WAHA Half-Year Update – 2026

As we move through 2026, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our members, partners, volunteers and stakeholders for their continued support of the Working at Height Association (WAHA).

The first half of the year has been focused on strengthening our foundations, expanding our industry engagement, and continuing our contribution to research, education, and advocacy across the working at height and confined space sectors.

Strengthening WAHA for the Future

A key priority for the Board has been ensuring WAHA remains a robust, sustainable and future-focused industry association.

We welcomed Sharon Philp as WAHA’s Secretariat, who has been instrumental in reviewing our internal systems, governance arrangements and administrative processes. This work is helping us improve operational efficiency, strengthen governance, and build a platform that supports the Association’s long-term growth and effectiveness.

We have also welcomed three new Directors to the WAHA Board:

• Tua Lowa
• Mark Casey
• Dr Tim Allred

Each brings significant industry expertise and leadership experience, further strengthening the breadth of knowledge and perspectives represented within WAHA.

Improving Member Communications and Resources

Our Communications Officer, Renee Cooper, has been leading a comprehensive review of WAHA’s communications and member engagement activities.

This work has focused on improving the consistency and quality of communications to members, while ensuring information is easier to access and navigate.

Key initiatives include:

• Review and enhancement of the WAHA website
• Ongoing updates to the Member Resource Library
• Improved communication pathways to ensure members remain informed of industry developments, resources, events and opportunities

These improvements are designed to ensure members can more easily access the information, guidance and resources that support their businesses and professional development.

Industry Engagement and Events

WAHA continues to actively engage with industry through major conferences and exhibitions across Australia.

During the first half of 2026, WAHA participated in:

• WHS Show Brisbane
• WHS Show Melbourne
• AIHS National Health & Safety Conference, Adelaide

These events provide valuable opportunities to engage with regulators, industry leaders, safety professionals, educators and end users, while promoting WAHA’s role as a trusted industry voice and community of practice.

Research and Industry Collaboration

Research and evidence-based practice remain central to WAHA’s mission.

We are currently contributing to several significant collaborative projects, including:

RMIT sHINE Research Program

WAHA is collaborating with RMIT through the sHINE research initiative, supporting research into high-risk activities within the construction sector and exploring opportunities to improve safety outcomes through better understanding of risk management practices.

University of Queensland Human Factors Research

WAHA is also supporting research with the University of Queensland focused on human factors in high-risk work environments.

Utilising insights and analytics generated through WAHA’s Adaptive Learning Project, this research is examining how training, competency, risk perception and decision-making influence worker behaviours and incident outcomes. The project seeks to better understand how gaps in knowledge, capability and appreciation of risk can contribute to critical incidents and how these risks can be addressed through improved education and safety systems.

Australian Institute of Health & Safety Body of Knowledge

WAHA continues to contribute subject matter expertise to the Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) Body of Knowledge, helping strengthen the evidence base and practical guidance available to safety professionals across Australia.

Industry Publications and Thought Leadership

WAHA continues to advocate for improved safety outcomes through technical publications, industry commentary and educational content.

Recent contributions include:

• Safety Solutions (March 2026) – Critical Protection at Altitude: Why Head Protection Must Match the Risk Profile
• Sourceable (May 2026) – Understanding the 2-Metre Edge Distance Rule: Origins, Interpretation and Implications
• Safe to Work Mining (February 2026) – Eliminating Fall Risk
• Safe to Work Mining (May 2026) – The New EWP Model Code of Practice: What It Means for Working at Height in Australia

These publications continue WAHA’s commitment to providing practical, evidence-informed guidance that supports safer work practices across industry.

Looking Ahead

The second half of 2026 will see WAHA continue its focus on strengthening member value, advancing industry knowledge, supporting research initiatives, and contributing to the development of safer work practices across working at height and confined space environments.

As always, our achievements are only possible because of the commitment and support of our members, volunteers, Board Directors, technical committees and industry partners.

Thank you for your ongoing involvement with WAHA and for your contribution to improving safety outcomes across Australia.

Sincerely,

Scott Barber

Chief Executive Officer

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