Falls from heights can cause very serious and sometimes fatal injuries. Even falls from a low height have the potential to cause serious injury and must be managed. This includes the use of low level platforms and ladders.

Falling objects can also cause serious injuries if efforts are not made to eliminate the associated risks. It is essential to ensure that objects do not fall onto people who may be under or next to the area where work is being carried out.

Schools and worksites are advised that students and volunteers are not to be on roofs, or working on roofs at any time. No Department Of Education employee is to work at a height of 2 metres or above unless their role specifically requires them to do so and the requirement has been appropriately documented (i.e. in their Statement of Duties). If an employee is required to work at height (above 2 metres), a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must be developed and the employee is to be trained in the procedure and deemed competent before the work can be performed. It is highly recommended that all high risk work involving working at heights above 2 metres is undertaken by contractors who are licensed and trained to perform work at heights. Ladder use must be in accordance with a safe work procedure and Section 7 of the Code of Practice – Managing the Risks of Falls at Workplaces.

Workplaces should identify tasks that place staff, students or others at risk of a fall from heights and:

• Determine if the task can be performed another way e.g. design changes, using long–handled tools, the use of contractors.
• If heights must be accessed, the activity must have controls or systems in place to prevent falls from height.

Use the following Codes of Practice to comply with the legislation and educate staff:

• Code of Practice – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Code of Practice – Construction Work

• Risk Assessment Process for Working at Heights
• Safe Work Method Statement – Working at Heights – Sample

Many falls take place when people are working from ladders. Ladders should only be used when it is not reasonably practicable to work at ground level. Other options (e.g. an elevating work platform or scaffolding) should also be explored as to whether they would be safer or more efficient or more suited to the task.

• The use of ladders is to be subject to risk assessment, safe work procedures and training.
• Ladders should only be used as a work platform for light work of short duration after key hazards such as work position, over reach and setup have been considered.
• All ladders in DoE workplaces should have a minimum 120kg safe load rating and be manufactured for industrial use
• DoE Safe Work Procedure – Ladders
• SafeWork NSW – Ladder Safety
• WorkSafe Guidance Note GN049 – Using Portable Ladders Safely
• WorkSafe – Prevention of Falls – Ladders
• WorkSafe – Prevention of Falls in Construction

Slips, trips and falls result in a range of injuries from bruises, sprains and strains through to fractures and dislocations in DoE workplaces. Slips occur when a person's foot loses traction with the floor. The most common cause of slips are slippery floor surfaces and inappropriate footwear. Trips occur when a person is walking and one of the feet ‘catch’ unexpectedly on an object. Most of the time the objects that cause trips are small and unobtrusive defects in flooring or walkways. Changes in floor levels and leads left lying across walkways are also often implicated in trip accidents. Falls can result from slips or trips but can also occur during falls from low heights such as steps, ladders and curbs. Slips, trips and falls can be prevented through good design, appropriate maintenance, risk management and reporting.

Staff and students can take a number of simple actions to avoid slip, trip and fall injuries. For example:

• Keep vigilant while walking downstairs, (hold the guard rail)
• Avoid using mobile devices while walking (find a safe area to use your mobile device or wait until you reach your destination)
• Be aware that ice can form on cold winter mornings on pathways, (look for alternative routes if available).
• If you see a hazard that may cause a slip, trip or fall report the Hazard to the Principal or Site Manager.
• Slips and Trips at the Workplace Fact Sheet
• DoE – Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention
• DoE – Slips, Trips and Falls Checklist

• DoE Risk Assessment Template
• Prevention of Falls – Working on Roofs – WorkSafe Victoria
• Process for Managing Work at Heights
• Safe Work Method Statement
• Safe Work Method Statement for High Risk Construction Work – Information Sheet – SafeWork Australia
• Safe Work Method Statement for High Risk Construction Work – Information Sheet – WorkSafe Victoria
• Safe Work on Roofs – Information Sheet – SafeWork Australia
• Safety Alert – Working at Heights
• TasTAFE - Work Safely at Heights Training
• Work‑Related Injuries & Fatalities Inolving a Fall From Height – SafeWork Australia