Working At Heights
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities.
Safety Topic
Working At Heights
Overview
While slips, trips, and same-level falls are common in many industries, falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace. These incidents are preventable when proper planning, equipment, and training are in place.
Life Saving Rule: Working at Heights
Protect yourself against a fall:
- Inspect all fall protection gear before each use.
- Tie off 100% of the time to an approved anchor point when outside a protected area.
- Secure tools and materials to prevent dropped object hazards.
Working At Height
Fall Protection Inspection
Inspect fall equipment gear before each use to ensure it’s safe. Damage or wear and tear can cause failure. A pre-use inspection can save your life when working from heights.
Anchor Points
Always tie off to approved anchor points to stay protected at height. Falls happen fast. Proper tie-off prevents injury or death and ensures gear can handle a fall. Never skip this lifesaving step.
Tool Securement
Securing tools and materials at height prevents injuries or damage from dropped objects. Even small items can be deadly when falling. Use tool lanyards and proper storage to protect others below.
Fall Protection
Fall protection Plan
Without proper knowledge, workers may choose the wrong system (e.g., fall restraint vs. fall arrest), misidentify anchor points, or overlook critical hazards—leading to increased risk of injury or fatality. Competent planning ensures that fall protection is effective, compliant, and tailored to the task, helping to prevent accidents before work even begins.
Fall Protection Equipment
Improperly worn harnesses, loose connections, or unnoticed damage can render the system ineffective in a fall. Ensuring the equipment is properly inspected and correctly fitted to the individual protects the worker rather than increasing risk. Competence in these tasks is essential for personal safety and regulatory compliance.Â
Fall Protection Training
Workers must be trained and competent in understanding the correct use and limitations of fall protection systems because using the wrong system can lead to serious injury or death. Fall restraint prevents a fall from occurring, while fall arrest stops a fall in progress. Knowing ensures the worker is fully protected for the task and avoids false confidence.
Roles & Responsibilities
Supervisor Role
- Ensure a site-specific fall protection plan is in place.
- Identify appropriate equipment (restraint/arrest systems, anchors, and rescue plan).
- Confirm all workers are trained and deemed competent.
- Secure all tools and equipment to prevent dropped objects
Operator Role
- Complete required training for fall protection.
- Inspect and maintain equipment before use.
- Use only approved anchor points.
- Ensure sufficient fall clearance for arrest systems.
- Remain tied off when outside guarded areas.
- Secure all tools and equipment to prevent dropped objects
Fall Rescue Preparedness
Every worksite where height-related tasks are performed must have a rescue plan.
Workers, supervisors, and safety personnel must understand:
- How to conduct rescues without endangering others.
- The equipment and resources required for an effective and timely rescue
Stop & Think
Common Fall Protection Violations
- No fall protection plan in place.
- Untrained personnel using fall protection equipment.
- Equipment used without inspection or despite visible damage.
- Use of non-rated or improper anchor points.
- Not tying off when required.
- Inadequate fall clearance for arrest systems.
- No fall rescue plan in place.
- Tools and materials unsecured above others
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