WORKING AT HEIGHT RISK ASSESSMENT Form WHS78

This document is an identification of hazards and a generic risk assessment for working at height. A variety of controls measures are noted.
It is recommended that local areas review this form as a guide prior to commencing any tasks that involve working at height, and the controls applicable
to your situation are selected or adapted for local use.
This assessment is applicable to all UniSA workplaces where working at heights is required. However, you should carry out a risk assessment on
individual hazards if there is any likelihood that a person may be exposed to greater, additional or different risks.
A related generic Working at Height Standard Operating Procedure developed by UniSA STEM should also be reviewed by UniSA people if required to
undertake work at height.
Reference: SafeWork SA CODE OF PRACTICE (June 2020) Managing the risk of falls at workplaces

Risk level
Item Hazard description How exposed to hazard Risk control measures
1 Human Factors  Appropriate training and instruction for those required to Work at height. This
includes Competency Based Training such as:
May occur through -Yellow Card for Elevated Work Platforms

Consequence is Critical (due to potential fatality).

Fall from height due to -White card for working in a construction site
inexperience, user error,
inexperience in this work task. -License for scaffolding work
complacency, lack of
-Inhouse Ladder training by suitably competent staff
supervision.

Results in a MEDIUM risk rating.

Performing an ad hoc task  Work to be performed by competent and mentally alert staff
without due diligence and  Supervision of work by responsible line manager
Poses a risk of a fall resulting in

Likelihood is Unlikely.
planning.  Established SOPs based upon Code of Practice used to perform the work
serious Injury  Review and discuss with a colleague how the work will be performed prior to
commencing
 Availability of appropriate PPE
 Ability to request specialist contractor perform task via CSR
 Seek FMU engagement if the task is infrastructure related
 Training records showing competency and currency
2 Falling from the working Staff and students operating at  Select appropriate equipment to enable access (ladder, scaffold, EWP).
height height (could be on structures,  Training and instruction provided to staff required to work at heights
equipment, scaffolding, EWP,  Work conducted at height to be in accordance with Unit’s SOP for task
ladders)  Supervision if required
 PPE available
 If using a fall prevention device (i.e. working platforms, edge protection, scaffolding)
consider if additional control with a fall arrest system to limit and control the free fall
distance is required. If so, training and supervision is required to ensure system is
used correctly.
WHS General Risk Assessment WHS2, V2.1, 2 March 2020 – Safety & Wellbeing
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 Risk level
Item Hazard description How exposed to hazard Risk control measures
3 Ground or surface uneven Equipment becomes unstable due  Inspection of work area prior to work to ensure surface is suitable and solid base for
and / or slippery to nature of ground or surface and EWP or ladder can be achieved
risk of a fall increases  Set up on firm, stable and level ground
 Established SOPs based upon Code of Practice used to perform the work
4 Inappropriate or faulty Using an inappropriate or poor  Consider task and select appropriate aid using hierarchy of control (eg: Does the
equipment / ladder for task conditioned scaffold, EWP, ladder work need to be done at height? Would scaffolding or an EWP assist? Is the ladder
or safety system may increase available appropriate for the task to be performed?)
likelihood of incident.  Variety of ladders available to enable correct selection for task
[Note: extension or single ladders should only be used as a means to access /exit a
e.g.: equipment may collapse work area or for light work of short duration that can be carried out safely from the
causing injury to worker or others ladder].  
 Regular inspection and maintenance of work at heights equipment in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations
 Pre-use equipment checks performed by operator prior to use.
 Equipment certified and maintained where required (Units could consider a Ladder
Register refer to AS 1892.5:2020 - Portable ladders, Part 5: Selection, use & care
 Training and instruction provided to staff in selection and use of equipment
 Established SOP for usage
 Disposal or repair action for ladders and equipment with identified faults
5 Working alone when at height A worker maybe alone while  Review / Assess with Supervisor how the work will be performed prior to
working at height that exposes commencing
them to additional risk  Work to be in accordance with Unit’s SOP for working at height
 Ensure buddy system / two workers available for the job
 Second person provides supervision and look-out role
 Work at heights training must be completed prior to undertaking work at height
 Work at Heights Awareness training module available for staff
6 Reaching / overstretching on Fall from over balancing due to  Training and instruction for those required to Work at height in use of ladders, EWP,
ladder extending centre of gravity to scaffolding etc.
unsafe position  Appropriate equipment available for task (ladders, scaffold, EWP).
 Work to be performed by competent and mentally alert staff.
 Supervision of work by responsible line manager
 Established SOPs based upon Code of Practice used to perform the work
e.g. methods to secure ladders - especially for work on uneven ground
 Inspection of work site to ensure access equipment can be set correctly
 Relocate ladder during course of work if required

