Working at any height includes a risk of falling and a chance of injury or even death.
To help protect employees and minimise the risks, business owners have obligations under the OHS Regulations. These obligations include providing necessary equipment and training, such as a working safely at heights course.
With the right training, you can learn the skills to safely work at heights.
What Is Working at Heights Training Melbourne?
Falls are a leading cause of death in Australia. Between 2003 and 2016, 359 workers were killed after falling while working. Half of these deaths involved falls of less than three metres.
The training program covers the knowledge of safety procedures and equipment for undersranding OHS regulations. Employees should only take these courses through a nationally recognised training facility.
The health and safety gold standard for working at heights is the RIIWHS204E course. The key topics addressed during the training session include:
- Understanding OHS legislation and regulations
- Understanding Australian standards
- Developing risk assessment processes, including the hierarchy of control measures
- Using protective equipment
- Understanding the most common fall hazards that staff are exposed to
- Identifying and assessing hazards before completing any work
The first part of the course covers the regulations concerning tasks that involve a risk of falling. Workers also learn the standards, which include the use of risk assessment processes.
The most commonly used risk assessment method involves the hierarchy of control measures. With the hierarchy, staff complete eight levels of assessment before completing a task. These levels include:
- Avoiding tasks that involve heights
- Preventing falls using the available work site
- Preventing falls with collective equipment
- Preventing falls with personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Mitigating the distance of the fall
- Minimising consequences using equipment and training
After learning the regulations and standards, the staff learns how to use protective equipment and fall arrest systems to reduce the risk of injury. This may also include work positioning systems, energy-absorbing lanyards, ladders, and anchor systems.
Before starting work, staff needs to determine if they can perform the same task from a lower place. For example, using different equipment, staff may reach taller spots instead of needing to ascend a tall structure.
When there are no alternative options, staff need to assess the risks and devise a proper safety plan for mitigating potential hazards.
Do I Need Working at Heights Training in Melbourne?
Anyone that works at heights of more than two metres should consider completing this training. It is also recommended when performing tasks that may involve shorter falls. According to Safe Work Australia, falls from any distance can result in severe injury.
Your employer should consider enrolingl you in this training program if they have identified hazards in the workplace. After completing the training, you receive a statement of attainment which is nationally recognised in every State of Australia.
A wallet-size ticket arrives in the mail (note we currently do not provide this service), which may take several weeks. In the meantime, you can use the statement as proof of the successful completion of the heights training course.
For What Height Do You Need a Working at Heights Ticket?
If your task involves a risk of falling more than two metres, many workplaces will require you to have a ticket or proof of training. This does not always involve tall areas such as roofing, ladders, or scaffolding. It is also possible to fall into trenches or down embankments.
Falls are a major cause of death in Australia. High-risk jobs bring extra hazards but employers need to ensure that employees have the knowledge to help reduce exposure to hazards.
How Long Is the Working at Heights Courseм in Melbourne?
The height safety courses include a single session that typically runs about six to eight hours. The program includes practical exercises and theory training.
The program only has basic entry requirements. To take the course, participants simply need to have a valid photo ID and basic English skills. However, if your job also involves work at a construction site, you need to complete your construction induction training as well.
How Long Does a Working at Heights Ticket Last in Melbourne?
The statement of attainment and wallet-sized card do not expire. Section 21 of the OHS Act 2004 Victoria only requires employers to provide adequate training and supervision. This includes the individual session and ticket.
There is no expiry for the ticket but refresher courses help reinforce the safety practices and reduce the risk of accident or injury.
Industry groups and individual businesses often recommend employees refresh their knowledge and skills every two years. Through AlertForce, employees can enrol in an online refresher course. The self-paced course is convenient and affordable.
If you do not yet have a ticket to work safely at heights or need to complete a refresher course, enrol in the necessary program today.
