Construction work at heights: compliance campaign underway
In July 2026, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspectors began visiting construction workplaces across Queensland as part of a statewide compliance campaign focused on working at heights.
The campaign is part of the WHS Compliance and Field Services Proactive Compliance Program 2024–2027 and WHSQ’s commitment to safer workplaces in Queensland.
If you run a construction business, now is the time to check whether workers are protected from fall risks. This includes tasks near openings or edges, and work on slippery, sloping or unstable surfaces.
Review your safe work method statements (SWMS) and make sure the right safety controls are in place for working at heights.
For construction work, a SWMS must be prepared if there is a risk of a person falling more than two metres. The SWMS must:
- identify high risk construction work
- outline the hazards
- describe the control
smeasures - describe how the controls will be implemented, monitored and reviewed.
Safe Work Australia has launched a new safe work method statement (SWMS) tool to help businesses:
- understand what a SWMS is
- learn why it is important
- prepare a SWMS
- use and review a SWMS in the workplace.
Reviewing your controls now can help keep workers safe and prevent serious incidents.
More information
Visit Safe Work Australia for more information.