WHS General Risk Assessment WHS2, V2.1, 2 March 2020 – Safety & Wellbeing
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled. Please refer to the Safety & Wellbeing website for the latest version.
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 Risk level
Item Hazard description How exposed to hazard Risk control measures
7 Working near overhead power Worker or equipment coming into  Training and instruction in use of ladders, EWP, scaffolding etc.
lines contact with overhead  Observe / inspect work site prior to commencement to ensure clear unimpeded
powerlines / electrical services access and separation from electrical services
therefore potential for electric  Worker to perform quick risk assessment of site hazards
shock Work to be performed by competent and mentally alert staff.
 On site supervision of work by responsible line manager
 Established SOPs based upon Code of Practice including “Look up & Live”
 On site supervision of work by responsible line manager
 Use a Spotter in place to provide warning of proximity to electrical services
8 Carrying items up and down Fall from loss of balance while  Established SOPs based upon Code of Practice used to perform the work
ladders carrying items up or down ladders  Training and instruction for those required to Work at height
 Supervision of work by responsible line manager
 Use of tool belt / backpack / carry bag / pulley system to carry tools / equipment
to enable maintaining three points of contact when accessing or exiting the work site
 Lifting system to lift tools or equipment into place
9 Dropping objects or tools Person below is struck by a  Establish ‘No-Go’ zone for foot traffic around ladder, EWP etc by use of
dropped object cones, bunting, safety signs.
 Use of tool belt to ensure tools are retained securely
 Use safety nets, kick boards or other means to prevent tools etc dropping from
height
 Instruction, training and supervision for those required to work at height
 Appropriate PPE (hard hats) when working under /near others working at height
10 Undertaking “High Risk Work where there is a risk of a fall Only to be performed by staff/students deemed competent through specialised
Construction Work” from 3mts or above training (eg: White card for working on a construction site)
 Specific Risk Assessment and Safe Work Method Statement as described at
 https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/industry/construction/safe-work-method-
statements required for the task
 Specialist safety equipment to be available eg: (harness system, fall prevention)
 Ability to request specialist contractor perform task via CSR or direct engagement
11 Work surroundings  Other activities occurring at or  Allow safe access around work site by use of fencing / barricading / lighting 
near the worksite, exposing the  Traffic Management and control 
worker to increased risk of fall.   Use a Spotter in place if required
 Signage 
12 Manual handling Carrying heavy loads, repeated  Training and awareness to be provided to staff
lifting, and / or poor technique can Major  Online Module – Manual Handling Safety available for staff
lead to muscular-skeletal injury  Work to be in accordance with Unit’s SOP for task
and
 Appropriate equipment available to minimise injury from moving loads
Unlikely  Work with buddy for lifting and carrying heavy loads

WHS General Risk Assessment WHS2, V2.1, 2 March 2020 – Safety & Wellbeing
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled. Please refer to the Safety & Wellbeing website for the latest version.
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 Risk level
Item Hazard description How exposed to hazard Risk control measures
13 Working Outdoors Local weather could make a task MEDIUM  Weather conditions to be considered prior to work.
more hazardous risk Consideration of UniSA WHS Guideline Heat and Cold at Work
Tasks performed outdoors will (eg: sun exposure; winds affecting  Review and discuss with supervisor if weather conditions are suitable for work to be
be subject to weather stability of work platform) undertaken
conditions (wind, cold, heat)
Appendix 2 - Risk Assessment Matrix

RISK SEVERITY/CONSEQUENCE
CRITICAL MAJOR MINOR NEGLIGIBLE
(may cause severe (injury resulting in at (medical treatment (first aid treatment -
injury or fatality - least one day lost injury - back to no lost time)
more than two time) work)
LIKELIHOOD weeks lost time)
VERY LIKELY
(exposure happens frequently) High High Medium Medium

LIKELY
(exposure but not frequently) High Medium Medium Low

UNLIKELY
(exposure could happen but only rarely) Medium Medium Low Very low

VERY UNLIKELY
(Exposure can happen but probably Medium Low Very low Very low
never will)

Based on SafeWork SA risk assessment matrix April 2015

RISK PRIORITY TABLE

Risk
Definitions of priority Time frame
priority
Situation critical, stop work immediately or consider cessation of work process.
High Now
Must be fixed today, consider short term and/or long term actions.

Medium Is very important, must be fixed urgently, consider short term and/or long term actions. 1 – 3 weeks

WHS General Risk Assessment WHS2, V2.1, 2 March 2020 – Safety & Wellbeing
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled. Please refer to the Safety & Wellbeing website for the latest version.
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 Is still important but can be dealt with through scheduled maintenance or similar type
Low 1 - 3 Months
programming. However, if solution is quick and easy then fix it today.

Very low Review and/or manage by routine processes Not applicable

WHS General Risk Assessment WHS2, V2.1, 2 March 2020 – Safety & Wellbeing
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled. Please refer to the Safety & Wellbeing website for the latest version.
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