Last updated on Apr 22, 2024

What are the best ways to prevent falls when working at heights?

Falls from heights are one of the most common and serious hazards in many workplaces, especially in construction, roofing, and maintenance. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls account for about a third of all fatal injuries in the construction industry. To prevent falls and protect workers, employers and employees need to follow some best practices and regulations when working at heights. Here are some of the best ways to prevent falls when working at heights.

1 Plan ahead

Before starting any work at heights, you need to plan ahead and assess the risks and hazards involved. You should identify the tasks, tools, equipment, and materials that are needed, and how to access and secure the work area. You should also determine the appropriate fall protection system, such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), and ensure that they are available and in good condition. You should also train your workers on how to use them properly and safely.

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Theofanis Kapetanakis

⚠️Technical Rescue Consultant l 🚨”Team Rescue" Training & Coordination | 📈Strategic planning for a safer working environment | 📋 Enhance safety culture
I strongly believe that a fundamental issue in programming any kind of work at heights is not to rush into starting or executing any task. Rushing or time pressure reduces the necessary attention to each step of work preparation. Whatever procedures and documents exist, if completed under time pressure, the chances of not being completed correctly or not taking into account all H&S parameters are increased.
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Ajay Makwana

QC | QA | SQA | ISO Lead Auditor | Safety coordinator | Carbon footprint | Automation | Product Certification - BIS ASTA KITE Mark | LSSGB | QMS | Process improvement | SAP | PPAP | APQP | PFMEA | Lean Manufacturing |
To prevent falls when working at heights: 1. Use proper fall protection gear. 2. Install guardrails and barriers. 3. Regularly inspect equipment. 4. Provide comprehensive training. 5. Secure tools and materials. 6. Comply with safety regulations.
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Deborah Trevathan

4B Properties Accounting
Constant focus on your surroundings and always gettin a good night rest prior to a workday at heights. SAFETY FIRST and that includes YOU!!
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2 Use the right equipment

Another key way to prevent falls when working at heights is to use the right equipment for the job. You should choose the most suitable type of ladder, scaffold, or aerial lift for the task and the location, and follow the manufacturer's instructions and specifications. You should also inspect the equipment before and after each use, and report any defects or damage. You should never use damaged, defective, or makeshift equipment, or exceed the load capacity or height limit of the equipment.

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3 Wear proper gear

Wearing proper gear is also essential for preventing falls when working at heights. You should always wear a hard hat, gloves, boots, and other protective clothing that fit well and are comfortable. You should also wear a harness and a lanyard that are compatible with the fall protection system, and attach them to a secure anchor point. You should avoid wearing loose or dangling clothing, jewelry, or accessories that could get caught or snagged on the equipment or the structure.

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Christian Harris

Founder @ Slip Safety Services | Reducing slip accidents, injuries, and claims by 57% with the science of Slipology | Host of the Safety And Risk Success Podcast | Host of the Safety Roundtable
Remember that "safety shoe" doesn't mean "slip-resistant shoe". Depending on the sole material, design and condition (e.g. is it worn), plus the type of floor and the contamination on it, what might "look" like slip-resistant footwear may well not be.
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4 Follow safe work practices

Following safe work practices is another important way to prevent falls when working at heights. You should always follow the rules and procedures established by your employer and OSHA, and comply with the signs and warnings posted on the site. You should also communicate with your co-workers and supervisors, and report any unsafe or hazardous conditions or behaviors. You should never work at heights alone, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or in adverse weather conditions.

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John Savoia, MIIRSM

OHS Executive | Former Ontario MILTSD Officer | OHSA/OSHA Regulatory Law SME | Husband and Father
General safe work practices give us an idea of the measures to follow at a bare minimum to protect workers from hazards. When working at heights, site-specific and application specific safe work practices should be developed and implemented that take into account the working area, immediate surrounding hazards, and the measures to be enacted in the event that a worker who has fallen and their fall has been arrested is rescued. Creating forms that workers can fill out when preparing for the job to be done and training them in fall protection measures will set your workers up for a safe and successful job.
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5 Keep the work area clean

Keeping the work area clean and organized is also a good way to prevent falls when working at heights. You should remove any unnecessary or excess materials, tools, or equipment from the work area, and store them in a designated place. You should also dispose of any waste or debris properly, and avoid creating tripping or slipping hazards. You should also keep the work area well-lit and ventilated, and ensure that there are no obstructions or distractions that could affect your visibility or balance.

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Christian Harris

Founder @ Slip Safety Services | Reducing slip accidents, injuries, and claims by 57% with the science of Slipology | Host of the Safety And Risk Success Podcast | Host of the Safety Roundtable
Slips and trips are often the cause of falls from height. Trips are simple to solve: take care to review the work area and ensure there are no trip hazards such as obstructions, lips, uneven surfaces etc. Slips are more complicated, and it's not as simple as "keep the work area clean". A floor can "look clean" but still be slippery, as not all contamination is visible to the naked eye; or a floor can be uniformly dirty but "look clean". You should undertake a slip test to ensure that the floor is safe when wet or contaminated.
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6 Learn from incidents

Finally, learning from incidents is a valuable way to prevent falls when working at heights. You should always report any near misses, injuries, or fatalities that occur on the site, and participate in any investigations or reviews. You should also learn from the root causes, contributing factors, and corrective actions of the incidents, and apply them to your own work. You should also share your experiences and feedback with your co-workers and supervisors, and suggest any improvements or changes that could prevent future falls.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Andrew Guss

Strategic Account Manager
Provide Safe Access and Egress: Ensure that workers have safe and secure access to elevated work areas. Use stairs, ramps, or ladderways with handrails where necessary.
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What are the best ways to prevent falls when working at heights?

1

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3

4

5

6

7

1 Plan ahead

2 Use the right equipment

3 Wear proper gear

4 Follow safe work practices

5 Keep the work area clean

6 Learn from incidents

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Safety

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What are the best ways to prevent falls when working at heights?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Plan ahead

2 Use the right equipment

3 Wear proper gear

4 Follow safe work practices

5 Keep the work area clean

6 Learn from incidents

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Safety

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