how are people using the safety assistant?

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# What are elements to consider when writing a fall protection plan? (cont.) ## Who has responsibilities for fall hazards? (cont.) - Inspect your personal fall protection system before each use. - Protect the protective equipment from damage where possible (e.g., make sure the lifeline or lanyard is protected from sharp edges, heat, flame, or corrosive substances). - Notify the supervisor or employer of any broken, defective, or missing protective equipment. - Be aware of your right to refuse unsafe work. ## Does the fall protection plan include training for those working at heights? Many jurisdictions require workers who will be working at heights to receive training. Ontario and Newfoundland both require this training to be delivered by approved providers. Please see the Fall Protection - Legislation for Training Requirements for more details. Even if training is not specifically required for those working at heights, it is still a very important part of fall protection. Selecting the proper personal protective equipment is complex and understanding how to wear and use the equipment is not always intuitive. Workers and employers must understand how and when their equipment should be maintained, and how to identify damage or incorrectly assembled systems. Users must also have a clear understanding of how to work safely on equipment such as elevated platforms, lifts and scaffolds. ## Does the fall protection plan include a rescue plan? Often after a fall is arrested, the worker remains suspended in the air and will need to be rescued by others. In other situations, the fallen worker could have injuries that require first- aid. A rescue plan will detail how to return fallen workers to a place of safety while keeping rescuers safe. Like other forms of emergency planning, it is essential that everyone understands their role and what they must do after a fall. Before beginning the at heights work, discuss the situation with local emergency services to see if…

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# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## What are some important considerations for the anchor system? (cont.) The applicable legislation will include requirements for anchor points. The anchor system should be used and installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and may need to be certified by an engineer. ## How will the rescue team communicate during an emergency? During the rescue planning and risk assessment, identify the most effective means of communication. Consider how a worker requiring rescue will communicate with their supervisor and rescue team, and how the supervisor and rescue team will communicate with each other. Methods may include using radios, cell phones, headsets, or direct voice communication. Make sure all workers and rescuers know the communication protocols, including how a rescue will be initiated. The roles and responsibilities of each team member should be clearly defined and understood, including who is responsible for calling the rescue team and emergency services when a fall occurs. ## What kind of training does the rescue team need? Rescuers require a comprehensive set of skills and expertise which is gained through specialized training and experience. Frequent training, including drills and simulated rescues, is important to ensure the safety of workers and rescuers. They also need to be trained and familiar with the rescue plan and procedures, required equipment, and the hazards associated with the work and rescue. Training should occur multiple times a year and before a specific job requiring a rescue plan begins. Consult with fall rescue experts to develop a training regimen that is specific to the tasks, work environment, and the types of possible rescue procedures that will be used. Do your due diligence when selecting a training provider. Ask for references and the qualifications and experience of the trainers. Consult the local fire department and health and safety regulator for addit…

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# Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) (cont.) ## What is working at heights? (cont.) - elevated work platforms, - fixed suspended work platforms, - swing staging, - boatswain's chairs, - aerial devices, - suspended equipment, or - personnel carrying equipment (e.g., personnel lifting units raised by cranes or hoists) Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential to fall about 3 metres (10 feet). Check with your jurisdiction as exact requirements do vary. Note that most jurisdictions require the use of specific fall protection measures before, or in addition to, personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures generally include the use of some of the following: - fixed barriers (e.g., handrails, guardrails) - surface opening protection (e.g., covers, guardrails, etc.) - warning barriers or control zones - fall or travel restraint systems (i.e., a system to prevent a worker from falling from a work position, or from travelling to an unguarded edge from which the worker could fall) - fall containment system (e.g., safety nets) - fall arrest systems (ie., a system that will stop a worker's fall before the worker hits the surface below) There may also be specific legal requirements around use of equipment like ladders and scaffolding. ## What are fall protection plans and why are they important? A fall protection plan is a general term for the policy and procedures used to identify fall hazards, and the measures taken to prevent injury. Included in this plan is selecting, assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using, and dismantling equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, or platforms used for working at heights as well as any fall protection equipment. Emergency procedures for rescuing fallen workers (including those who are hanging in midair by their harness) are also needed. Fall protection plans must be specific to each site where workers are at heights. There is "no one size fits all" plan.…

