{"id":4874,"date":"2026-07-01T07:07:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T07:07:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/au\/?p=4874"},"modified":"2026-07-01T07:07:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T07:07:47","slug":"sa-members-important-height-safety-update-1-july-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/au\/blog\/sa-members-important-height-safety-update-1-july-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"SA Members: Important Height Safety Update 1 July 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

SafeWork SA has confirmed a key update to the high risk construction works rules, coming into effect <\/span>1 July 2026<\/b>. The main change is the fall-risk threshold dropping from <\/span>3 metres to 2 metres<\/b>, bringing South Australia in line with the national WHS laws. While it may only sound like a one-metre difference, it has a big impact on what\u2019s considered <\/span>high-risk construction work<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In simple terms, a lot more everyday tasks on site will soon require a SWMS and stronger control measures. That includes things like working on ladders, scaffolds, platforms, roof edges, frames, mezzanines, and other common setups where workers can be above 2 metres. If your team regularly works anywhere between 2\u20133 metres, this change will definitely affect your planning and documentation going forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

This update is all about improving fall prevention and reducing serious injuries, falls from height remain one of the biggest risks in construction. SafeWork SA has flagged that some workplaces were relying on the old 3-metre threshold to avoid using proper fall protection, so lowering it to 2 metres aims to tighten standards and create safer, more consistent practices across the state.<\/span><\/p>\n

What this means for you<\/b><\/h2>\n

Because more tasks will fall into the high-risk category, you may need to:<\/span><\/p>\n