Fall Prevention Protocol

1. The purpose of our protocol

Our protocol sets out how Adelaide University manages the Prevention of Falls in the workplace on university premises or during university-related activities.

This protocol should be read in conjunction with the Hazard Management Procedure, which gives effect to the Wellbeing and Safety Policy.

2. Our protocol applies to

2.1 Inclusions 

• members of our Adelaide University Community.

3. Our Prevention of Falls protocols

3.1 Roles and responsibility

University roles and responsibilities for managing Wellbeing and Safety risks, including activities associated with the prevention of falls are consistent with those outlined in the Hazard Management Procedure.

3.2 Managing the risk of falls in the workplace

The table below specifies key roles and responsibilities associated with this hazard.  The legislation requires consideration of the work environment and any activity where a /any person could fall:

• from an elevated workplace
• in the vicinity of an opening
• in the vicinity of an edge
• through a surface
• from any other place.

It should be noted that where a task / activity related to ‘high risk’ construction work (where the worker could potentially fall more than 3 metres, measured from foot level), a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required.

Role	Responsibilities	Protocols
Heads of – School / Function / Research Institute	Must: As far as reasonably practicable minimise the risk of a fall of a person from one level to another. Gain an understanding of hazards associated with activities being undertaken by staff, students and others. Ensure adequate resources and process exist to minimise the risk of falls.	Ensure safe systems of work are developed for work activities where this is a risk of a fall from one level to another. Promote where possible, that work involving the risk of a fall is carried out on the ground or on a solid construction. Minimise the risk of falling by ensuring adequate fall prevention controls are implemented as outlined in Section 3.2 of this protocol. Provide resources, training and information to staff / students in relation to the prevention of falls.
The Chief Property Officer, or delegate,	Must: Ensure there is an effective system for managing authorised high-risk work associated with Working at Heights (Permit to Work requirements) .	Ensure Rapid Global is available for staff/ students and contractors to lodge their Permit to Work requests. Provide essential information, training and guidance to staff, students and stakeholders in relation to the Permit to Work process. Review submissions in a timely manner. Approve critical work requests, including time sensitive verbal requests outside of regular hours for emergencies.
Designers and suppliers	Must: Ensure that the plant, or structure is without risks, or the risks can be adequately controlled.	Where elimination is not possible, consideration for the minimisation of potential risk of falls should incorporate fall prevention systems into the design. Consider any conditions necessary to ensure the plant or structure is without risk of health & safety. Provide adequate information about the safe operation and maintenance of the plant or structure.
People Leaders of – School / Function/ Research Institute	Must: Confirm that safe systems of work have been developed and are implemented.	Ensure that staff/students are consulted in the development of safe systems of work. Confirm that risk assessments and SOP have been developed for work activities where there is a risk of falls, including emergency rescue procedures have been identified. High Risk Construction Work applies if risk of falling is greater than 3 metres, triggering a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). Ensure that only persons who have been trained and deemed competent perform work activities where there is a risk of fall. Staff/ students are aware of the requirements of the safe systems of work.
Staff/Students	Must: Take reasonable care of their health & Safety and not adversely affect the safety of others.	Follow reasonable instruction and comply with Safe Operating Procedures / SWMS etc. Have completed the relevant competency-based training prior to using fall arrest devices. Can participate in the development and implementation of safe systems of work. Report any hazards or incidents in Unisafe and to their People Leader.
Wellbeing and Safety Team	Must: Support the AU community.	Provide advice, guidance and support to People Leaders and others as requested.

3.3 Safe Systems of Work for Minimising the Risk of Falls

Hierarchy of Risk Controls for Fall Prevention

When planning work at height, the preferred approach is always to eliminate the risk by working from ground level wherever possible. When this is not reasonably practicable, the following control measures must be considered in order of effectiveness:

1. Work on the ground or solid construction (elimination)
2. Use a fall prevention device (engineering)
3. Use a work positioning system (substitution / engineering)
4. Use a fall arrest system (Personal Protection Equipment)
5. Use administrative controls.

3.3.1 Working at Ground Level

• Preferred method, as it eliminates fall hazards.
• Use extendable tools or lower items to ground level for repair before lifting them back.
• Ensure you consider other hazards / risks such as manual handling or falling objects.

3.3.2 Fall Prevention Options

General Fall Prevention

Where practicable the utilisation of secure fencing, edge protection, covers, and temporary work platforms should be implemented. No-one should work on a fragile roof unless appropriate controls have been identified, approved and implemented.

Risk Assessments

As mentioned, High-Risk Construction Work (HRCW) as defined in WHS Regulation 291 applies, triggering the need for a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) to be developed.

A Permit to Work is required to be lodged in Rapid Global prior to beginning the any of the following working at height of greater than 3 metres

• Roof access
• Work requiring a High-Risk Work licence
• Work requiring the use of a Crane/s
• Work requiring the use of Scaffold or Mobil Elevated Work Platform
• Ground/Earth penetration greater than 300mm.

For more information refer to the Permit to Work Procedure.

