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Major Risk - Falls from Heights

Falls while working at height is a major cause of work related fatalities and injuries in Australia.  Falls from height can occur through such activities as climbing up on a ladder, using an elevated work platform (eg: a scissor lift) or through a number of other methods.

Any time a person is working at height they are at risk, as even falls from a low height have the potential to cause serious injury.

While setting up for events there are numerous tasks that may involve working at height, such as hanging banners from the ceiling, erecting lighting and audio-visual equipment on stands, or assembling various staging sections.

Event organisers must ensure that risks associated with falls from height must be either eliminated, or reduced as far as is reasonable practicable.  As much of the task as possible should be completed on the ground prior to working at height.

Risk Assessments

A Risk Assessment must be completed for all activities (including those undertaken by contractors) that involve working at heights. Suitable controls must then be implemented to either eliminate the risk of falls from height, or to reduce those risks as far as is reasonable practicable.

Further Information

The following resources will provide further information in relation to working at heights at events:

 

Below are some examples of hazards, risks and controls associated with working at heights at events

Hazards

Risks

Controls
  • Working on roofs (ie: contractors)
  • Working with ladders;
  • Erecting signs and other items (ie: libraries and gymnasiums)
  • Hanging posters
  • Accessing high shelving
  • During construction work.
  • Use of step-stools or chairs
  • Storage of stock, materials or displays
  • Unstable or inappropriate ladders/steps
  • Uneven floors or surfaces
  • Lighting issues
  • Access to the area
  • Condition of steps and stairs
  • Carrying loads on stairs
  • Weather conditions
  • Risk of injuries/death from falls
  • Breach of legislative requirements
  • Breach of CQUniversity policies & procedures
  • Endangering the personal safety of contractors, staff, students visitors and others at events
  • Increased risk of adverse situation requiring emergency response
  • Reputational damage to University
  • Legal action
  • Regulatory prosecution / fines
  • All working at heights subject to a Risk Assessment prior to the work being carried out
  • Eliminate work at height where possible
  • Consider safer methods of working at height (ie: use of elevated work platforms)
  • Ensure contractors submit work method statements for approval any activates involving working at heights, prior to work being undertaken
  • Ensure ladders in good condition, and appropriate for use with a suitable load rating
  • Rearrange area to minimize work at heights where possible
  • Ensure use of step stools/ladders is minimized where possible
  • Prohibit use of unsafe methods of working at height (ie: use of chairs)
  • Ensure work surface is even and safe for working at heights
  • Ensure adequate lighting is available
  • Ensure suitable access and good housekeeping in the area
  • Minimize carrying and use of equipment at height where possible
  • Ensure weather conditions appropriate for working at heights