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# Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) (cont.) ## How do I know if my workplace should have a fall protection plan? Each workplace should seek the answers to the following questions: - How is working at heights defined in my jurisdiction? - Are workers working at heights? - Is a hazard assessment required (by law, other authority, or good practice)? - Are you required to have a fall protection plan? ## What are some areas to examine during a hazard assessment for fall protection? Look for all areas or situations where there is a risk of falling before any work begins. - Are there any areas where people may fall during tasks they are expected to do? Examples include: - from a height of 3 m (10 ft) or more - from heights less than 3 m (10 ft) where required (e.g., where there is an increased risk of injury) - into operating machinery - into water or other liquid - into or onto a hazardous substance or object - through an opening in a work surface - Are there controls in place to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of falls? - Are workers trained to recognize new or previously unrecognized fall hazards and report them immediately? - Do workers understand the protective measures taken to reduce falls (e.g., guardrails, safety nets, etc.)? - Is all equipment used by workers stable and in good repair, including guardrails, ladders and scaffolding? - Are floors in work areas in a clean and, so far as possible, dry condition? - Are workers educated and trained to understand how and when to use protective equipment safely? - Are the required personal protective equipment, available, maintained in good condition, and used as instructed? Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) CCOHS

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# SUBJECT: Fall Protection in Construction (cont.) ## 4. Holes [1926.501(b)(4)]. (cont.) MNOSHA Instruction STD 3-11.4C May 31, 2022 5. Dangerous Equipment [1926.501(b)(8)]. - Under this paragraph, fall hazard situations over equipment which is dangerous due to form or function must be protected by conventional fall protection systems, without exception. 6. Leading Edges [1926.501(b)(2)]. - This fall protection concept requires a significant evaluation of the jobsite work process. A leading edge means the edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a floor, or other walking/working surface, (such as a deck), which changes location as additional sections are placed, formed, or constructed. - Workers at the leading edge may continually work in one forward direction, without protection from guardrails, nets, or personal fall arrest systems, using a Fall Protection Plan as outlined in 1926.502(k) and Appendix E of Subpart M. Leading edge work using 1926.502(k) criteria is only used as an option when the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible, or it creates a greater hazard to use one of the three conventional systems of fall protection. Only workers engaged in leading edge work may be in the Controlled Access Zone. - An example of leading edge work is the construction of a floor deck using 4 x 8 sheets of plywood laid on a series of joists. 7. Fall Protection Plan [1926.502(k)]. - The option of establishing a written Fall Protection Plan can only be used for leading edge work, precast concrete erection work, or in residential construction when it can be demonstrated that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use conventional fall protection equipment. - The Fall Protection Plan must be on the jobsite, and it must meet every point covered in 1926.502(k). - Any such plan must be prepared by a qualified person, with the plan developed specifically for the jobsite where the leading edge or precast concrete construction work is being performe…

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# What are elements to consider when writing a fall protection plan? Develop the fall protection plan by involving those individuals with direct experience and whose work will be most impacted. This involvement will allow for input from supervisors and workers whose work involves fall hazards. Involve the joint health and safety committee or representative during the plan development as well. Fall arrest planning includes the steps necessary to prevent the worker from hitting the ground, material, equipment, or lower level of a structure. Determine the fall clearance distance below the work area to make sure that if a worker falls, they do not hit the ground. Workers may swing from side to side when they fall (called the pendulum effect), which also must be taken into consideration. A worker who has fallen and is hanging suspended will need to be rescued by others. A site-specific fall protection plan will incorporate many items, including: - site location (address, description, work area, tasks) - site-specific fall hazards (e.g., maximum height(s), roof slope if applicable, proximity to power lines, ground cover, etc.) - type of fall protection to be used, - protection to be used, including anchor points, and clearance requirements - procedures for fall protection equipment inspection, set-up, use, and removal - any other requirements before beginning work (e.g., presence of first aid or rescue personnel, other safety equipment, barricades, etc.) - rescue procedures - worker sign off ## Who has responsibilities for fall hazards? An employer must: - Develop written fall protection policy and procedures relevant for the workplace. - Identify all areas where there is a potential of injury due to fall. - Prioritize using passive fall arrest systems, such as guardrails, travel restraint, or fall- restricting systems over only relying on personal fall arrest systems. - Develop fall arrest rescue procedures which detail how to return workers safely to…