In other circumstances a risk assessment is still required to ensure that appropriate controls are implemented to lower the risk of fall from one level to another.  

Scaffolds

• Scaffolds erected must be inspected by a competent person and certified before use.
• Re-inspection is required every 30 days or after any alteration or movement.
• Prevent unauthorized access to incomplete scaffolds using signage and danger tags.
• Workers must receive training covering:
  • Emergency procedures
  • SWL (Safe Working Loads)
  • No unauthorized alterations
  • Good housekeeping practices on platforms
  • Electrical isolation of cords
  • SWMS for work over 3 mts
  • Permit to Work requirements
  • Electrical no-go zones.

Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs)

Associated hazards include but are not limited to overhead powerlines, overturning, falls from, crushing between and underneath.

Recommended controls must incorporate the following:

• Provide operator training for the specific EWP type/brand.
• Train workers in fall arrest use and emergency rescue.
• Use only for elevation, not for transport.
• Operate on solid level surfaces unless designed for rough terrain.
• Check for penetrations/obstructions.
• Use fall arrest where prevention is not practicable; anchor only to rated anchor points.
• Barricade work area to prevent persons underneath.
• A ‘Spotter’ on the ground to observe the operation of the EWP is required.

Workboxes / Work Platforms (Suspended by Cranes, Forklifts, Hoists)

• Never lift workers above people below.
• Must have effective communication with the operator.
• Operator must remain at the controls.
• Lifting attachments must be inspected by a competent person.
• Safety gates must self-close and remain shut when the work box /work platform is elevated.

Other Fall Prevention Devices

• Guard rails at edges, walkways, landings, openings, deep excavations.
• Safety mesh for preventing internal falls through roofs.
• Steel plates to cover open pits/excavations when not in use.

3.3.3 Work Positioning Systems

• Used only when ground-level work or fall prevention devices are not practicable.
• Requires high competency; users and supervisors must complete training in use of work positioning systems.
• It is a Restraint technique that prevents the worker from reaching fall edges. It secures the worker at height, suspending or supporting them in a harness to perform tasks, often by transferring body weight to adjustable lanyards or ropes, allowing hands free work while preventing fall.

3.3.4 Fall Arrest Systems

A fall arrest system is a safety setup that stops a worker from hitting the ground after a fall from height, designed to reduce impact forces, unlike fall restraint which prevents a person from reaching the edge.

• Used only when higher-level controls are not practicable or fully effective.
• May incorporate catch platforms, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.

Key Safety Requirements

• Equipment must be correctly selected, installed, and used.
• Anchorages must withstand fall forces.
• Systems should minimize free-fall distance (max 2 m).
• Workers must be trained and competent.
• No-one is allowed to work alone when using a fall arrest system.

Components of an Individual Fall Arrest System

All equipment used for fall-arrest shall be designed, manufactured, selected, used, and maintained in compliance with the AS/NZS 1891 series of standards.

• Anchorages / rail systems
• Lifelines, lanyards, shock absorbers, inertia reels
• Rope/wire grabs
• Harnesses
• Rated connectors (double/triple action)
• Rescue equipment.

Anchor Point Requirements

• Must comply with AS/NZS 1891 and be tested and approved by a component person.

Considerations for Minimizing Free Fall Distance

• Worker’s height
• Anchor point height
• Lanyard length
• Line slack
• Energy absorber extension.

3.3.5 Administrative Controls

• Include safe work procedures, training, instruction, and supervision.
• Administrative control must not be used as the primary control measure; they only support higher level controls as listed above.

3.4 Activities with Fall Risks - Use of Ladders

Safe Use Requirements

• Ladder must be correct height, in good condition, and set up on stable ground.
• Secure to prevent slipping.
• User must maintain 3 points of contact whilst on the ladder
• Use tool belts; do not carry items by hand.
• Only perform light work.
• No one should work beneath the ladder.
• Only one person on the ladder at a time.
• User must wear non-slip footwear.

Do Not:

• Use metal ladders near live electrical work.
• Perform hot work (welding, oxy cutting) from a ladder.
• Over-reaching.
• Use two-hands to operate tools or equipment whilst on a ladder.
• Perform work whilst facing away from ladder.
• Stand on the top rungs (within 900 mm of top on extension ladders).
• Stand above the second tread on a step ladder unless the user is supported by an overhead opening.

Step Ladders

• Must be fully opened and may require footing by a second person.

Fixed Ladders

• Must comply with AS 1657-2018.
• Caged ladders limit fall direction but do not prevent falls. They still require fall arrest systems.
• Require regular inspections with records kept.
• Rescue training must be provided to users prior to climbing or working from fixed ladders

3.5 Emergency Rescue Procedures

Rescue procedures must be developed, tested, and incorporated into the risk assessment and Permit to Work process. Considerations should include:

• Work location
• Communication methods
• Rescue equipment
• Rescuer capability
• First aid
• Availability of local emergency services.

3.6 Falling Objects

To minimise the risk of falling objects (from one level to another) specifically in relation to persons below, the following controls should be implemented:

• Tool tethering
• Barricaded exclusion ones
• Drop zones
• Toe Boards
• Debris nets
• Exclusion barriers.

