Working at heights is a high-risk workplace activity that requires proper planning, hazard identification, risk management, equipment and worker competency. A fall from a roof, ladder, scaffold, platform or other elevated work area can result in serious injury or death.
A Working at Heights Course teaches workers how to identify fall hazards, manage risks, use appropriate fall prevention and protection equipment, and apply safe work practices when performing tasks at height. MILCOM delivers the nationally recognised RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights course for workers in relevant operational roles.
Whether you work in construction, telecommunications, roofing, maintenance, infrastructure or another industry where working at height is part of your role, appropriate training can help you understand the hazards and controls associated with working at height.
What Is Working at Heights?
Working at heights means performing work where a person could fall from one level to another and suffer an injury.
Examples of working at heights can include:
- Working on roofs or near roof edges
- Working from ladders
- Working on scaffolds
- Working from elevated platforms
- Working near floor openings
- Working on elevated structures
- Working near unprotected edges
- Performing construction or maintenance work at height
The risk is not determined simply by how high a worker is. The workplace, surface, equipment, access arrangements and potential consequences of a fall all need to be considered.
Safe Work Australia provides guidance for managing the risks associated with falls from one level to another where the fall could reasonably be expected to cause injury.
Why Is Working at Heights Training Important?
Working at heights is a significant workplace safety risk in Australia. Workers may be exposed to falls when using ladders, scaffolds, elevated platforms, roofs and other structures.
- Training can help workers understand how to:
- Identify working-at-heights hazards
- Assess workplace risks
- Apply appropriate control measures
- Select and use fall protection equipment
- Understand equipment limitations
- Follow workplace procedures
- Work safely around elevated areas
- Understand their workplace safety responsibilities
Safe Work Australia states that PCBUs must, so far as is reasonably practicable, eliminate or minimise risks associated with working at height and provide safe ways to enter and exit workplaces where there is a risk of falling.
What Are the Common Causes of Falls at Work?
Falls can occur because of a combination of unsafe conditions, inadequate planning, equipment issues and human factors.
Common working-at-heights hazards include:
- Unprotected edges
- Ladders
- Scaffolds
- Fragile surfaces
- Floor openings
- Slippery or uneven surfaces
- Poor housekeeping
- Inadequate fall protection
- Incorrectly selected equipment
- Falling objects
- Insufficient lighting
- Changing workplace conditions
- Inadequate training or supervision
Identifying hazards before work begins is an important part of managing the risks associated with working at heights.
How Can Working at Heights Accidents Be Prevented?
The first step is to determine whether the work can be completed without exposing workers to a fall risk.
Safe Work Australia recommends that, where possible, work should be carried out on the ground or a solid construction. If this is not reasonably practicable, appropriate fall protection and control measures should be implemented.
Depending on the circumstances, controls may include:
- Eliminating the need to work at height
- Using fall prevention devices, such as barriers, scaffolding or suitable elevating work platforms
- Using work positioning systems where appropriate
- Using fall arrest systems where other controls are not reasonably practicable
- Providing appropriate training and supervision
- Inspecting and maintaining relevant equipment
- Reviewing controls to ensure they remain effective
- The appropriate control measures depend on the specific workplace, task and risk.
Australian Working at Heights Regulations and WHS Requirements
Australian working-at-heights requirements are governed by the applicable work health and safety legislation in each state or territory.
Safe Work Australia develops model WHS laws, but states and territories are responsible for implementing and enforcing their own WHS legislation. There can be jurisdiction-specific differences, so businesses should check the requirements that apply in their location.
For construction work involving a risk of falling more than 2 metres, Safe Work Australia identifies this as high-risk construction work under the model WHS framework, and a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required for the relevant work.
Important: The exact legal requirements can vary between Australian jurisdictions. Employers and duty holders should check with their relevant state or territory WHS regulator.
What Is RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights?
RIIWHS204E – Work safely at heights is a nationally recognised unit of competency covering the skills and knowledge required to work safely at heights.
