There are number of publications available from WorkSafe on working from heights. Most of this information provides guidance to assist employers identify the risks and implement controls.

We have downloaded some of the more relevant working from heights publications from WorkSafe to make it easier for you to access quickly.

New laws for working at heights

Basic steps to preventing falls from heights

Your health and safety guide to Falls prevention

Guidance Note: Use of plasterers stilts 

Prevention of falls- working on roofs

Prevention of falls in housing construction

Prevention of falls in genral construction

Prevention of falls- contractor management

Prevention of falls- mezzanines

Prevention of falls- ladders

We have also put together a summary of do's and dont's on the safe use of ladders.

 

DO’S

DON’TS

 

  1. Check all four feet are in contact with the same level ground.
  2. Ensure the rungs of the ladder are facing towards the painting surface, not side on to it.
  3. Only use step ladders with a hand rail over the top platform.
  4. Ensure three contact points are made at all times on the ladder. This means that 2 feet and one hand should be in contact with the ladder at all times.
  5. When climbing down ensure you use the last step before standing on the ground.
  6. Ensure you wear appropriate non-slip footwear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. “Walk” the ladder to move to a new position.
  2. Stand on the top platform of the ladder.
  3. Position the ladder over obstacles on the floor.
  4. Jump off the ladder.
  5. Have more than one person standing on the ladder at a time.
  6. Climb higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder, or where the shoulders are higher than the top of the ladder.
  7. Carry items heavier than 25 Kg up and down a ladder.

 
Do not use a ladder when:
  1. Load weight of person and material either do exceed or is likely to exceed the ladder capacity
  2. Where faults in the ladder are observed on inspection.
  3. Where a task involves someone working at height and there is a significant risk of the person falling and being seriously injured or killed.
  4. If the person has a medical condition, or taking medication that could affect their stability.