Buildsafe Expands to Meet Demand

From 1st July 2026, South Australian builders must comply with updated safety regulations that lower the fall protection threshold to two metres. This change aligns with the national Work Health and Safety (WHS) framework.

Over 1,585 claims for construction falls have been recorded since 2016/17 by SafeWork SA and ReturnToWorkSA, costing more than $64 million. In the period between 2020 and 2022, 68% of these incidents occurred at heights between two and three metres, now addressed by the new regulation.

To meet the anticipated demand, Buildsafe, Australia’s largest scaffold and height safety company, has opened new operations in Lewiston, South Australia. Their services include scaffolding, edge protection, fall-arrest systems, compliance documentation, and site-monitoring technology.

Impact on Residential Builders

Single-storey residential builders will face significant changes. Previously, roof work below three metres did not require fall protection, but the updated rule mandates compliance for work above the new two-metre threshold.

Mike Shipton, CEO of Buildsafe, stated, “The 1st July threshold change means every builder working above two metres now needs compliant fall protection on site, and we have opened in SA to ensure access to Buildsafe’s full range of installations.”

The regulatory adjustment addresses a critical safety gap, according to Glenn Farrell, Executive Director of SafeWork SA. Builders can no longer rely on the old threshold to bypass safety implementations.

Buildsafe will engage with South Australia’s residential building sector at the HIA SA State of the Nation Luncheon on 26th June 2026. Further details on the regulations can be found at buildsafe.net.au/services/sa/.

The new base at 1596 Boundary Road, Lewiston, SA 5501, positions Buildsafe to assist local builders in meeting the new safety standards.

Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:51 am