Enhance Worker Safety with Fall Prevention Devices

Haz-Ed

19 September 2025

Keeping accidents from happening is the best workplace fall prevention measure.

The hazards that workers can be exposed to should a fall occur are different for every job site, so it’s important to evaluate them to ensure you have the appropriate safety system for your business.

However, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the huge selection available for every kind of use. To help you navigate options, our safety experts at Haz-Ed offer training on Work Safety at Heights.

Here are some important fall prevention devices to consider for your working area:

Temporary Work Platforms

This fall prevention system is made of temporary work surfaces assembled to support workers in an elevated work area. These platforms keep workers at height from falling:

Scaffolding

The right type of scaffolding is compliant with WHS regulations and effective in helping reduce risks of falls. To pick the best option, begin by evaluating the project requirements.

Types vary and each choice is suitable for certain applications. By understanding how their features work and whether they fit your work site, you’ll be able to narrow down your options faster and make an informed decision.

Site conditions and accessibility must also be considered as some areas may be more challenging to navigate. Seeking guidance from certified professionals can give you peace of mind, knowing that your device is built for your unique needs.

A competent person must handle the scaffolding plan and structure inspections prior to use.

Aside from routine checks, assessments must also be carried out following repairs, events that could compromise its performance (such as storms), and at least every 30 days.

Elevating Work Platforms

Elevating work platforms, or EWPs, are mobile and flexible platforms that can be adjusted at different heights. They can be maneuvered on hard and rough surfaces and provide a more secure option to get work done at heights than ladders.

EWPs leave workers with both hands free, allowing them to do their job more efficiently. They offer comfort, too, as shifting positions or taking breaks is much easier with the wider platform space.

Commonly used by orchard workers, these machines have also found their way into construction sites and building maintenance works.

Mast Climbing Work Platforms

As motorised work platforms, mast climbers travel vertically to lift workers and equipment to high levels. It can be used on all types of building work, from maintenance and inspection to construction.

Workboxes

A workbox is used along with mechanical devices, including cranes and forklift trucks. It offers space for professionals working at heights and can be used as an alternative to scaffolding or EWP.

Building Maintenance Units

This permanent fixture is attached to the building or structure’s roof level. It can be operated manually or automatically and is often used for general maintenance and repair work, including window cleaning.

Platforms Supported by Trestle Ladders

Suitable for job sites at lower heights, trestle ladder scaffolds are commonly used for lighter, indoor tasks, such as painting and decorating.

This movable platform is freestanding and can also be adjusted at different heights. Guard rails and toe boards can be incorporated into the design to make it safer.

Perimeter Guard Rails

Guard rails are visible, fixed safety solutions installed to keep falls from occurring. They can be installed to mezzanine floors, roof edges, balconies, and stairways.

Guard rails must be strong and high enough to prevent workers from falling over, so it’s important to ensure that it is adequate for the load they’re to bear.

Safety Mesh

Safety mesh prevents serious accidents for workers at height, such as roof installers.

Even a fall from a low height can result in major injuries, so the higher the job site, the more important a reliable fall safety device is. Haz-Ed can recommend appropriate fall arrest systems for your application and ensure compliance with Australian standards.

Work Positioning Systems

A work positioning system supports workers in a full body harness while they are working at height. The harness is connected to the anchor point and keeps the body in a safe position.

Make sure you are using essential fall prevention equipment compatible with your work positioning system. Each component should be appropriate for your specific job requirements.

Industrial Rope Access Systems

A rope access system is used to conduct work to a facade while vertically suspended by ropes. Our safety experts at Haz-Ed recommend the following:

• Technicians or operators must be highly-competent in their technique.
• Workers function as a team.
• The system is adopted in an area where immediate response or rescue is possible.
• That the equipment undergo regular inspection and maintenance.
• That fixed anchorage points are thoroughly assessed prior to connecting to rope access line.
• That workers are protected by a carefully planned back up system.
• That any person within three meters of an unguarded edge be adequately secured.
• That all operators wear appropriate full body harnesses.
• That personal protective equipment is properly worn, such as helmets, gloves, hearing protection, goggles and masks.
• That barricades and signposts be installed on anchorage locations and access areas below the working area to notify tradespeople and the public.

Refer to the AS/NZS 4488 industrial rope access systems series for more best practice guidelines.

Restraint Technique

Restraint technique limits a worker’s movement by keeping them from reaching the edge of an elevated job site and falling. A person dons a harness attached to a lanyard and an anchorage point. This technique provides a secure footing and serves as a horizontal lifeline, without the need for additional hand hold or lateral support.

Catch Platform

If eliminating risk of fall isn’t possible, a temporary catch platform can be installed to provide safe landing in the event of a fall. The platform must be designed and built by licensed professionals to ensure reliability. It must be able to handle maximum potential impact load. We recommend the following:

• The deck must be fully planked-out so that it extends at least two meters beyond all unprotected edges of the work area.
• It should be located as close as possible underneath the work area.
• It must be used in conjunction with an edge protection
• They should not serve as a working platform or entrance or exit points. If employees were to use safety nets, it would be crucial to:

Industrial Safety Nets

Safety nets protect workers and allow them to move as much as possible while working at height. We recommend the following practices when using them for your job:

• The nets must be firmly attached prior to work
• They should be made from durable material capable of catching a falling object or person
• They should be installed very close below the working area
• In the absence of edge protection, perimeter safety nets must be used
• There should be enough clearance and tension to keep a falling person from reaching any surface below the net
• Nets should be kept in a cool, dry place with ample air circulation
• The suspended safety nets should be checked to ensure they do not collect any material or debris
• The nets should be routinely inspected, particularly after installation, repair, or relocation
• Welding or oxy cutting should not be carried out on top of safety nets

Individual Fall-Arrest Systems

Employees must wear their personal fall arrest systems correctly for them to serve their purpose.

At Haz-Ed, we recommend using this method only when using other advanced options is not possible. Workers must also receive proper training before using the system. Several components make up the system, including the following:

• Anchorages
• Lifelines
• Inertia reel
• Lanyard of fixed length
• Retractable lifelines
• Rope grabs
• Wire grabs
• Rail system
• Shock absorbers, both personal and industrial
• Harness
• Snap hooks (double or triple action to prevent rollout)
• Karabiners (double or triple action to prevent rollout)
• Rescue equipment

The Australian/New Zealand standards require fall arrest systems to have permanent labels that indicate purpose, usage instructions, limitations, and other helpful information to prevent equipment misuse.

Robust Solutions for Boosting Workplace Safety

To learn more about preventing falls in your workplace, see our Work Safely at Heights Training Course or feel free to contact us on (08) 9248 8099.

Our team have a wealth of experience in risk assessment and safety compliance. We are happy to help you determine the most suitable fall prevention devices.