Regulations 54–55: WHS Falling Objects

Regulatory citation: Model Work Health and Safety Regulations, Chapter 3, Part 3.2, Division 10, Regulations 54–55 (Falling objects)

What Are the WHS Falling Objects Regulations?

Regulations 54 and 55 of the model WHS Regulations require PCBUs to manage the risk of an object falling on a person where the falling object is reasonably likely to injure that person. Falling objects include tools dropped from height, materials falling from racking, loads slipping from lifting gear, debris from demolition and parts of structures.

Regulation 55 sets out what adequate protection looks like when the risk cannot be eliminated. It focuses on stopping objects falling freely in the first place and, where that is not reasonably practicable, arresting their fall.

Why Falling Object Controls Matter

Even small objects can cause serious head injuries when they fall from height. In warehouses, construction sites and maintenance work, people often work below others or near stacked materials. Clear rules on preventing and arresting falls protect both workers and members of the public walking past a site.

Core Obligations

1. Manage the Risk (r54)

A PCBU must manage risks to health and safety associated with an object falling on a person if the falling object is reasonably likely to injure the person. This must be done in accordance with Part 3.1, using the hierarchy of control. The first question is whether the risk can be eliminated, for example by doing the work at ground level or removing the object.

2. Provide Adequate Protection When Elimination Is Not Practicable (r55(1)–(2))

If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, the PCBU must minimise it by providing adequate protection against the risk. Adequate protection means a safe system of work, which must be provided and maintained.

3. Prevent Objects Falling Freely (r55(3)(a))

The safe system of work must, so far as is reasonably practicable, prevent an object from falling freely. Examples include toe boards and mesh on scaffolds, tool lanyards, securing materials stored at height and properly slinging loads.

4. Arrest the Fall Where Free Fall Cannot Be Prevented (r55(3)(b))

If it is not reasonably practicable to prevent the object falling freely, the system must, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide a system to arrest the fall of a falling object. Catch nets, debris fans and catch platforms are common examples.

5. Use Barriers, Safe Lifting and Exclusion Zones

The regulation gives examples of controls that may form part of the safe system of work. These are a secure barrier, a safe means of raising and lowering objects, and an exclusion zone that persons are prohibited from entering.

6. Consider Everyone Below the Work

The duty covers any person who could be struck, including other workers, visitors and members of the public. Overhead work next to footpaths, roads or occupied areas may need hoardings, covered walkways or temporary closures.

Common Compliance Approaches

Drop Zone Planning

Before overhead work starts, mark out the area where objects could land, allowing for bounce and wind, and control entry to it.

Tool Tethering and Material Restraint

Tether hand tools at height, use bins or bags for small items, and restrain stored materials on racking and edges.

Lifting Plans

Plan crane and hoist lifts so that loads are properly slung, travel paths avoid people, and tag lines are used where needed.

Example: Falling Object Controls in Practice

A building contractor is replacing roof sheeting on a three-storey office beside a busy footpath. It installs edge protection with mesh infill and toe boards at the roof edge, and requires tool lanyards for all roof workers. A covered walkway protects the footpath, and the area directly below the material hoist is fenced as an exclusion zone with signs. Old sheets are lowered in a cage rather than dropped. When a supervisor sees a bundle of screws left near the edge, the toolbox talk that afternoon covers storing small items in sealed bins.

Related regulations: WHS falls regulations, WHS SWMS requirements, WHS plant and structures.

Note: This summary is based on the model WHS laws published by Safe Work Australia. The model laws only have legal effect once a jurisdiction adopts them. Most states and territories have adopted them with some variations, which can include different wording or regulation numbers, while Victoria has not adopted the model WHS laws and has its own OHS laws. Amendments to the model laws apply only once a jurisdiction adopts them. Always check the legislation and codes of practice that apply in your jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does regulation 55 require exclusion zones on every job?

No. An exclusion zone is one example of a control that may form part of a safe system of work. The PCBU must choose controls that prevent free fall, or arrest falls, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Do the falling object rules only apply in construction?

No. They apply at any workplace where an object falling on a person is reasonably likely to cause injury, including warehouses, retail stores with high shelving and maintenance work.

What comes first, preventing the fall or catching it?

Preventing the object from falling freely comes first. A system to arrest the fall is required where prevention is not reasonably practicable.