1. Identifying working at heights hazards
The principal or their delegate must identify potential hazards that might increase the risk of falling for any working at heights related tasks. Quarterly workplace safety inspections must be undertaken by the principal or their delegate in consultation with relevant staff and the health and safety representative (HSR), where elected, to identify hazards in the workplace, which may include those that pose a risk of falling from a height.
Common activities in the school environment that may cause a risk of falling when working from a height include, but are not limited to:
- cleaning of gutters
- cleaning and opening high windows
- retrieving balls or other objects from a roof or gutter
- set-up and use of lights in a theatre or gymnasium
- decorating high ceiling classrooms or hanging signs
- general roof maintenance work
- changing lightbulbs.
Contributing factors to consider when identifying hazards associated with working at heights can include, but are not limited to:
- weather conditions
- suitability and maintenance of equipment being used
- unlevel or worn surfaces
- incorrect use of ladders
- the health condition of the individual carrying out the task
- unsuitable footwear
- low light levels
- an overloaded workspace
- overreaching.
The OHS Advisory Service and Statewide OHS Services Team can also support schools with a visit to identify tasks where working at heights may be an issue.
Once hazards and risks are identified, they must be assessed and controlled so far as is reasonably practicable.
Reviewed 19 August 2024