Prevention of Falls when Working at Heights

6 Contractors working where there is a potential to fall 2 metres or more

The principal and/or their delegate are to ensure that a contractor who as part of their role are required to work at height, are trained in competency-based work safely at heights training course (RIIWHS204D).

The principal and/or their delegate are to ensure that a contractor also supplies a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or equivalent for any tasks where there is the potential to fall 2 metres or more, as mandated by the Department. The principal and/or their delegate must review and sign the SWMS to verify it has been sighted and retain a copy. The SWMS at a minimum must include the following:

• prevention of contractor employee falls
• prevention of objects falling onto persons below
• access and egress to/from worksite
• isolation of worksite and signage
• installation and use of passive fall prevention device(s) or work positioning systems
• safe use of ladders, where required
• emergency response procedures and PPE.

For further information refer to the Contractor OHS Management Policy.