MILCOM’s course focuses on helping participants:
- Identify hazards and risks associated with working at heights
- Apply control measures to reduce the risk of falls
- Understand relevant safety legislation
- Use different types of fall protection equipment
- Understand the limitations of height safety systems and equipment
MILCOM states that the course is suitable for people working in operational roles who generally work under supervision and follow established workplace procedures.
Who Should Complete a Working at Heights Course?
Working at heights training may be relevant to workers whose normal duties involve elevated work or exposure to fall hazards.
Potential participants include:
- Construction workers
- Roof workers
- Telecommunications technicians
- Maintenance workers
- Infrastructure workers
- Industrial workers
- Operational personnel
- Other workers whose duties require them to work at height
The appropriate training requirements depend on the worker’s role, workplace and applicable regulations.
MILCOM Working at Heights Course: At a Glance
| Course Information | Details |
| Course name | Work Safely at Heights |
| Unit code | RIIWHS204E |
| Training type | Nationally recognised training |
| Delivery | Face-to-face and blended options may be available |
| Entry requirement | Participants must be 18 years or older |
| Suitable for | Relevant operational roles |
| Key skills | Hazard identification and fall-risk controls |
| Fall protection | Identification and use of relevant equipment |
| Course focus | Safe work practices at height |
MILCOM’s current course information lists RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights as the unit of competency and states that participants must be 18 years or older and confident working at heights.
What Will You Learn in a Working at Heights Course?
A quality working at heights course should give participants an understanding of the hazards associated with elevated work and the controls used to reduce those risks.
MILCOM’s Work Safely at Heights course covers areas including:
Hazard Identification
Participants learn to identify hazards and risks associated with working at heights.
Risk Controls
The course covers control measures that can be applied to reduce the risk of falls.
Fall Protection Equipment
Participants learn about different types of fall protection equipment and how they are used.
Equipment Limitations
Understanding the limitations of height safety systems and equipment is an important part of safe work practices.
Workplace Safety Requirements
The course also covers relevant safety legislation and how it applies in the workplace.
Working at Heights Course Melbourne
If you are looking for a Working at Heights Course in Melbourne, MILCOM provides Work Safely at Heights training for eligible participants.
MILCOM’s current course listings include face-to-face training in Truganina, Victoria. The training can be relevant to workers in construction, telecommunications, roofing and other operational roles where working at heights is required.
Working at Heights Course VIC- TRUGANINA
Workers and businesses searching for a Working at Heights Course in Sydney should consider the specific training and delivery options currently available from MILCOM.
The course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to identify hazards and apply appropriate controls when working at height. Milcom Institute
Working at Heights Course Perth
For workers searching for a Working at Heights Course in Perth, training should be selected according to the worker’s role, workplace risks and applicable Western Australian requirements.
MILCOM’s nationally recognised RIIWHS204E course focuses on working safely at heights, hazard identification and fall-risk controls. Milcom Institute
Working at Heights Course Adelaide
A Working at Heights Course in Adelaide can help relevant workers develop an understanding of workplace hazards, fall protection and safe work practices.
Before enrolling, businesses should confirm the course requirements and ensure the training is appropriate for the work being undertaken.
Is There a Working at Heights Licence in Australia?
The term “working at heights licence” is commonly used when people search for training, but working at heights should not automatically be treated as a single Australia-wide licence category.
The specific training, competency and licensing requirements depend on the work being performed and the relevant legislation.
For example, RIIWHS204E is a nationally recognised unit covering work safely at heights, while certain other high-risk work activities can have separate licensing requirements.
Therefore, employers should identify the exact competency and licensing requirements applicable to the task and jurisdiction rather than assuming that one “working at heights licence” covers every type of elevated work.
What Is the Difference Between Working at Heights Training and Fall Protection?
Working at heights training provides workers with knowledge and skills for identifying hazards, managing risks and working safely at height.
Fall protection refers to the systems, equipment and control measures used to prevent or minimise the consequences of a fall.
