Working from a significant height increases the risk of injury. Falling from just a few meters is enough to cause serious bodily injury or even death.
The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act includes specific requirements to help limit the number of injuries and fatalities due to falls from heights. One of these requirements is for employees and supervisors to complete a working at heights training course.
The working at heights course in Brisbane provides the skills and knowledge needed to reduce the risk of falls. This includes the use of the hierarchy of control measures, which offers steps for assessing hazards and implementing a risk management solution. The standard process features these steps:
The most effective control measure is elimination. Eliminating the need to work at heights is always the safest option, but not always possible.
Substitution involves replacing a means of access with another. For example, replacing a temporary ladder with a permanent ladder provides a safer way to reach tall structures or surfaces.
Engineering controls often include steps for preventing access to the hazard or clearly identifying the hazard. Signs or notices can warn people of the dangers while locks can help prevent access.
Administrative controls are steps used to minimise exposure to the hazard. A supervisor may limit the amount of time that an employee can spend working at heights or require employees to complete tasks in pairs.
The final control measure is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety equipment, such as airbags, harnesses, or fall arrest gear. These are considered the least effective solutions as they do not directly eliminate the hazard.
These control measures help you comply with the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) fall from height code of practice, which includes these priorities:
The RIIWHS204E Course unit is required for employees with job duties that entail working at heights. Falls are a major cause of death for employees in various industries, including construction. Before working from ladders or scaffolding, you may need to complete the necessary program.
Registered training organisations such as AlertForce offer face-to-face training that meets the health and safety standards outlined in the OHS Act. To determine whether you need to complete the course, speak with your HSR or supervisor.
The ticket is required to work at heights of two metres or higher. 27% of work-related injury claims are from falls of two metres or higher. However, safety organisations recommend this training for any task that involves tall structures, even if the structure is less than two metres.
After successful completion of the course, you receive a statement of attainment that acts as your ticket to perform work at heights.
The ticket does not have an expiry date. It remains valid indefinitely, but trade groups, companies, and safety organisations often recommend the refresher course every two years.
With the refresher course, you can remain aware of any changes to the OHS guidelines and requirements. It also helps refresh the information that you learned during your initial training.
The average cost of the course ranges between $250 and $400. In Brisbane, it tends to cost a little less. The cost also depends on the provider. For example, AlertForce offers face-to-face RIIWHS204E training for $247 per person.
The online refresher course costs much less. Currently, AlertForce charges $66 for the self-paced online program. Please note this is only suitable for those people who have previously completed a face to face course or would like awareness on the topic.
The initial course requires a full day of instruction, typically lasting about six to eight hours. These are short courses. The scheduled time includes a break and may run a little longer when the course includes a large group.
The online refresher course is often completed in less time, with a recommended duration of two hours. It is self-paced, so the duration depends on how quickly or slowly you go through the course material.
If your job duties involve working at heights of two meters or higher, you need to complete an approved training program. Retaking the course is also recommended every two years. Enrol in the face-to-face initial course or the online refresher course today.