All control measures should be reviewed and monitored at regular intervals to ensure that they are effective in minimising the risk. 

4. Definitions used in our protocol

The following definitions are applicable to this protocol, for generic Adelaide University definitions refer to the Glossary of Terms.

Anchorage – the system or method used to secure a structural element to another, or to fasten it to a stable base.  Anchor points / base can be used for securing fall arrest system equipment to. All anchor base / points must be certified by a competent person.

Edge Protection – is a safety barrier designed to prevent falls from height, often used to protect workers, tools and materials from falling off ledges or openings.

Elevated workplace – anything that is above ground level.

Emergency and Rescue procedures – instructions of what to do in an emergency.  activities and processes that are effective and known. They should include location of the work area, communications, rescue equipment, capabilities of rescuers, first aid, local emergency numbers.

Fall arrest system means plant or material designed to arrest a fall. Example— An industrial safety net, a catch platform, a safety harness system (other than a system that relies entirely on a restraint technique system).

Fall prevention device includes—

1. (a)a secure fence; and
2. edge protection; and
3. working platforms; and
4. covers.

Hierarchy of Control – a systematic framework for protecting people form workplace hazards ranked form most effective to the leaser effective. Elimination – removing the hazard, Substitution – replacing it with a safer alternative, Engineering – isolating people from the hazard, Administrative – changing the way people work, Personal Protective Equipment – protecting workers with equipment.

High Risk Construction work – where a task/activity poses the risk of a worker potentially falling more than 2 metres, measured from foot level. Construction work means any work carried out in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out, commission, renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a structure.

Permit refers to formal authorisation granted to undertake specific high-risk work, and once controls have been approved by university management in accordance with relevant WHS legislation. It may also serve as authorisation for conducting work when all conditions outlined in the associated protocol are satisfied. 

Rapid Global is the online system used by our contactors, via Estates and Facilities, to ensure work is undertaken safely and in compliance with relevant WHS legislation and industry obligations. 

A risk assessment is the proactive process of identifying hazards in the workplace, evaluating the associated risks and determining effective control measures to eliminate or minimise those risks. 

Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a structured procedure whereby contractors identify specific high-risk construction work, outline detailed aspects of the task, assess potential hazards and risks, and prescribe controls to facilitate safe execution. While similar to a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) as both are forms of risk assessment, a SWMS specifically addresses high-risk construction activities, whereas a JSA applies to non-construction work. 

Solid construction – an area that has:

• a surface that is structurally capable of supporting all persons and things that may be located or placed on it
• barriers around its perimeter and any openings to prevent a fall
• an even and readily negotiable surface and gradient and
• a safe means of entry and exit.

Unisafe is the online system used by our staff and students to manage information related to wellbeing and safety issues. This includes reporting incidents, injuries and hazards to ensure timely investigations, risk assessments and control measures are applied to keep our community safe.

Working from Height is where there is a risk of a person falling more than 3 metres causing harm, or where these is a risk of objects falling as a result of the work causing harm to others.

Working platform – is a surface from which work is carried out, such as a roof, scaffold, mobile elevated work platform (MEWP). It can be any elevated or temporary structure used to support workers and materials while performing tasks at height, or as a means to access or exit a workplace.

Work positioning system means any plant or structure, other than a temporary work platform, that enables a person to be positioned and safely supported at a location for the duration of the relevant work being carried out.

5. How our protocol is governed

5.1 Compliance

Electrical safety management at Adelaide University is conducted in compliance with the following established regulations and guidelines:

Legislation & Code of Practice

• Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
• Code of Practice – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces

Australian Standards

• AS/NZS 1891.1:2020 (Harnesses): Sets requirements for the manufacture of full-body harnesses.
• AS/NZS 1891.3:2020 (Devices): Covers performance requirements for fall-arrest devices.
• AS/NZS 1891.4:2009/2025 (Selection & Use): Provides guidelines for the selection, installation, and inspection of equipment, including anchorages.
• AS/NZS 1891.5 (Lanyards): Covers lanyards and pole straps.
• AS/NZS 5532:2013: Anchor Points
• AS 1657:1992 Height safety (guard rails, handrails, step ladders)
• AS 1418:2021 Design, construction, and safe use of cranes, hoists and winches

University related documents and resources

• Others.

5.2 Governance

This protocol is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

Parent procedure	Authority to create and maintain this protocol is granted under the Hazard Management Procedure
Policy category	Corporate
Approving authority	Executive Director People, Advisory and Wellbeing
Policy owner	Deputy Vice Chancellor People and Culture
Responsible manager	Deputy Vice Chancellor People and Culture or their delegate
Effective from	1 March 2026
Review date	1 March 2029
Enquiries	Wellbeing and Safety Team
Replaced documents	None

6. History of changes

Date approved	To section/clauses	Description of change
30 Jan 2026	N/A	New protocol

Note on structures, positions and position titles:
At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions and position titles for Adelaide University have not all been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose position titles in this procedure until position titles for Adelaide University are known.