Working at Heights: Why Work Permits Save Lives

Elevating Safety: Why Permits for Working at Heights Are Essential

Working at heights is consistently ranked among the most hazardous workplace activities across Australia’s construction, mining, infrastructure, and maintenance sectors. Although a Permit to Work is not explicitly mandated under WHS Regulation for height tasks (unlike confined space entry), implementing one is now widely recognised as best practice—especially when the risk of falls exceeds two metres, occurs near machinery, or involves temporary access equipment.

The Landscape: Alarming Statistics and Incidents

According to Safe Work Australia, falls from height were the second leading cause of workplace fatalities in 2023, increasing by 71% from the previous year. In construction alone, falls account for over half of all injuries and 44% of workers’ compensation claims, according to WHS Show.

Recent real-world incidents illustrate these risks:

• A Qantas employee suffered serious injuries after falling five metres from an aerobridge.
• A Brisbane aerialist sustained fractures after falling six metres during a live performance (Courier Mail).
• A carpenter in Clayton South fell 3.19 metres at a construction site; the contractor was fined for safety failings.

Why Permits to Work Are Best Practice

Although not mandatory for height work, issuing a Permit to Work system has proven benefits. According to MI Safety Inc., permits help confirm that risks are understood, controls are implemented, and documentation is traceable.

Kerrect Group reinforces this, noting that well-managed permits allow for:

• Defined access zones and equipment checks
• Supervisor sign-offs and standby roles
• Rescue plan readiness

WorkSafe ACT  http://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/  further highlights that effective fall prevention is procedural—not just physical—and should include permit protocols, training, and inspection.

6 Signs 2 Safety outlines the visual and procedural clarity gained from appropriate signage, while creative control signage is available from Etsy vendors.

Recommended Training and Competency

Personnel responsible for issuing or reviewing height permits should complete nationally recognised training, such as:

• MSMPER300 – Issue Work Permits
• MSMWHS201 – Conduct Hazard Analysis
• MSMPER200 – Work in Accordance with an Issued Permit
• RIIWHS204E – Work Safely at Heights
• RIIWHS202E – Enter and Work in Confined Spaces

What Is Covered in RIIWHS204E?

The RIIWHS204E unit sets the national standard for working at heights and includes:

Performance Requirements:

• Access and interpret height safety documentation
• Identify hazards and implement controls
• Inspect tools, PPE, fall systems, and access equipment
• Monitor safety systems and reassess risk controls
• Perform safe manual handling and secure materials
• Dismantle and clean up the worksite according to procedure

Knowledge Requirements:

• WHS legislation and regulatory authority requirements
• Equipment names, functions, and manufacturer guidelines
• Emergency planning and safe shifting/handling of tools
• Communication techniques for coordination at heights

Assessment Requirements:

• Tasks must be performed on two separate occasions
• Assessment must reflect realistic workplace conditions
• PPE, relevant documentation, and actual fall protection equipment must be used

Assessment may occur in simulated environments when site access is impractical, provided the simulation is robust enough to reflect real conditions.

What Makes a Strong Permit System?

OHS Alert and other industry experts recommend including:

• Authorised issuers clearly defined by role or title
• Training refresh intervals (recommended every 2–3 years)
• Formal documentation for sign-off and handover
• Site-specific risks and emergency contacts
• Recordkeeping and audit trail for compliance

Refresher Training and Professional Development

Even with accredited training, site-specific induction is critical. This should include:

• Permit-to-work form walkthroughs
• Site walk-arounds showing risk zones
• Toolbox talks for rescue roles or control measures

Trigger points for early refresher training include:

• Change in procedures or equipment
• A near miss or incident
• Lapse in permit issuance activity

Ongoing CPD (continuing professional development) may include reviewing case studies, participating in audits, or facilitating peer permit reviews.

Conclusion

Permits for working at heights are more than forms—they are your frontline defence in preventing life-altering falls. Whether you operate in mining, civil construction, or property maintenance, implementing a structured and auditable permit system protects lives, meets WHS obligations, and promotes a genuine safety culture.

To arrange accredited training in RIIWHS204E or to review your current permit-to-work system, contact our compliance team today.

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