Falls from heights are a significant hazard in Australian workplaces, contributing to annual injuries and fatalities. According to Safe Work Australia, falls from a height were the second-highest contributor to worker fatalities, with a 71% increase from 17 to 29 deaths between 2022 and 2023. ¹

Non-fatal falls also impose substantial financial burdens, with each incident costing employers downtime, medical expenses, and recovery costs. This underscores the critical need for robust height safety measures, with personal fall arrest systems playing a pivotal role in mitigating these risks. 

 The Australian Height Safety Landscape 

Australia maintains a comprehensive legislative framework for workplace safety, particularly for working at heights. 

A range of standards employed within this framework include: 

• AS/NZS 1891 (series); and 
• AS/NZS 5532:2013.

AS/NZS 1891 (series) 

This standard series offers detailed guidance on the various aspects of personal fall arrest systems, including selection, use, and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems and devices.  

AS/NZS 5532:2013 

This standard specifies manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor devices used in harness-based work at height. It outlines the design, testing, and performance criteria that anchor devices must meet to ensure reliability during fall arrest scenarios. 

The Role of Personal Fall Arrest Systems  

Personal fall arrest systems are critical safety measures for workers operating at heights. Their effectiveness depends on proper selection, installation, and use, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive training. Personal fall arrest systems should serve as a final line of defence when other preventative measures, such as guardrails or safety nets, are not feasible. 

Importance of Training 

Workers utilising personal fall arrest systems must receive thorough training on the following: 

Equipment Selection: Choosing appropriate personal fall arrest systems based on specific tasks and environmental conditions.

Proper Donning and Doffing: Ensuring correct fitting and adjustment for optimal function and safety.

Routine Inspections: Conducting regular checks to identify any damage or defects that could compromise safety.

Emergency Procedures: Being prepared to respond effectively in the event of a fall, including rescue operations and equipment handling.

RUD: Leading with Anchor Points 

RUD offers a range of personal fall arrest system anchor points compliant with Australian standards: 

PSA VRS-STARPOINT: A 360-degree rotatable anchor point designed for permanent installations on buildings and wind turbines.

PSA INOX-STAR: Similar to the VRS-STARPOINT but constructed from stainless steel, making it suitable for harsh environments.

Weld-on Anchor Points: RUD is preparing to release a range of weld-on anchor points with boltable plates, expanding secure anchoring options for various substrates.

All RUD fall arrest anchor points are tested and certified to meet AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 and AS/NZS 5532:2013, ensuring compliance with Australian safety regulations. A forthcoming weld-on duplex stainless steel anchor point will be suitable for corrosive environments.

Contact RUD for more information, applications and technical advice. Call 07 3809 1300 or email us here.

Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. 

References:

1. Safework Australia - https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/key-work-health-and-safety-statistics-2024