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:

  1. identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to the risk
  2. eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably practicable
  3. 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
  4. maintain the implemented control measure so that it remains effective
  5. 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:

  1. identifying hazards that may cause injury
  2. if necessary, assessing the risks associated with these hazards
  3. implementing risk control measures
  4. 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