RIIWHS204E – Work safely at heights

Learn the essential skills to work safely at any height, on any site.

RIIWHS204E – Work safely at heights is a nationally recognised unit that teaches the practical and theoretical skills required to identify risks, select the right safety equipment and work safely when exposed to the risk of a fall.

This course is ideal for anyone who works on roofs, scaffolding, elevated platforms, ladders, or any structure where a fall could cause injury. Training is delivered by experienced industry trainers at OTJT’s Stapylton yard using realistic height setups and fall-protection systems.

What you’ll learn

• How to identify height hazards and assess risks before starting work.

• How to plan and prepare for work at height, including reading work instructions and site procedures.

• How to inspect and use fall-prevention equipment, such as harnesses, anchor points, lanyards and energy absorbers.

• How to install and use temporary work platforms, edge protection and access systems.

• How to apply safe work methods, maintain three points of contact and use correct attachment techniques.

• How to respond to incidents or equipment faults and report hazards in line with WHS procedures.

What you’ll demonstrate

• Correct selection, fitting and use of height safety gear.

• Safe movement and positioning while performing tasks at height.

• Clear understanding of WHS responsibilities, fall-arrest systems and rescue procedures.

• Consistent compliance with workplace and manufacturer instructions.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment for RIIWHS204E – Work safely at heights.

This qualification is recognised across Australia and is commonly required for anyone working in construction, maintenance, mining, or infrastructure roles involving elevated work.

🔗 View the full unit details on training.gov.au

• Tradies and labourers working on roofs, scaffolds, or mezzanines.
• Supervisors and HSE staff needing refreshers.
• New starters needing a fast site-ready ticket.

• Day classes: Every 2 weeks, Mondays 6:30 am–3 pm
• Blended^: Optional pre-course e-learning or Face-to-Face with a trainer
• Private groups: Book your crew for private, tailored classes on our site or yours.

^Blended learning at OTJT means you can knock over your theory online before you arrive, so your time on site is all about getting hands-on and building the skills you need.

Statement of Attainment: Upon achieving competence in this accredited unit of competency, you will be issued a physical and digital copy of a Statement of Attainment for your official records, plus a wallet-sized card for use on site.

Please note that USI transcripts are only updated once a year, so keep it somewhere safe. Don’t worry, though, if you do lose it, get in touch and we can issue a new one.

Note: This course issues a competency ticket in the form of plastic card issued by the RTO, not a high-risk work licence. Some sites may still require VOCs.

A Work Safely at Heights ticket is one of the most important qualifications you can hold if your job involves leaving the ground. Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatalities in construction, so most sites will expect anyone working at height to have this training under their belt.

This ticket isn’t just for tradies on scaffolds or roofs. It applies across a wide range of industries: construction, civil, mining, utilities, maintenance, warehousing, telecoms, signage, and even event rigging. If you’re ever using harnesses, ladders, static lines, or access systems, your Work Safely at Heights ticket proves you’ve been trained to manage the risks.

Employers and site supervisors look for it because it shows you understand how to plan the work, check your equipment, and use fall-protection systems correctly. It also demonstrates you know how to respond in an emergency – something every team relies on when working in high-risk environments.

Many workers also complete Work Safely at Heights alongside their EWP tickets. That way you’re covered for both operating inside the basket and for any work that requires stepping out at height. Stacking the two qualifications gives you the flexibility to handle more tasks, meet stricter compliance standards, and make yourself a more valuable hire.

Bottom line: if you’re working above ground level, whether it’s on a construction site, in a warehouse, or maintaining plant and equipment, a Work Safely at Heights ticket is essential. It keeps you compliant, keeps you safe, and keeps the boss happy!

Morning – Theory & Planning: Legislation, risk assessment, permits, hazard ID.
Afternoon – Practical & Assessment: Harness fitting, ladder use, static lines, rescue readiness, assessment tasks.

Course length: 1 day. Timings may vary depending on group size.

• ID & USI: Provide 100 points ID and a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• PPE: (steel‑cap boots. High‑vis vest, gloves and hard hat can be provided upon request).
• Age: 18+ (company policy)
• LLN: basic English literacy (LLN & Digital Literacy Skills Check must be completed by new students).
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As part of the new Standards for RTOs 2025, all new students must complete a quick LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital) Skills Check before we can confirm enrolment. 

It’s not a test, and there’s no pass or fail. It simply helps us understand how best to support the learner before training begins. It only takes around 10 minutes to complete and can be done on any device, including a mobile phone.

The table below summarises the level of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ASCF)* (and DigComp) required for this course.

Check out our FAQ’s on this page below for some more info about our learning resources designed to set up all students for success, regardless of their capabilities, or find our Student Support Policy here.

For more information about the ACSF visit the DEWR website: https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-information-training-providers/australian-core-skills-framework

CSQ

• Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) is an independent, not-for-profit, industry-funded body supporting employers, workers, apprentices, trainees and career seekers in the building and construction industry.
• CSQ funding helps to reduce the financial obstacle to training, making upskilling an affordable option for many more individuals in the construction industry.
• CSQ contributes towards the cost of courses to reduce the cost to participants. CSQ funding is paid directly to the contracted RTO.
• For more information, visit our CSQ Funding Page

Bert Training Fund

• For those who are CFMEU members and have an account with Bert.  
• Members commonly access Bert Training Funding to cover part of the ‘out of pocket’ cost in conjunction with CSQ funding, which covers the rest. The member may also need to make a further contribution.
• When CSQ Funding is not available, then Bert members often access this fund as an alternative to support the cost of their training
• Members can approach the Bert Training Fund manager to request financial support or request OTJ Training to approach them on their behalf.

Should the participant not achieve competence in any of the NAIs, then they will be entitled to no more than one reassessment with no charge. At the RTO’s discretion, any additional reassessments will incur further fees of $250 each, including charges for retraining of $500 if required.

Please use this course structure as a guide. Many factors can influence course timings, such as the size of the group, weather conditions or a student’s time to achieve competence in the unit.