From 1 July 2026, important changes to working at height regulations will come into effect in South Australia, lowering the height threshold that triggers high-risk construction work requirements.

Under amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA), the current threshold will reduce from 3 metres to 2 metres. This change aligns South Australia with the national model WHS Regulations adopted across most other states.

Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries, particularly in construction and residential building sectors. Data shows many serious falls occur between 2 and 3 metres, the range this regulatory update directly addresses.

By lowering the threshold, regulators are strengthening expectations around proactive risk assessment, planning, and supervision.

What’s Changing?

From July 2026:

• Any work involving a risk of falling more than 2 metres will be classified as high-risk construction work.
• A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) will be required for this work.
• The SWMS must be developed before work begins, outline hazards and control measures, and be readily available on site.

While the legal duty to manage fall risks has always existed, this amendment expands the range of work activities that now require formal planning and documented controls.

What This Means for Your Business

From July 2026, more everyday tasks may require:

• Formal risk assessments
• Documented SWMS
• Worker consultation and sign-off
• Clear supervision and application of the hierarchy of controls

Businesses should begin reviewing their current systems to ensure they are prepared for the broader high-risk classification.

How Capture Culture Can Support You

As a specialist Work Health and Safety consultancy, Capture Culture partners with organisations to provide practical, compliant and tailored WHS support and we can assist your business to:

Review and Update Height Risk Procedures: Assess your current systems and ensure they align with the updated regulatory requirements.

Develop and Improve SWMS and Risk Assessments: Provide guidance in preparing clear, compliant documentation that is practical for your workforce.

Strengthen Consultation and Safety Culture: Support meaningful worker engagement and improve understanding of fall risk controls.

Conduct Compliance Reviews and Gap Analysis: Identify areas of exposure before regulators do and provide clear, actionable recommendations.

Provide Ongoing WHS Advice and Support: Offer practical guidance to management and supervisors navigating the updated requirements.

With regulatory changes approaching, proactive preparation is key. Capture Culture works alongside your team to build confidence, strengthen compliance, and create safer workplaces; not just on paper, but in practice.

Start Preparing Now

Although the changes take effect in July 2026, early action will ensure your organisation transitions smoothly and avoids unnecessary risk.

If you would like support preparing for the upcoming working at height changes, Capture Culture is here to help contact us today at capture@ccpeopleandrisk.com or on 0417 615 091.