From 1 October 2026, Regulation 79 of the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 will apply to high-risk construction work in Western Australia, following the end of a transitional arrangement on 30 September 2026.
The regulation sets out specific requirements for minimising fall risks, including the use of appropriate fall prevention devices and safe systems of work.
Importantly, Regulation 79 does not prescribe a minimum fall height. Employers must consider the risk of injury from a fall, rather than relying solely on how high a worker is above the ground.
What Is Changing?
When WA’s WHS laws commenced in March 2022, transitional arrangements allowed certain existing fall prevention requirements to continue applying to high-risk construction work.
That transition is due to end on 30 September 2026, bringing high-risk construction work under Regulation 79 from 1 October.
The regulation requires businesses to minimise fall risks where eliminating them is not reasonably practicable. This includes using fall prevention devices, such as edge protection and working platforms, where reasonably practicable, and maintaining appropriate safe systems of work.
This is not a new requirement for every workplace. Regulation 79 already applies to other relevant work outside this transitional arrangement, and broader duties to manage fall risks remain in place.
What Should Employers Do Before 1 October?
Businesses undertaking high-risk construction work should review their existing working-at-heights arrangements to confirm they meet the upcoming requirements.
This includes:
- Identify fall hazards: Review tasks involving roofs, elevated platforms, construction, maintenance and other work where a fall could cause injury.
- Review risk controls: Eliminate work at height where reasonably practicable. Where this is not possible, use suitable fall prevention and protection measures.
- Check documentation: Review working-at-heights risk assessments, safe work procedures and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) where required.
- Inspect equipment and training: Confirm equipment is suitable, maintained and inspected, and that workers have the necessary training and competency.
- Review emergency arrangements: Make sure appropriate emergency and rescue procedures are in place, particularly where fall arrest systems are used.
- Manage contractors: Coordinate with contractors to confirm responsibilities, hazards and site safety controls before work begins.
What About Agricultural Businesses?
Working-at-heights risks are not limited to construction businesses.
On farms and other agricultural properties, activities such as shed construction, silo roof repairs and elevated maintenance may involve fall hazards.
Some of these activities may also be classified as high-risk construction work, depending on the nature of the task.
Agricultural businesses should review fall risks associated with maintenance and construction activities, including work undertaken by contractors, and confirm that suitable controls are in place.
ProcessWorxShield Updates
To support clients with the upcoming requirements, ProcessWorx will update the following Safe Work Procedures within ProcessWorxShield:
- Working at Height SWP
- Elevated Work Platform SWP
Need Help Reviewing Your Working-at-Heights Procedures?
Speak with a ProcessWorx Safety Advisor on (08) 9316 9896 or get in touch for guidance on reviewing fall risks, safety procedures and workplace controls.