Depending on the task, fall protection can involve measures such as:
- Barriers
- Scaffolding
- Edge protection
- Elevating work platforms
- Work positioning systems
- Fall arrest systems
- Safety nets
- Other appropriate controls
Safe Work Australia describes a hierarchy of controls for managing falls, with the specific control selected according to what is reasonably practicable for the work.
7 Essential Working-at-Heights Safety Tips
- Avoid Working at Height Where Possible
Ask whether the task can be safely completed from ground level.
- Identify the Hazards
Before starting work, identify edges, openings, fragile surfaces, access hazards and other potential fall risks.
- Use Suitable Equipment
Select equipment appropriate for the task, environment and identified risks.
- Inspect Equipment
Check relevant equipment before use and follow workplace inspection and maintenance procedures.
- Use Appropriate Fall Protection
Where working at height cannot be eliminated, implement suitable fall prevention, work positioning or fall arrest controls as required.
- Make Sure Workers Are Competent
Workers should have the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience for the tasks they perform.
- Review the Controls
Workplace conditions can change. Control measures should be reviewed to ensure they continue to manage the risk effectively.
What Should Employers Do Before Workers Start Work at Height?
Employers and other duty holders should:
- Identify working-at-heights hazards
- Assess the associated risks
- Eliminate risks where reasonably practicable
- Implement appropriate control measures
- Provide suitable access and egress
- Provide appropriate equipment
- Ensure workers have suitable training and competency
- Provide appropriate supervision
- Consult with workers
- Review control measures when necessary
These responsibilities form part of the broader WHS approach to managing risks in Australian workplaces. Safe Work Australia+1
Why Choose MILCOM for Working at Heights Training?
MILCOM provides nationally recognised training designed around practical workplace skills.
The Work Safely at Heights course focuses on hazard identification, risk controls, fall protection equipment and relevant safety requirements. MILCOM lists career applications including construction worker, telecommunications technician and roof worker.
For businesses, the training can form part of a broader workplace safety and competency strategy for workers who perform tasks at height.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working at Heights
What is a Working at Heights Course?
A Working at Heights Course provides workers with the knowledge and skills needed to identify hazards, manage fall risks and work safely at height. MILCOM delivers the nationally recognised RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights unit.
Who needs working at heights training?
Workers whose duties involve working at height or exposure to fall hazards may need appropriate training. The exact requirements depend on the workplace, task and applicable WHS legislation.
How high is considered working at heights in Australia?
There is not a single universal height that defines every working-at-heights situation. Australian WHS requirements focus on managing the risk of falls from one level to another where the fall could reasonably cause injury. For construction work involving a risk of falling more than 2 metres, specific high-risk construction work requirements apply under the model WHS framework.
Is working at heights training mandatory?
The requirement for training depends on the work being performed, the workplace risks and applicable WHS requirements. Employers must ensure workers have appropriate information, training, instruction and supervision to work safely.
What is RIIWHS204E?
RIIWHS204E is the nationally recognised unit Work safely at heights. It covers skills and knowledge for working safely at heights, including identifying hazards, managing risks and applying controls.
How long is the MILCOM Working at Heights Course?
MILCOM’s current face-to-face course listings show training sessions running from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the course delivered as a full-day training session. Course dates and locations can change, so participants should check MILCOM’s current course schedule before booking.
What are the entry requirements?
MILCOM states that participants must be 18 years of age or older and confident working at heights.
Where can I complete a Working at Heights Course?
MILCOM provides Work Safely at Heights training, with current course listings showing face-to-face delivery in Victoria. Availability in other locations should be confirmed directly with MILCOM because course schedules and locations can change.
Book Your Working at Heights Training with MILCOM
Working at height requires proper planning, appropriate equipment, effective risk controls and competent workers.
If your role involves construction, roofing, telecommunications, maintenance, infrastructure or other elevated work, completing appropriate working-at-heights training can help you understand the hazards and apply safer work practices.
Looking for a Working at Heights Course in Australia? Explore MILCOM’s RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights training and check the latest course dates, locations and availability.
