Compliance code: Prevention of falls in general construction

What it contains

If you work in the general construction industry, there are specific duties and obligations you need to comply with under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) 2004 and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHS Regulations) 2017. If your work involves housing construction, see the Prevention of falls in housing construction code of practice.

Note that on 18 June 2017, the OHS Regulations 2017 replaced the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007, which expired on this date. This compliance code has not yet been updated to reflect the changes introduced by the OHS Regulations 2017. Complying with a compliance code made in relation to the old regulations may not necessarily mean compliance with a duty under the new regulations.

This compliance code has been made available solely as a source of practical guidance, to contribute to industry state of knowledge and assist those who must comply with health and safety laws.

This information is particularly relevant for you if you’re an employer, self-employed person, principal contractor or someone who has management or control of a workplace in the general construction industry. It is also relevant for people who design, manufacture, supply, install, erect or commission plant, people who design buildings and structures, employees and health and safety representatives. It uses examples and tools you can apply to your own situation.

It includes information on:

• who has duties for the prevention of falls in general construction
• how to identify and manage risks associated with falls
• how to control risks associated with falls from 2 metres or less
• how to control risks associated with falls from more than 2 metres
• the prevention of falls in trenching and excavation work