Fall protection basics

Falls are a leading cause of death in construction. Plan how you will stop a fall before anyone goes up.

Key points

• Know where the unprotected edges, holes and openings are on this site.
• Guardrails, covers and personal fall arrest systems are the usual options. Use what the plan calls for.
• Inspect your harness, lanyard and connectors before each use.
• Anchor points must be rated for fall arrest. A pipe or conduit is not an anchor.
• Have a rescue plan. Hanging in a harness becomes dangerous fast.

Ask the crew

• Where are the open edges on this job right now?
• Who would we call, and how would we reach someone hanging in a harness?