Managing Risk of Falls in Housing Construction – Code of Practice Checklist
Download this resource
Available in the following formats:
What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how fall risks are identified and managed in housing construction work. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where work at heights, edges, or openings is involved. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check everyday Work Health and Safety practices on residential construction sites.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control for fall hazards in housing construction. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current controls reduce fall risks and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Falls are a leading cause of serious injury in housing construction, often due to changing site conditions. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like in everyday residential building work. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for WHS improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how housing construction work is actually carried out rather than how it is intended to be done. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real site conditions, access methods, and work sequencing.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work stages, site conditions, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how fall risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written plans. They look for evidence that hazards are recognised, risks are assessed, and controls are applied as housing construction progresses. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that fall risks are actively reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What types of fall risks does this checklist cover?
It covers common fall risks in housing construction, such as roof work, scaffolding, ladders, edges, and openings. The focus is on how these risks are managed during normal work.
Is this checklist only for multi-storey housing projects?
No. Fall risks can exist in single-storey housing construction as well. The checklist is relevant wherever there is a risk of falling.
Does completing the checklist mean fall risks are controlled?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review and improvement.
When should fall risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when work stages change, new access methods are used, or incidents occur. Many businesses also review regularly as work progresses.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s78–s80 – Falls – Establishes duties to manage risks of falls from heights, edges, and openings in workplaces, including construction environments.
Regulation s299–s303 – High Risk Construction Work and SWMS – Sets additional requirements for high risk construction work, including preparation and implementation of safe work method statements for fall hazards.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.