Victoria: prevent the fall before relying on fall arrest

WorkSafe Victoria’s Prevention of falls in general construction compliance code was published on 19 December 2019 and remains available on its official resource page.

Practical points

This code addresses general construction, including falls above two metres, lower falls and excavation-related falls. Two metres is not a universal safe threshold.

For the applicable hierarchy, first consider working from the ground or solid construction, then passive fall prevention, work-positioning systems and fall-arrest systems before lower-order measures. Safe work method statements, competent installation, maintenance and emergency arrangements must fit the actual task. Check whether a proposed control introduces another risk.

An illustrative workplace example

For hypothetical roof work at an operating correctional facility, ask how access, edge protection, the area below and emergency response are coordinated with operations. A harness shown in a procurement list is not by itself a complete fall-prevention plan.

Status and source

Following the code provides deemed compliance only for duties it covers. Other lawful methods are possible; the code does not replace legislation. General education, not individual legal or engineering advice.

Read the official WorkSafe resource page and complete official PDF.