Why AUVA prioritises prevention
AUVA's statistics tell a clear story: In 2023, Austrian businesses reported approximately 20,000 falls and fall-related incidents – among the most dangerous types of accidents, as they frequently result in severe or fatal injuries. Fall protection encompasses all technical, organisational, and personal protective measures designed to prevent falls during work at height. Work on roofs poses particular dangers; even minor carelessness can have fatal consequences. This is where AUVA comes in: As Austria's statutory accident insurance provider, it develops prevention strategies, advises businesses, and actively supports implementing safety standards to prevent such accidents.
You'll find useful information on anchor system planning and practical examples in this wiki article and our other wiki pages. You can also get advice directly from AUVA or use the INNOTECH planning service.
AUVA's core functions in fall prevention
AUVA takes an integrated approach to fall prevention through four essential functions:
- In its prevention work, AUVA develops tailored safety concepts that integrate both technical and organizational solutions. To support implementation, AUVA provides comprehensive resources, including key guidance documents, for example on "Evaluating Fall Hazards in the Workplace" and "Safe Work Practices for Construction Sites" (German only).
- Another key priority is training and professional development following personal protective equipment regulations. AUVA places particular emphasis on practical training for occasional rooftop workers and safety specialists in the proper use of protective equipment.
- As a trusted business partner, AUVA assists companies in assessing and monitoring fall hazards. Using specially developed checklists and drawing on deep technical expertise, it guides businesses in identifying potential hazards and developing appropriate protective measures.
- Through systematic analysis of workplace accidents, AUVA continuously develops new approaches to fall prevention. These insights directly inform the evolution of safety requirements and the advancement of protective equipment standards.
From law to practice: The legal framework
The regulatory environment forms the foundation for AUVA's preventive approach to fall protection. In Austria, fall protection regulations rest on three key legislative pillars: the Health and Safety at Work Act (ArbeitnehmerInnenschutzgesetz, ASchG), the Workplace Ordinance (Arbeitsstättenverordnung, AStV), and the Construction Worker Protection Regulation (Bauarbeiterschutzverordnung or BauV for short).
AUVA supports companies with practical guidelines and recommendations to help them implement these legal requirements effectively. European standards for personal fall protection and anchor devices complement these national regulations, establishing binding requirements for manufacturers and operators. These standards guide the proper installation of appropriate anchor systems.
AUVA: Ensuring safety at work
Safety requirements vary according to the specific work environment. On construction sites, fall protection is mandatory for heights exceeding 2 metres (per Sections 20 and 61 of the Health and Safety at Work Act), while in standard workplaces, protection is required for heights above 1 metre. The entire roof surface is considered a hazard zone, with the area within 2 metres of the fall edge requiring special protective measures. When people need roof access for purposes other than work, this hazard zone must be clearly marked off with barriers. Furthermore, safe access to the roof area must be ensured at all times.
AUVA supports companies in the practical implementation of these requirements with tried and tested instructions – from risk assessment to regular servicing. This ensures a uniform standard in the practical implementation of occupational safety regulations to guarantee safety at work.
Types of fall protection systems
In practice, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for fall protection, and no single anchor system can meet all requirements. AUVA therefore classifies systems into two categories: permanently installed systems and flexible temporary systems. The choice between these depends on a thorough risk assessment, taking into account both site-specific conditions and the nature of the work to be performed.
Permanente Systems
For ongoing protection, several permanent fall protection solutions offer lasting security:
- Lifeline systems for permanent installations
- Rail systems for securing repeated access
- Collective fall protection such as guardrails and parapets
- Anchor points to provide access to specific zones
Lifeline Systems
The powerful lifeline system that offers a whole host of variants
Our powerful AIO lifeline system provides a reliable and versatile solution.
Rail System
The strong and flexible rail system TAURUS
Curves, pitches, sloping positions, and of course straight runs: the TAURUS rail system is as versatile as the potential areas of application.
Guardrail System
The variable railing system
The variable railing system. As collective protection, the BARRIER guardrail system eliminates the danger which results from an edge.
Anchor Points
Secure connection of system/anchorage eye to substructure
Because of the very wide variety in fall-risk areas, individual forms of fall protection are necessary.
These systems are designed according to AUVA's stringent requirements and comply with standards including EN 363 and EN 795, with each system being custom-adapted to specific workplace conditions.
