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You need high standards when working at heights

When standards fall, workers fall. It is your responsibility if you are in charge of a work site to ensure that safety standards are met when working at heights.

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Falls from height statistics

16  

Fatalities in the construction industry were caused by a fall from height. *

1983  

injury claims from falls from heights in construction. **

20-29 years  

The most affected age group in construction for injuries from falls. **

* WorkSafe fatalities data (December 2019 - December 2023)
** WorkSafe compensation claim data (November 2019 - November 2023)

The high cost of workplace falls - Pat and John's story

Building supervisor John's life changed forever in 2006 when he fell through the floor on the second storey of a building, rupturing his lower spine and fracturing his neck. John's wife Pat knows that he is lucky to be able to walk, but the trauma and resulting mental injury have meant he can no longer work.

Falls from heights prevention

Falls from heights prevention - Hierarchy of control

Construction top tips: Fall controls - tip 1

Safe work method statements (SWMS)

Learn about how and when to prepare and use a safe work method statement (SWMS) for high-risk construction work (HRCW).

More about SWMS

Guides and codes

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