Compliance code: Prevention of falls in general construction

What it contains

If you work in the general construction industry, there are specific duties and obligations you need to comply in relation to the prevention of falls, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) 2004 and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHS Regulations) 2017. This compliance code gives you practical guidance on how to comply with those duties and obligations. If your work involves housing construction, see the Compliance code: Prevention of falls in housing construction.

This information is particularly relevant if you are an employer, self-employed person, principal contractor or someone who has management or control of a workplace in the general construction industry. It is also relevant for people who install, erect or commission plant, and for employees and health and safety representatives. It uses examples and tools you can apply to your own situation.

It includes information on:

• who has duties for the prevention of falls in general construction
• how to identify and manage risks associated with falls
• how to control risks associated with falls from more than 2 metres
• the prevention of falls in trenching and excavation work
• how to control risks associated with falls from 2 metres or less

It is recommended that you follow the compliance code. If you comply with a code, you are deemed to comply with the Act or Regulation duty covered by the code. However, codes are not mandatory and duty holders may choose to use some other way to achieve compliance.