Overview
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatalities in Australian workplaces. This nationally recognised course provides participants with the practical skills and knowledge to identify height hazards, select appropriate control measures, and work safely at heights in accordance with WHS legislation and industry best practice.
The course focuses on planning the task, using fall protection equipment correctly, and applying safe work procedures to prevent falls when working on roofs, platforms, structures, ladders, scaffolds, and elevated work areas.
Working at heights is not just about wearing a harness. It is about understanding the risk, choosing the right controls, and knowing how to use equipment correctly before a task begins.
This course builds the confidence and capability to make safe decisions when working in elevated environments.
This course is ideal for workers across a range of industries including:
Mining and resources
Construction and maintenance
Utilities and infrastructure
Oil and gas
Facilities and asset maintenance
Any workplace where tasks are performed at height
Learning outcomes
The course covers the following:
- Legislative requirements
- Hazard identification and risk assessment
- Methods to work safely at heights
- Fall protection systems and equipment
- Equipment inspections
- Inspect and install fall protection and edge protection equipment
- Engineered safety systems
- Safe practices when working on/with scaffold, ladders, elevated working platforms
- Fall restraint and arrest systems
- Suspension intolerance and emergency procedures
Entry Requirements
Participants must:
- Not suffer from acrophobia (fear of heights)
- Provide photo I.D on entry
- Unless exempt, provide a verifiable USI number
- Be physically fit and healthy with capacity to perform manual tasks
- Be able to read, write, communicate orally, and understand and interpret complex information and situations
- Be able to interact with others and work under pressure
- Dress appropriately i.e., long sleeve, long pants or overalls, safety boots/closed in shoes, safety glasses
Please ensure you read our Student Handbook for further information on our policies, procedures, terms, and program conditions.
SDS is committed to identifying and supporting the language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) needs of all learners. Where required, SDS may conduct an LLND assessment prior to training to determine whether any additional support or reasonable adjustment is needed.
Participants are encouraged to advise the training team at any time if they believe they may require learning support so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Delivery method
This course is delivered over one (1) day, and consists of classroom-based theory learning with practical based activities.
Assessments
Assessment includes written and/or multiple-choice knowledge assessment and practical based skills assessments.
Completion
On successful completion of all assessment requirements participants will receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment for:
- RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights
Skills maintenance
There is no legislated expiry for this unit, industry best practice recommends refresher training every two (2) years to maintain competence and familiarity with current standards and procedures.
