"The Smarter Way to Stay Safe When Working at Heights"

Haz-Ed

10 June 2025

Working at heights is a serious, some may say ‘high risk activity’, and yet, too often, we see people treat it like it is. Whether you’re on a roof, a ladder, a scaffold, or an elevating work platform (EWP), one thing stays the same: if something goes wrong, it’s going to go wrong fast. That’s why we’re passionate about making sure you and your team go home safe at the end of each day.

Here’s what you need to know to get it right when it comes to working at heights—and what not to do.

How to Ensure Safety When Working at Heights

First things first: planning is everything.

Before anyone sets foot off the ground, ask yourself—have we identified the risks? Are the right control measures in place? Do we have the correct equipment, and has it been inspected? Is the person doing the job actually trained to do it?

A solid approach includes:

Site-specific risk assessments
Proper fall protection equipment (think harnesses, lanyards, anchor points, guard rails)
Emergency rescue plans (because “calling 000” is not a plan)
Ongoing supervision and toolbox talks

Working safely at heights isn’t about ticking a box, it’s about making sure people don’t get hurt.

5 Common Mistakes When Working at Heights

Even experienced workers can fall into bad habits (pun intended). Here are five mistakes we see far too often:

Using equipment that isn’t rated or maintained properly
That contaminated harness with rusty components in the back of the ute?
Harness on, not connected to anything
What’s the point. You’ve half invested in saving your life.
Assuming experience equals safety
Just because someone’s done it a thousand times doesn’t mean it’s safe.
No edge protection or fall arrest systems in place
“It’s only a quick job”, “she’ll be right” are famous last words.
Lack of training or renewed competencies
If the person fumbles donning the equipment correctly or inspecting their own gear, it’s a red flag.

Why Is Safety Training Important for Working at Heights?

Because your life literally depends on it.

Good training doesn’t just teach you how to don a harness, it shows you how to think ahead, assess risk, and plan correctly. At Haz-Ed, our height safety training isn’t about memorising rules. It’s about building the mindset and skills that keep you, and your crew, safe and alive.

Training also keeps you compliant with WHS legislation, which is a non-negotiable for any PCBU. But beyond compliance, it’s about accountability.

Protect Yourself: Strategies for Safe Work at Heights

Here’s what we recommend on every job:

Use engineered controls first – like guardrails or walkways.
Limit exposure – minimise time spent at height wherever possible.
Keep your equipment in check – regular inspections, proper storage, and personal fit.
Don’t work alone – always have a spotter or standby person.
Know your emergency plan – and rehearse it.

What Are the Risks of Working at Heights?

Falls from height remain one of the top causes of fatalities and serious injuries across Australian worksites. But it’s not just the fall, other risks include:

Unstable surfaces or roof sheeting (translucent) giving way
Weather changes (wind gusts and wet surfaces)
Falling tools or materials
Overreaching or working outside the safe zone
Mental fatigue or complacency

If you’re a business owner or supervisor, these risks are your responsibility to manage. And if you’re the one up high? Speak up if something doesn’t look or feel right.

Final Word

Working at heights will always come with risk. But with the right systems, the right training, and a team that takes safety seriously, it’s a risk you can manage. At Haz-Ed, we’re here to make sure you’ve got everything in place to protect yourself ands your team, giving you peace of mind.

If you need help getting your people trained or setting up safe access systems, give us a shout.