There’s something deceptively simple about height work. Climb up. Do the job. Get down. But anyone who’s done it knows: the higher you go, the more the risks stack up. From unstable surfaces to unpredictable weather, every added metre introduces variables most workers don’t consider until it’s too late.

I learned that the hard way during my first month on a commercial build. We were securing rafters on a breezy winter morning. One misstep from the apprentice next to me and the entire platform shook. No fall, thankfully, but it was enough to change my habits.

If you’re involved in tasks above ground level, completing a working at heights course is more than a checkbox — it’s the foundation of good practice. These courses help create safer habits by sharpening hazard awareness, especially where fall protection systems and risk assessments are often treated as afterthoughts.

Understanding legal and practical obligations

Working above ground brings a layer of legal responsibility — and rightly so. In Australia, there are clear national guidelines on fall prevention. Employers and workers alike are expected to take proactive steps to control risks. But safety systems aren’t just policy-driven; they’re rooted in real-world practicality.

One of the most underused resources? The national guide on safe work at heights was published by Safe Work Australia. It outlines everything from ladder angles to anchor point strength and personal protective equipment requirements. And while not every job demands a harness and helmet, the obligation to plan, assess, and control fall risks is universal.

The most useful takeaways from these resources often include:

  1. How to apply the hierarchy of controls (eliminate, substitute, engineer, admin, PPE)
  2. When and how to use fall arrest systems safely
  3. Who is responsible for supervising and maintaining safety on multi-trade sites
  4. Recognising and mitigating environmental risks like wind and surface degradation

Even experienced tradespeople benefit from revisiting these principles, especially as new tech and safety gear hit the market.

What a near-miss taught me about mindset at heights

I was two storeys up installing signage brackets for a commercial fit-out. The morning had been rushed. The fall arrest system hadn’t been fully tested. I remember thinking, I’ll be quick — shouldn’t be a problem. Midway through drilling, I lost my footing on a dusty edge and slammed into the safety line. The harness did its job, but the jolt stuck with me.

Height safety isn’t just physical — it’s mental. The most common errors I’ve witnessed come down to complacency or assumptions. Workers think: “I’ve done this a hundred times”, or “It’s only a quick fix.” But those thoughts skip over the mental checks that keep you alive. How’s the weather? Where’s your exit? Has the anchor been inspected?

Common mistakes that compromise safety systems

Even when height safety systems are in place, they’re not always followed correctly. Over time, shortcuts creep in. Sometimes it’s a supervisor under time pressure. Other times, it’s simply the “she’ll be right” mindset. But when you start skipping harness checks or anchoring to subpar points, you’re gambling with your safety.

Here are a few patterns that should raise red flags:

  1. Workers are using fall protection but failing to test anchor points
  2. Improvised edge protection using materials not rated for the task
  3. Equipment logbooks that are incomplete or out of date
  4. Relying on verbal briefings rather than written permits and procedures

It’s not about paranoia — it’s about control. The more you can anticipate, the less you have to react to when things go sideways.

Improving site-wide height awareness

Creating a culture of safe height work doesn’t have to mean daily toolbox talks or lengthy retraining. Sometimes, small changes make the biggest difference. I’ve seen supervisors simply reframe their site walkthroughs: instead of just checking task completion, they ask, “What’s your backup if the ladder fails?” That single question gets people thinking.

And perhaps most importantly, creating space where team members feel comfortable flagging issues without fear of pushback. The moment safety becomes everyone’s responsibility, you start seeing a change in behaviour.

Spotting opportunities to reduce everyday risk

Even low-level tasks like installing gutters or accessing roof cavities carry risk. The temptation to “just get it done” can override safe planning. But when you look closer, the same hazards show up across different sites and trades.

That’s where guidance from real-world scenarios becomes valuable. How to stay safe when working at height offers insights into small adjustments that can have a big impact. From ladder placement to anchor point redundancy, the blog highlights examples of workers identifying hazards before they become incidents.

Here are a few low-effort tactics to consider:

  1. Use temporary guardrails when working on flat roofs, even if the edge feels distant
  2. Avoid working solo when installing or inspecting fall arrest systems
  3. Never anchor to fixtures unless they’ve been certified for fall loads
  4. Keep high-traffic paths clear of equipment and trip hazards

Even minor environmental or task changes can make conditions unpredictable. Being deliberate, even when the job seems routine, makes a measurable difference.

Final thoughts: Small shifts, big outcomes

Whether you’re climbing ladders on a residential build or navigating scaffolds on a high-rise, fall risks are real and often underestimated. Most height-related incidents come down to simple oversights — missed checks, skipped protocols, or false confidence. And the cost of getting it wrong isn’t just physical — it affects teams, projects, and long-term safety culture.

The first step? Awareness. But awareness without action won’t hold you up when gravity takes over. The key is building reliable habits. Revisiting procedures. Having conversations on site that prioritise safety over speed.

If you’re ready to improve the way you approach overhead work, these height safety tips can help you recalibrate your daily routines. It's not about stopping the job — it’s about doing it smarter, with a safety lens that sticks.