WA prolongs period of transition for falls from height in construction

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WA Prolongs Period of Transition for Falls From Height in Construction

Western Australia has extended its compliance window for new falls-from-height rules on construction sites. Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk announced the transitional period now runs until September 30, 2026, giving builders extra time to align with updated safety requirements before enforcement tightens.

What the Extension Means for Construction Businesses

According to the Minister, the transitional period will continue until September 30, 2026, followed by a six-month Regulatory Intent Statement period. This second stage supports businesses switching over to the revised regulations without disruption to ongoing projects.

The staged approach reflects a broader push to strengthen safety outcomes across high-risk sites where falls remain a leading cause of serious injury. Falls from height continue to pose a persistent, hazardous challenge for crews working at elevated positions, whether on scaffolding, rooftops, or near power lines during construction activities.

WorkSafe Commissioner Highlights Ongoing Safety Priorities

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North emphasised the ongoing importance of preventing falls in the construction sector, noting that height-related incidents remain one of the industry's most hazardous risks.

"The extension of time to comply with the changed regulations is intended to provide the construction industry with additional lead time to plan and implement improved controls, noting that this industry has recently experienced high workloads," Ms North said.

Her comments underscore a wider industry expectation: companies must treat fall risk management as a core safety obligation, not a compliance afterthought. Effective risk management around height work requires more than good intentions — it demands documented systems, reviewed equipment, and consistent oversight from site management teams.

Practical Steps for Construction Site Compliance

Construction businesses preparing for the updated regulations should focus on several practical priorities during the extended transition:

• Reviewing current falls management procedures against the new regulatory framework
• Auditing height-access equipment, including harnesses, scaffolding, and elevated work platforms
• Updating Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) to reflect revised control measures for hazardous tasks
• Ensuring plant used for height access meets current safety standards
• Briefing site management and supervisors on new obligations before enforcement begins

SWMS documentation plays a central role in demonstrating compliance, since regulators expect clear evidence that risk has been assessed and controlled before work commences. Businesses that update their SWMS early, rather than waiting until close to the 2026 deadline, position themselves well ahead of the regulatory shift.

Why Falls From Height Remain a Persistent Construction Risk

Falls from height sit among the most serious hazards facing construction workers, and management of this risk has long been a focus for regulators nationwide. Sites involving tilt-up panels, civil infrastructure, or multi-storey builds often carry elevated exposure, making robust equipment checks and supervision essential.

For businesses managing large-scale builds, our Integrated Industry Suite for Concrete Tilt-up Construction and Integrated Industry Suite for Civil Infrastructure Construction provide structured documentation to support safe, compliant height-related operations. Principal contractors overseeing multiple trades may also benefit from a dedicated Construction Site Management Pack covering broader site safety obligations.

Incidents involving falls continue to make headlines nationally. A recent case where a construction worker fell to his death from power lines in Newcastle highlights why regulators keep pushing for stronger controls. Campaigns such as the one covered in SafeWork's campaign to prevent fall from height injuries in construction reinforce the same message WorkSafe WA is sending through this extension. Even outside traditional worksites, incidents like the one described in ACT's safety reminder after a child falls from height show how seriously falls are treated across every setting.

Building Stronger Safety Management Systems

Beyond regulatory compliance, this extension gives construction firms breathing room to strengthen their broader safety management systems. Sound management of hazardous work at height involves clear documentation, regular equipment inspection, and ongoing training embedded within daily site routines.

Businesses working across multiple construction sectors can explore our full range of Construction Management Plans to support consistent safety practices across projects of varying scale and complexity.

Key Takeaways

• WA's transitional period for falls-from-height regulations now extends until September 30, 2026
• A six-month Regulatory Intent Statement period will follow, easing the switch to new rules
• WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North cited high industry workloads as a reason for the extension
• Construction businesses should use this time to review SWMS, equipment, and site management practices
• Falls remain among the most hazardous risks in construction, warranting proactive safety planning

Read more here.

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