Architects
As an architect, you have to demonstrate you have fulfilled your duty of care to document a safe means of access and fall protection to all maintenance zones on your project. The responsibility cannot be shifted to a height safety consultant or specialist, and you cannot fulfil your duty of care by stating so.
PLEASE NOTE: The information on this page is relevant to Australian-based businesses only. For more information on legal requirements in other regions, please contact us directly.
The reality of working at heights
Working at heights remains a high-risk activity and is one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in Australia.
Related to falling from height from 2021-2022
Of fatalities occur from a height of 3 metres or less
The estimated annual cost of height safety issues in Australia
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What are your obligations?
The Code of Practice for Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces states that:
“Designers of structures that are to be used or could reasonably be expected to be used for work must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant or structure is without risks to health and safety.”
They recommend carrying out testing and analysis as well as providing specific information about the plant or structure.
Common height safety misconceptions
Ignorance is no excuse. No matter who you are - employer, employee, contractor, building owner, facility manager, designer, installer or manufacturer - we all have a Duty of Care to ensure safe practices are adhered to when work is being conducted at height.
Height safety obligation resources
Take the risk out of height safety designs
Our height safety system design specialists have a deep understanding of industry requirements and help you meet your obligations for fully compliant systems right from the start.
Exceed compliance
Minimise ongoing costs
Reduce rework
Protect lives
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