the statistics are NOT changing. Neither is the complacency attitude or “she’ll be right” stand point. Have we developed a false sense of security about our health and our ability to manage financially, for an unexpected event we assumed would never happen to us?

Mate-ship, loyalty, self-sufficiency can all lead to a workplace ethic that isn’t actually on par with historical definitions. 

Ethical Practice and Responsibility

In this high-risk environment, workplace ethics must evolve. The four fundamental principles—ethical practice, professional excellence, responsibility to the public, and client-centered practice—require alignment between conduct and practice, particularly in high-risk industries like construction and working at heights. Ethics must go beyond just written codes to prevent incidents resulting from negligence or overconfidence.

Mental Health and Cultural Challenges

Ethics also extend to mental health. Workplace culture must change to address mental health concerns, challenging the complacency and “she’ll be right” mentality that overlooks both physical and mental well-being​

It is expected that workers in construction should be guided in all their relationships by the highest standards of integrity and honesty. All workers should conduct themselves honourably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honour, reputation and value of the profession. Workers should avoid conduct or practices that deceive the public or represent a real or perceived conflict of interest. 

Did you know that construction workers are overrepresented in suicide rates in Australia, being 70% more likely to take their lives in comparison to males in other industries?

She’ll be right.

Workers in the height safety sector / construction should respect the rights of others and should not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, gender, marital status, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation nor knowingly violate any law, statute, or regulation in the performance of professional services. In fact, in todays age organisations are striving to create a more diverse workforce.

Along with a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment including sexual harassment and bullying, there should be unanimous workforce contributions to the advancement of the profession by using best practices, continuing their professional education, and contributing to the development of the future workforce.

This should go hand in hand with the responsibility to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the workplace and the public.

By shifting focus to proactive safety measures, transparent communication, and cultural shifts in risk awareness, the industry can aim to reduce both the physical and mental toll on its workers.

References:

https://www.irbnet.de/daten/iconda/CIB20119.pdf

https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/09699980310466596/full/html

https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/insights/key-whs-stats-2024

The Australian Institute of Health & Safety invites you to join their upcoming webinar titled Culture, Technology and Competency – How Safety Leadership Can Shape the Future of Falls Prevention being held on Tuesday 29 October.

Falls from height remain a critical risk across many industries, consistently ranking amongst the top three fatal hazards in the workplace. SafeWork statistics reflect this stubborn trend, revealing a concerning absence of any significant change in the number of fatalities since they started reporting on falls and dropped objects as aligned mechanisms of death. This data highlights the severity of the issue, with falls from height and dropped objects collectively contributing an average of 21% of workplace fatalities annually since 2018 (when the data started being reported).

Assuming the systems we put in place effectively address the risk profile, the question is then how much transparency is there around the core competencies required and the maintenance of these skills, for us to deliver the safety outcomes desired?

Organisations generally do not have a clear line of sight with regards to the ‘transparency of competency’ and therefore they must assume training is relevant, workers skilled, aware and confident to operate safely in a “falls” environment. This lack of transparency, the increased commodification of training and the consequential questionable learning outcomes, are contributing factors in the ongoing issue. As safety leaders, how do we harness technology to effectively bridge these gaps?

Participants will get insight into:

• Understanding the persistent risks associated with falls from height: Falls and dropped objects consistently rank as top contributors to workplace fatalities, highlighting the importance of addressing this critical safety risk.
• Recognising the lack of transparency in competency assessment: Organisations often lack clarity around workers’ competency in operating safely in high-risk environments, leading to assumptions about training effectiveness and workers’ skills.
• Identifying the role of technology in improving safety outcomes: Exploring how technology can bridge gaps in training, competency, and safety performance to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety around fall prevention.

The Working at Height Association (WAHA) is very happy to announce our new partnership with the Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA), the national body representing the operations sector within the water industry..

The WAHA and the WIOA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which both organisations have agreed to support activities and education opportunities which enhance safety in the workplace and empower workers to make better decisions whilst working at height.

Both WAHA and WIOA have agreed to lend their respective expertise in the professional development of the industry and to provide guidance to each other in the design of content and technical material affecting those key stakeholders. 

