Part 4.4: WHS Falls Regulations

Regulatory citation: Model Work Health and Safety Regulations, Part 4.4 (Regulations 78–80)

What Are the WHS Falls Regulations?

Part 4.4 of the model Work Health and Safety Regulations requires PCBUs to manage the risk of a fall by a person from one level to another that is reasonably likely to cause injury. It sets out a specific order of controls for fall risks and requires emergency and rescue procedures where fall arrest systems are used.

Why the Falls Regulations Matter

Falls from height are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death at work in Australia, particularly in construction, agriculture and maintenance work. Falls from low heights, such as ladders and vehicle trays, can also cause serious injuries.

Core Obligations

1. Manage Fall Risks (Regulation 78)

PCBUs must manage the risk of falls, including falls into holes, openings, shafts and pits, and falls from structures, vehicles, ladders and fragile surfaces. The duty is not limited to a specific height; it applies wherever a fall is reasonably likely to cause injury.

2. Follow the Falls Control Order (Regulation 79)

If it is reasonably practicable, work must be carried out on the ground or on a solid construction. Where that isn't reasonably practicable, the PCBU must provide a safe means of access and egress, and minimize the risk of a fall by using, in this order:

• A fall prevention device: such as guardrails, scaffolding, edge protection or elevating work platforms
• A work positioning system: such as a restraint system or industrial rope access system, if a fall prevention device is not reasonably practicable
• A fall arrest system: such as a harness and anchor, catch platform or safety net, if the above are not reasonably practicable

3. Emergency and Rescue Procedures (Regulation 80)

Where a fall arrest system is used, the PCBU must establish emergency procedures, including first aid, rescue procedures and testing of those procedures, and provide workers with suitable training. A worker left suspended in a harness can suffer serious harm, so rescue must be fast.

Common Compliance Approaches

Design Out Work at Height

Prefabricate at ground level, use extendable tools, and design buildings and plant so maintenance can be done without working at height.

Use Collective Protection First

Guardrails, scaffolds and elevating work platforms protect everyone without relying on individual behavior, so they rank above harness systems.

Inspect Equipment and Anchors

Inspect harnesses, lanyards, anchors and scaffolds before use and at set intervals, and remove damaged equipment from service.

Plan Rescues Before Work Starts

Every fall arrest job should have a practiced rescue plan and the equipment to carry it out.

Example: Managing Falls in Practice

A roofing contractor needs to replace sheeting on a warehouse roof. The team installs perimeter guardrails and mesh under the fragile skylights as fall prevention devices. For a small section where guardrails can't be fitted, workers use a restraint system that stops them reaching the edge. The contractor prepares a rescue plan with an elevating work platform on standby and runs a quick rescue drill before work begins.

Note: This summary is based on the model WHS laws published by Safe Work Australia. Most states and territories have adopted them with minor variations, while Victoria has its own OHS laws. Always check the legislation and codes of practice that apply in your jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what height is fall protection required under WHS law?

The general falls duty under the model WHS Regulations applies to any fall from one level to another that is reasonably likely to cause injury, regardless of height. Separately, construction work involving a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres is classed as high risk construction work and requires a safe work method statement. Some jurisdictions set different heights for specific work types, so check local rules.

Is a harness enough to comply with the falls regulations?

Not if higher-order controls are reasonably practicable. The regulations require work on the ground or a solid construction first, then fall prevention devices such as guardrails, then work positioning systems, and only then fall arrest systems like harnesses. A harness also requires a rescue plan.

Why do fall arrest systems need a rescue plan?

A worker suspended in a harness after a fall can suffer serious harm if not rescued quickly. The model regulations require emergency and rescue procedures, testing and training wherever fall arrest systems are used.