Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice ![docx icon]()
Managing the risk of falls in housing construction is a great resource to assist you in avoiding the risks of falls through building voids. Falls are a major cause of death and serious injury in Australian workplaces. Fall hazards are found when carrying out common tasks in the construction of a typical one or two-storey house.
- Falling through unguarded stairwell openings
- Falling through unguarded openings
- Falling from unprotected edges e.g. working from open floor joists
Risk mitigation
- Voids and atriums should be guarded as soon as possible after laying sheet flooring
- A toe-board is necessary where persons are working below to prevent falling objects
- All stairwells, atriums and voids through which a person could fall should be sturdily guarded, covered with an industrial safety net or sheeted over.
- No go areas can be an effective method of making sure people are not exposed to hazards like falls or being hit by a falling object
- Guardrails should be installed in accordance with AS/NZS 4994 – Temporary Edge Protection, Proprietary systems are recommended and should be installed to manufacturers specifications.
For further information Stop Construction Falls – WorkSafe ACT
If you are interested in learning more about safety risk management MBAs next short course on WHS risk management for supervisors and managers is on 20 May 2025; And
Working at Heights training courses are run regularly. Click the link to register now.
Managing the risk of falls in housing construction is a great resource to assist you in avoiding the risks of falls through building voids. Falls are a major cause of death and serious injury in Australian workplaces. Fall hazards are found when carrying out common tasks in the construction of a typical one or two-storey house.