Planning guidelines and examples
Building height and roof characteristics (including roofing materials) are crucial factors when planning permanent fall protection systems. Flat roofs longer than 17 metres require particularly stringent safety measures. For these installations, the safety system must be set back at least 2.5 metres from the roof edge to ensure safe and efficient snow removal. Strategic placement of additional anchor points in corner areas helps minimise critical safety zones.
On flat roofs extending up to 17 metres in length, a minimum clearance of 2.5 metres from the roof edge must be maintained. However, the dimensions of safety zones vary depending on when buildings are lower in height. In both cases, ensure that maintenance work remains fully accessible while adhering to all safety requirements.
A typical permanent installation combines a horizontal anchor system along the ridge with safety roof hooks. This solution is particularly well-suited for regular maintenance work and snow removal across the entire roof surface. It provides permanent protection for frequent roof access and has proven effective for recurring tasks of this kind.
Temporary fall protection systems
For temporary work sites, AUVA recommends a range of flexible fall protection solutions including mobile guardrail systems, temporary horizontal lifelines, safety nets, and catch scaffolding. These systems offer reliable protection while adapting to changing work conditions, and they're designed for easy installation and removal.
MFS SYSTEM
MFS modular fall prevention system for windows
TEMP LIFELINE SYSTEM
TEMP temporary protection
EAP-MOBI
EAP-MOBI skylight protection system
Personal protection solutions
When technical safety measures alone cannot fully protect workers, AUVA recommends using personal fall protection equipment (PPE). Workers who have to climb up and down structures like cranes, mast systems, or steel frameworks need continuous fall arrest systems for their protection.
Working on cranes requires specialised fall protection approaches due to the extreme heights involved, with different crane types demanding distinct safety solutions. Cable-based safety systems, such as the VERT LIFELINE SYSTEM, protect workers continuously throughout their climb. These systems, when combined with a full-body harness like the STRING, ensure comprehensive protection during all vertical movement.
Implementation & Best practices
Risk assessment
AUVA recommends conducting a comprehensive risk assessment that systematically identifies fall hazards under the Worker Protection Regulation. When evaluating roofing work, workers be particularly aware of three primary fall risks:
- Falls from roof edges
- Breaking through roof surfaces
- Falls through roof openings
The height of potential falls plays a crucial role in the assessment process, with safety measures becoming mandatory even for work areas just one metre above ground level. Following European safety standards, including EN 363, the assessment framework guides the development of comprehensive protection strategies specifically designed for each type of hazard. This systematic approach enables organizations to thoroughly evaluate and anticipate potential fall risks throughout their operations.
Installation requirements
According to AUVA guidelines, fall protection systems may only be installed by qualified professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of the Construction Worker Protection Regulations. When installing appropriate anchor points, professionals must follow AUVA's industry-specific recommendations, particularly in complex work environments such as roofing projects or industrial facilities.
Maintenance and inspection plans
AUVA establishes inspection intervals based on legal requirements, including annual comprehensive inspections, daily visual checks, and additional safety reviews following incidents. This structured approach aligns with AUVA's preventive strategy for accident prevention.
Documentation requirements
Companies must maintain thorough documentation of all fall protection system installations. Installation supervisors need to provide comprehensive records, including photographs and commissioning reports, to verify that qualified personnel installed the system according to technical specifications. These records establish the foundation for subsequent inspections.
This systematic approach to documentation is fundamental to AUVA's preventive work and occupational safety initiatives. Verification of proper installation creates the baseline for ongoing safety assessments and ensures legal compliance.
Innotech also offers documentation software: INNO|doc.
Prevention: The key to success
Fall protection presents businesses with a wide range of challenges. AUVA offers comprehensive support through its holistic approach to prevention – from developing customised safety concepts and assessing fall risks to providing training in the proper use of protective equipment. Through its consulting services, practical guidelines, and scientifically-based prevention strategies, AUVA helps companies implement legal requirements with confidence.
Success depends on the consistent application of safety standards. Proper installation of safety systems, their regular maintenance and inspection, as well as thorough documentation are essential components. By taking this systematic approach, companies can create lasting improvements in worker safety using fall protection systems and organizational measures, making a significant contribution to accident prevention.
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