Where fall protection is needed

Unprotected sides and edges, leading edges, hoist areas, holes, formwork and reinforcing steel, ramps, runways and walkways, excavations, dangerous equipment, overhand bricklaying, low slope and steep roofs, pre-cast concrete erection, residential construction, wall openings, and other walking and working surfaces.

Fall prevention measures

• Choose fall protection suited to each situation.
• Build and install the systems properly.
• Supervise workers well and use safe work procedures.
• Train workers in the choice, use and care of fall protection.

Types of system

• Passive systems protect without any action by the worker, such as guardrails, safety nets and covers over holes. They are preferred, because they do not depend on behaviour.
• Active systems work only if the worker connects or uses them correctly. A personal fall arrest system is active: it has an anchorage, connectors and a full body harness, and it arrests a worker who is already falling. Positioning devices and warning lines are also active systems.

Rules for personal fall arrest systems:

• Never attach to a guardrail system or a hoist.
• Inspect every component before each use and after any fall impact, and take defective parts out of service.
• Have a prompt rescue plan, or make sure workers can rescue themselves.

Safety monitoring

Where it is allowed, the employer appoints a competent person to monitor other workers. The monitor must be able to recognise fall hazards, warn a worker who seems unaware of a hazard or is acting unsafely, be on the same surface and within sight and speaking distance, and have no other duties that take attention from monitoring.

Protection from falling objects

Workers exposed to falling objects must wear hard hats, and the employer must use one of these measures:

1. Erect toe boards, screens or guardrails to prevent objects from falling from a higher level.
2. Erect a canopy, and keep objects far enough from the edge that they would not go over if displaced.
3. Barricade the area below, keep people out of it and keep objects far enough from the edge.

A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.