Amendments to WHS regulations in SA aim to lower ‘work at height’ threshold

SafeWork SA has released new fact sheets to facilitate the understanding of changes in WHS laws related to high-risk construction work for both workers and employers.

The amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 will lower the height threshold for high-risk construction activities from three metres to two metres, effective from 1 July 2026.

SafeWork SA says a transition date set for 1 July 2026 will provide the industry with sufficient time to understand the regulations prior to their implementation.

ReturnToWorkSA statistics reveal that since the 2016/17 financial year, incidents of falls from height in the construction industry have accounted for roughly 1,585 workers' compensation claims, with the total cost of these claims surpassing $64 million.

For more information, visit the SafeWork SA website.