You're right I don't work at height, however, there are a couple of occasions when the ladder comes out. The Sky guys have to wear them and they have to secure their ladder to the wall.
I would guess that NSW will catch up at some point, the Aussies seem more laid back from my experience.
H&S will only go in one direction, embrace it dont fight it.
You've obviously never worked there then.
Over there H&S guys are allowed to give out on the spot fines and they are pretty hefty.
I worked in a shopping centre for a while on maintenance it was always drilled into us about unsafe acts especially in front of the public because h&s guys could be out shopping and they can fine you even when off duty.
The whole country is more tied up with legislation than here.
For example if you were to get drunk in a pub walk outside and have an accident the barman would be liable for allowing you to get drunk under the responsible alcohol laws.
The mat thing is common sense why have an additional trip hazard of a mat when you can eliminate the risk by elevating the cables.
Unfortunately the prevailing mood here is "its h&s you've got to get on board" instead of examining what we are actually doing and coming up with a proper safe working method.