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# Specialized Fall Protection Systems (cont.) ## Controlled Access Zone (cont.) (5) On floors and roofs where guardrail systems are in place, but need to be removed to allow overhand bricklaying work or leading edge work to take place, only that portion of the guardrail necessary to accomplish that day's work shall be removed. ## Fall Protection Plans A fall protection plan is a last resort for fall protection and is allowed for residential, precast concrete erection and leading edge work only. If a contractor chooses to use a fall protection plan, even if the plan is acceptable, and cannot prove that conventional fall protection options are infeasible or create a greater hazard, they will be in violation of the standard. OSHA's definition of infeasible means that it is impossible to perform the construction work using conventional fall protection systems or that it is technologically impossible to use any one of these systems to provide fall protection. If the fall protection plan is to be implemented, it must follow these guidelines: (1) The fall protection plan shall be prepared by a qualified person and developed specifically for the site where the leading edge work, precast concrete work, or residential construction is being performed and the plan must be maintained up to date. (2) Any changes to the fall protection plan shall be approved by a qualified person. (3) A copy of the fall protection plan with all approved changes shall be maintained at the job site. (4) The implementation of the fall protection plan shall be under the supervision of a competent person. (5) The fall protection plan shall document the reasons why the use of conventional fall protection systems (guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets systems) are infeasible or why their use would create a greater hazard. (6) The fall protection plan shall include a written discussion of other measures that will be taken to reduce or eliminate the fall hazard for wor…

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# SAMPLE FALL PROTECTION PLAN FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION (cont.) ## III. ENFORCEMENT (cont.) Constant awareness of and respect for fall hazards, and compliance with all safety rules are considered conditions of employment. The crew supervisor or foreman, as well as individuals in the Safety and Personnel Department, reserve the right to issue disciplinary warnings to employees, up to and including termination, for failure to follow the guidelines of this program. - IV. ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS - All accidents that result in injury to workers, regardless of their nature, shall be investigated and reported. It is an integral part of any safety program that documentation take place as soon as possible so that the cause and means of prevention can be identified to prevent a reoccurrence. - In the event that an employee falls or there is some other related, serious incident occurring, this plan shall be reviewed to determine if additional practices, procedures, or training need to be implemented to prevent similar types of falls or incidents from occurring. V. CHANGES TO PLAN - Any changes to the plan will be approved by (name of qualified person). This plan shall be reviewed by a qualified person as the job progresses to determine if additional practices, procedures or training needs to be implemented by the competent person to improve or provide additional fall protection. Workers shall be notified and trained, if necessary, in the new procedures. A copy of this plan and all approved changes shall be maintained at the jobsite. Revised 3/5/2015 8

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# What are elements to consider when writing a fall protection plan? (cont.) ## Who has responsibilities for fall hazards? (cont.) - Educate and train workers and supervisors to understand and properly fulfill their role in fall protection and prevention. Workers should have easy access to policies and procedures so the directions can be reviewed when needed. - Make sure workers are instructed in all of the fall-protection methods or systems used and, in the post-fall rescue procedure before being allowed into an area where there is a risk of falling. - Make sure the fall-arresting system consists of the required components, including full body harness, self-retracting lanyard, energy absorbing lanyard or lanyard and energy absorber, and appropriate anchor point or horizontal life line. - Make sure all protective equipment, clothing or devices are provided, used, and maintained in good condition. - Make sure PPE is used effectively according to the policies and procedures, legal requirements, and the manufacturer's specifications. - Review and amend the fall protection plan when necessary, on a regular schedule. - Review and amend the fall protection plan after relevant workplace changes. - Review and improve the fall protection plan after each fall or near-miss incident. A supervisor must: - Make sure workers follow applicable legal requirements and the workplace policy and procedures regarding fall protection. - Inform workers about fall hazards and how to work safely at heights. - Make sure workers use and know how to wear the appropriate fall protection equipment. - Act on information provided by workers (e.g., safety concerns about the situation, when equipment is broken, defective, or missing, etc.). - Participate in fall protection planning where relevant and when requested. A worker must: worker must: - Alert the supervisor about previous unidentified fall hazards before beginning or continuing any work. - Participate in fall pr…

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Fall Protection # Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) ## On this page Why is fall protection planning important? What is working at heights? What are fall protection plans and why are they important? How do I know if my workplace should have a fall protection plan? What are some areas to examine during a hazard assessment for fall protection? What are elements to consider when writing a fall protection plan? Who has responsibilities for fall hazards? Does the fall protection plan include training for those working at heights? Does the fall protection plan include a rescue plan? ## Why is fall protection planning important? Falls are common causes of serious work related injuries and deaths. Fall protection planning can help to eliminate the hazards or control the risks associated with working near openings or at heights. This document will focus on working at heights. For information about falls on the same level, please see the OSH Answers document on the prevention of slips, trips and falls. ## What is working at heights? Working at heights is any work where a person could fall a distance and be injured. This event might include, for example, falling from a step ladder, off of a roof, or through an unguarded hole in the ground or floor. Fall protection may also be required when working above an open top tank, bin, hopper, or vat. Other situations that may require fall protection include the use of: forklift platforms, Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) CCOHS