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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how the risk of falls is identified and managed in their workplace. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where work at height or level changes need attention. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check fall prevention measures.
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 how fall hazards are identified, risks are assessed, and controls are applied in everyday work. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current controls are effective 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 common cause of serious workplace injuries, yet risks are often underestimated. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like in practical terms, rather than relying on assumptions. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about how fall risks are managed.
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 work is actually carried out rather than how it is intended to be done. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real conditions, access points, and work methods.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work activities, environments, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how fall risks are identified and controlled in practice, not just on written plans. They look for evidence that hazards have been considered, risks assessed, and controls maintained where work is done at height or near edges. 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 identified issues 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 falls does this checklist cover?
It applies to falls from heights and falls on the same level, such as slips and trips. The focus is on how risks are identified and controlled in everyday work.
Is this checklist only for construction work?
No. Fall risks exist in many workplaces, including warehouses, offices, retail spaces, and maintenance tasks. The checklist is suitable 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 confirm that risks are fully controlled. It supports review and improvement.
When should fall risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when work changes, new access methods are used, or incidents occur. Many businesses also review periodically to ensure controls remain effective.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s78–s80 – Falls – Establishes duties to manage the risk of falls from heights and level changes, including requirements for control measures and safe systems of work.
Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Provides practical guidance on identifying fall hazards, selecting appropriate controls, and maintaining fall prevention measures.
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.