Course Title:
RIIWHS204E – Work Safely at Heights
Target Audience
This course is intended for individuals who perform tasks where there is a risk of falling from one level to another, and is suitable for workers across a wide range of industries, including:
- Construction and Civil Works
- Building and Property Maintenance
- Telecommunications and Utilities
- Warehousing and Logistics
- Mining, Oil & Gas
- Facility Management and Cleaning Services
- Roofing and Scaffolding Trades
It is ideal for new and experienced workers who require formal training to meet work health and safety (WHS) requirements or refresher certification to maintain compliance.
Course Overview
RIIWHS204E – Work Safely at Heights is a nationally recognised training course that provides participants with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to safely perform work at heights in accordance with Australian WHS legislation, codes of practice, and industry standards.
Working at height presents a significant risk in many workplaces. This course is designed to ensure that individuals are equipped to identify height-related hazards, select the correct fall protection systems, and implement safe work procedures to reduce the likelihood of injury or fatality.
Participants will engage in hands-on training that simulates real worksite conditions and develop competence in using harnesses, ladders, fall arrest devices, elevated work platforms (EWPs), anchor points, and other height access systems.
Key Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
✅ Identify and assess hazards associated with working at heights
✅ Apply hierarchy of control measures to reduce risk
✅ Select, inspect, and correctly use height safety equipment (e.g. harnesses, lanyards, anchor systems)
✅ Understand fall prevention, fall arrest, and restraint systems
✅ Perform pre-use and operational checks on safety equipment and access systems
✅ Safely set up and use ladders, scaffolds, and temporary work platforms
✅ Respond effectively to incidents and emergencies involving falls from heights
✅ Comply with WHS regulations, Australian Standards (e.g. AS/NZS 1891), and organisational procedures
Topics Covered
Legislation, Codes and Standards
- WHS legislation relevant to working at heights
- Duty of care for employers and employees
- Codes of Practice and applicable Australian Standards
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
- Types of fall hazards in the workplace
- Environmental, equipment, and human risk factors
- Implementing control measures using the hierarchy of control
Fall Prevention and Protection Systems
Types of height safety systems:
- Fall arrest systems
- Fall restraint systems
- Work positioning systems
- Safety nets and scaffolds
- Anchor points, lifelines, inertia reels, and shock absorbers
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Selection, fitting, inspection, and maintenance of harnesses and other PPE
- Limitations and responsibilities of equipment use
Access Equipment and Safe Use
- Fixed and portable ladders
- Elevated work platforms (EWPs)
- Scaffolding and mobile platforms
- Edge protection and barriers
Emergency Procedures and Rescue Planning
- Preparing for emergencies at height
- Responding to a fall incident
- Importance of retrieval systems and rescue readiness
Documentation and Reporting
- Completing work permits and risk assessments
- Recording equipment inspections and hazard reports
- Reporting near misses, injuries, or incidents
Delivery Format
- Face-to-Face: Trainer-led delivery combining theory and extensive practical components in a simulated or real work-at-height environment.
- Workplace Delivery (by arrangement): Ideal for group training tailored to site-specific risks and procedures.
Course Duration
-
1 Day (Typically 6–8 hours)
Duration may vary depending on prior experience and group size.
Assessment
Assessment is conducted through:
- Knowledge assessment (written or verbal)
- Practical demonstrations of correct equipment use and safety procedures
- Scenario-based tasks simulating working at heights conditions
To achieve competency, participants must demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical application of safe work practices at height.
Prerequisites
- No formal prerequisites are required for this course
- Participants should have basic literacy and numeracy skills
- Moderate physical fitness is required to safely engage in practical components
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants will receive:
Statement of Attainment
for RIIWHS204E – Work Safely at Heights
(Nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework)
Certification is valid industry-wide and may require refresher training every 2 years, depending on workplace or industry policy.
Refresher Training
Refresher training is recommended for workers to:
- Maintain compliance with site requirements or high-risk licences
- Stay current with safety regulations and equipment updates
- Reinforce safe work behaviours in changing work environments
Contact us via email to enquire about refresher sessions and pricing.
Why This Training Matters
Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in Australian workplaces. This course is essential for:
✅ Reducing the risk of workplace incidents
✅ Ensuring compliance with WHS legislation and site requirements
✅ Building confidence to work safely at heights in any environment
Get Started Today
Whether you're new to the industry or need to update your certification, Roar Training Solutions delivers compliant, practical, and engaging training that puts your safety first.
Enquire now to book your session or arrange onsite group training.
