Quick answer: RIIWHS204E is the national Work safely at heights unit used in WA, including resources and infrastructure settings. WorkSafe WA separately regulates fall risks, safe systems and high-risk construction requirements. Some WA construction transition arrangements remain time-sensitive in 2026, so current regulator guidance needs to be checked.
What is the RIIWHS204E course in WA?
RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights covers preparing for work, identifying hazards and controls, selecting and checking equipment, accessing the work area, performing the task and completing required records.
It is a nationally recognised unit of competency, not a separate Western Australian high risk work licence. After successful assessment, the RTO normally issues a statement of attainment. “Working at heights ticket” is informal language for evidence of training or competency.
WA legal duties, mine-site systems, employer procedures and task-specific requirements continue to apply after training.
WA duties for managing falls
WorkSafe WA identifies regulations 78, 79, 79A and 80 of the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 as relevant to managing fall risks, specific fall controls, openings, and emergency and rescue procedures.
The regulator says work should be carried out on the ground or a solid construction where reasonably practicable. Where that cannot be done, the safe system should include suitable access and move through:
- a fall-prevention device such as secure edge protection, a platform or a cover
- a work-positioning system where fall prevention is not reasonably practicable
- a fall-arrest system where the higher controls are not reasonably practicable
Information, training and instruction are part of the safe system. Mining work can involve additional hazards, including broken ground, underground workings and limited visibility.
WA construction transition arrangements in 2026
WorkSafe WA states that a transition applies to high-risk construction work in general industry until the close of 30 September 2026.
During that period, regulation 3.55 of the former Occupational Safety and Health Regulations is used instead of regulation 79 of the WHS General Regulations for that work. The regulator describes thresholds of two metres or more from the edge of specified structures, such as scaffolds, and three metres or more from another edge.
WorkSafe WA also states that duty holders must continue to comply with regulations 78 and 79A during the transition. The transition does not apply to all work; the regulator says other work, including non-high-risk construction and construction in mining, moved to the WHS provisions without that transition.
This information was checked on 29 July 2026. Because the published end date is close, confirm the current WorkSafe WA page before using a threshold or selecting controls.
SWMS requirements in Western Australia
WorkSafe WA’s SWMS guidance says the WHS General Regulations 2022 and WHS Mines Regulations 2022 require a safe work method statement before proposed high-risk construction work starts.
The SWMS should identify the high-risk construction activity, hazards and the controls used. It needs to reflect the actual work and be reviewed when circumstances or controls change.
Whether a task reaches a high-risk construction threshold is separate from the broader duty to manage fall risk. Lower falls, openings, unstable surfaces and mining hazards can still require controls.
Working at heights currency for WA sites
The RIIWHS204E unit does not state one universal expiry period.
WA employers, mines, contractors and sites may require recent evidence, a refresher course, verification of current competency, induction or equipment-specific training. Requirements can differ between general industry and mining, and between clients.
Before enrolling, ask what evidence the organisation requiring the training accepts and whether it sets a currency period.
Working at heights courses in Perth and regional WA
The national unit is the same in Perth and regional Western Australia. The provider, venue and practical arrangements vary.
Before booking, confirm:
- the provider is a current RTO
- RIIWHS204E is on its current training.gov.au scope
- the exact Perth or regional venue and course date
- practical training and assessment facilities
- whether the course context suits construction, resources or the intended work
- fees, identification, clothing and PPE requirements
- the nationally recognised evidence issued after assessment
Training Connect does not infer Perth availability from an RTO’s registration or national scope. Ask the provider to confirm the location and current places.
How to verify a WA course provider
Check the provider on training.gov.au using its RTO code. Confirm both registration and current scope.
Ask how the provider assesses the practical performance evidence required by RIIWHS204E, including work-at-heights performance on at least two occasions. If theory is delivered online, the RTO should clearly explain the supervised practical component.
Use the national guide for broader course duration, ticket terminology and validity questions, and check WorkSafe WA for the current rule applying to the actual work.