WAHA CEO Scott Barber said;

‘the opportunity to collaborate with professional organisations ensures that the WAHA mission is relevant to those affected by working in falls environments and that our activities align with the broader objectives of education and empowerment. Ultimately, we are here to ensure people go home safely to their families at the end of the day, and working with respected and established bodies like the WIOA helps us both connect with those stakeholders around safety, and make those who in the water sector a safer one in which to work.’

WIOA CEO, Dean Barnett, mentioned the value in collaboration, with an example being our joint focus on the option for AI enhanced training for working at height. 

“Our ambition to work collaboratively aligns with the water industry risk when working at height with above and below ground assets.”

As not-for-profit professional bodies, WAHA and the WIOA have long histories of supporting safety in the workplace and the promotion of higher levels of competency in high-risk work environments.

Learn more about the WIOA here.

Each year, Safe Work Australia produces national work health and safety statistics, providing important evidence on the state of work health and safety in Australia.

Key Work Health and Safety Statistics, Australia 2024 provides an overview of the latest national data on work-related fatalities and workers’ compensation claims. This includes trends, gender and age comparisons, and industry and occupation breakdowns.

Understanding the causes of injury and the industries most affected can help reduce work-related fatalities, injuries and disease. Work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses have a devastating impact on workers, their families and the community.

Tragically, 200 workers died in 2023 – of which 29 were killed due to a fall from height.

The mechanism of incident refers to the overall action, exposure or event that describes the circumstances that resulted in a worker fatality.

The number of deaths due to Falls from a height increased in 2023 and was the second highest contributor of worker fatalities overall. 29 worker fatalities (15%) were attributable to the mechanism of incident Falls from a height in 2023. This is 32% higher than the 5-year average of 22 worker fatalities per year (2019 to 2023). 45% (13) of Falls from a height worker deaths in 2023 occurred within the Construction industry. This was followed by worker deaths in the Arts and recreation services, Mining, and Transport, postal and warehousing industries, with 10% (3) worker fatalities occurring in each of those industries in 2023. Nearly 80% of workers who died due to Falls from a height were Labourers (41%, 12), Technician and trades workers (21%, 6) or Machinery operator and drivers (17%, 5) in 2023.

For the last 6 years straight, falls from height remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in Australia. 

2017-18
28 falls from height (15%)
15 being hit by falling objects (8%)

2018-19
18 falls from height (13%)
15 being hit by falling objects (10%)

2019-20
21 falls from height (11%)
21 being hit by falling objects (11%)

2020-21
22 falls from height (11%)
17 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2021-22
19 falls from height (11%)
16 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2022-23
17 falls from height (9%)
17 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2023-24
29 falls from height (15%)
12 being hit by falling objects (6%)

In 2023, 62% of worker fatalities occurred in 3 industries. Transport, postal and warehousing fatalities accounted for 26% (51 fatalities), followed by fatalities in the Construction industry (23%; 45 fatalities) and Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry (14%; 27 fatalities). There were also some differences from the long-term average:

• the number of fatalities in the Construction industry in 2023 (45) was 36% higher than the 5-year average for this industry (33), and
• the number of fatalities in the Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry in 2023 (27) was 25% lower than the 5-year average (36).

Over the 10 years to 2022-23p, the proportion of claims for Mental health conditions has increased from 6.4% in 2012-
13 to 10.5% in 2022‑23p. Over this period the number of serious claims for Mental health conditions has increased by 7,200 (97.3%).

• This represents the second largest growth in the number of serious claims for a nature of injury/illness major group observed over the period (just behind the growth of 8,000 Infectious diseases serious claims, driven by COVID-19).

Mental health conditions are one of the costliest forms of workplace injury. They lead to significantly more time off work and higher compensation paid when compared to physical injuries and diseases.

• The median time lost from Mental health condition serious claims in 2021-22 (37.0 working weeks) was more than 5 times the median time lost across all serious claims (7.2).
• The median compensation paid for Mental health condition serious claims in 2021‑22 ($65,400) was more than 4 times the median compensation paid across all serious claims ($14,400).