EOFY Height Safety Checklist for Facility Managers
EOFY is a good time to tidy up the things that are easy to put off.
Budgets. Maintenance plans. Contractor schedules. Inspection records…And yes, height safety.
If your building has roof access, ladders, guardrails, walkways, anchor points, hatches or plant platforms, now is the right time to check what is working and what needs attention. Before the next round of maintenance work lands on your desk.
1. Check your roof access points
Start with how people get onto the roof.
- Is the ladder safe?
- Is the hatch easy to open?
- Is the access point clearly marked?
- Can contractors get up and down without awkward movements, loose fixings or damaged components?
If the first part of the access path is poor, everything after that becomes harder.
2. Review guardrails and edge protection
Guardrails should be secure, properly fixed and positioned where people need protection.
Look for movement, damage, missing sections, poor connections or areas where people still need to work near unprotected edges. One of the most common things that get flagged on audits are loose screws, rivets or bolts.
Do not assume the system is fine because it has been there for years.
3. Inspect walkways and platforms
Walkways should provide a clear, stable path across the roof.
Check for loose sections, damaged mesh, trip hazards, blocked routes and areas where the walkway no longer matches how people move around the roof.
Often, equipment installers don’t know or care about their pipes or cables running over top of walkways, which is an easy trip hazard.
For platforms, look at working space, handrails, stairs, gates and access around plant. Can technicians do the job safely, or are they still improvising?
4. Confirm anchor point inspections
Anchor points need regular inspection and documentation.
Make sure you know:
- Where each anchor point is located
- When it was last inspected
- Whether it passed
- Whether any roof work has changed the risk
- Whether workers are trained to use the system properly
If you cannot find the paperwork, that is a problem worth fixing, and can potentially mean the difference a small injury from the anchor point working correctly to fatal injury if it doesn’t
5. Look at rooftop plant access
Rooftop plants often drives regular access. HVAC units, exhaust systems, mechanical services and other equipment all need maintenance. Can contractors can reach each unit safely?
If they need to step over services, walk near edges or work from awkward positions, the access system may need upgrading.
6. Check your records
A safe system should come with clear documentation.
- Inspection reports.
- Test records.
- Maintenance notes.
- Photos.
- Sign-off documents.
These should be easy to find, not buried in someone’s inbox from three years ago.
7. Plan the fixes before they become urgent
Some issues will need immediate attention. Others can be planned into future maintenance or capital works.
The point of an EOFY check is to get a clear list.
- What is compliant?
- What needs repair?
- What should be upgraded?
- What can be budgeted for next?
That gives facility managers a practical plan instead of a last-minute scramble.
Get the boring safety jobs sorted
Height safety is not the loudest item on the maintenance list. But when something goes wrong, it becomes the only item that matters.
EOFY is a good time to check the systems, fix the obvious gaps and make sure the paperwork is in order.
Need help working through your EOFY height safety checklist? Workplace Defender can look at your roof access systems and give you a clear list of what needs attention and help work them into budgets that actually work for your business.
Talk to Workplace Defender About Your Site
Workplace Defender designs and installs height safety systems built around real buildings and real workflows. If you have ongoing maintenance requirements and want to talk through what a purpose-built system might look like for your site, we are happy to start with your building not a standard template.
Contact us to arrange a site visit and assessment.
