What is required to manage the risk of falls in the workplace?
Regulation 34-38 state:
In order to manage risk under the WHS Regulations, a duty holder must:
- identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to the risk
- eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably practicable
- if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk – minimise the risk so far as is reasonably practicable by implementing control measures in accordance with the hierarchy of control
- maintain the implemented control measure so that it remains effective
- review, and if necessary revise, risk control measures so as to maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a work environment that is without risks to health and safety.
The Code of Practice: Managing Falls in the Workplace provides guidance on how to manage the risks of persons falling from one level to another by following a systematic process that involves:
- identifying hazards that may cause injury
- if necessary, assessing the risks associated with these hazards
- implementing risk control measures
- reviewing risk control measures to ensure they are effective.
Guidance on the general risk management process is available in the Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks