Fall weather safety

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Climate Change # Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold ## On this page What are the impacts on worker health and safety? How can a workplace plan for extreme cold? What control measures can the employer put in place? ## Are we experiencing changes in cold weather patterns? Climate change has led to an increase in extreme and variable weather. Although it is expected that Canadian winters, on average, will have milder temperatures in the future, extreme cold events are still predicted to occur. Potential impacts of the warming of the Arctic may include extremely cold polar air travelling further south, leading to more extreme cold events in Canada. It is also expected that all parts of Canada will see an increase in winter precipitation. ## What are the impacts on worker health and safety? ## Cold The effects of extreme cold events include an increased risk of workers experiencing significant health issues such as hypothermia, frostbite, windburn, and heart and respiratory issues. Exposure to cold temperatures can also increase the risk of Raynaud's syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders. For more information, please see our OSH Answers document on Cold Environments - Health Effects and First Aid. ## Snow accumulation, ice, high winds, and melting snow Snow accumulation, ice events, high winds, and melting snow can have impacts on worker health and safety, including: Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold CCOHS

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# Weather - High Winds (cont.) ## What are some steps to take during high winds? (cont.) - Bring in pets or livestock for shelter. - If driving and unable to find shelter in a building, stay in your vehicle. If possible, move to an area where you will be less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines. - Keep a distance from high vehicles such as transport trucks, buses, and vehicles towing trailers. Strong gusts of wind can flip these vehicles. - Use buildings or vehicles to help block the wind. - Wear fall protection and secure yourself properly when working at heights. - Wear safety glasses or goggles, as appropriate, and secure PPE as necessary. - Monitor wind speeds throughout the day when working outdoors and operating equipment. - Tether your tools to prevent them from being swept up by the wind. Be - cautious when using power tools, as wind can affect your precision. - When operating equipment, verify the manufacturer's operating instructions on high winds and maximum wind speeds. - Assess nearby hazards from trees, powerlines and other items in the surrounding area. ## DO NOT - Do not perform lifting operations, use cranes, or conduct similar activities when it is unsafe to do so. Do not overload structures and scaffolding. High winds can increase the stress on them. - Do not work at heights when high winds are forecasted. - Do not reach or try to grab an object such as your hard hat if it blows away. - Do not shelter in large open areas inside buildings, such as gymnasiums or malls. - Do not shelter in between two buildings where a wind tunnel effect may occur. - Do not assume conditions will remain steady and rely on initial weather assessment. Wind conditions can change quickly. Fact sheet first published: 2019-08-09 Fact sheet last revised: 2025-01-21 Disclaimer Weather High Winds CCOHS

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# What should you do if someone has been hit by lightning? Lightning victims are safe to touch. Bystanders shouldn't hesitate to save a life by calling for help. If the victim is not breathing or they do not have a pulse, a trained rescuer should administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ## What should you do if you hear thunder? When Environment Canada issues a storm warning, or if you can already hear thunder, remember to take shelter from the storm and protect yourself. There are also commercially available personal lightning detection devices that can be carried on a person to help warn about how close a storm is. Preparedness for a storm is essential. Listen to your local forecast for the possibility of thunderstorm activity. Keep an eye on the sky. If the sky suddenly darkens, be prepared to take shelter. ## Where can I get more information*? Learn more about summer hazards on the Environment Canada web site. More about lightning safety is also available from the National Weather Service or the National Lightning Safety Institute in the United-States. (*We have mentioned these organizations as a means of providing a potentially useful referral. You should contact the organization(s) directly for more information about their information and/or services. Please note that mention of these organizations does not represent a recommendation or endorsement by CCOHS of these organizations over others that you may know.) ## Acknowledgement The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) would sincerely like to thank Environment Canada for their assistance in developing the original version of this document. Fact sheet confirmed current: 2016-11-01 Fact sheet last revised: 2021-01-25 ## Disclaimer Weather - Lightning CCOHS

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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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# Fall Protection - Safety Net Systems (cont.) ## What should be done before using a safety net system? (cont.) Only use safety nets to catch falling workers when the drop area is clear. If a falling worker could come into contact with surrounding structures or objects (including sharp edges), it is a good practice to evaluate other fall protection methods that will minimize the potential for injury. ## What should be done when using a safety net system? When using a safety net system: - Install all safety nets at the distance beneath the falling hazard as required for your jurisdiction. For example, Workers Compensation Board of PEI requires personnel safety nets to be installed within 4.6 m (15 feet) below the work area - Make sure there is sufficient clearance below the net so a falling worker does not come into contact with the ground or other objects as the net sags when supporting the forces imposed on it - Look at the entire potential fall area and make sure it is unobstructed. Falls are not always a direct drop from an opening or edge. This factor can be important on bridges or when working at heights on construction sites with lots of sharp edges and structural elements that jut out. - Make sure the safety net extends beyond from the boundaries of the work surface area. For example, Safe Work Manitoba's Fall Protection Guide states that the net extends at least 2.5 m beyond the borders of a work area. It is good practice to: - Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when installing, using, and maintaining a safety net. - Only use or rely on a safety net after it has been properly installed. - Place the safety net so it avoids contact with sharp edges. - Clear the net regularly and do not allow debris to accumulate in the net. - Visually inspect safety nets before each shift to make sure it remains in good repair. - Test the safety net regularly for its integrity and strength. Deterioration from exposure to ultraviolet (UV or sunlight) lig…

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# Stairways - Fall Prevention (cont.) ## Visibility on stairs (cont.) - Use any means to persuade people to grasp the handrail while both ascending or descending stairs. - Avoid carrying objects with both hands. - Do not carry bulky objects that block your vision. - Do not be distracted when you are walking or using stairs, including using phones, reading documents, or participating in intense discussions. - Do not rush. ## Housekeeping Good housekeeping is also vital to stair safety: - Nothing should be sticking out the surfaces of stairs, handrails or bannisters (like nails or splinters) that could cause a fall. - Spills, wet spots, or any debris should be immediately cleaned up. - Broken or malfunctioning lighting should be repaired or replaced. - Stay aware of any changes in weather which may affect outdoor stairways and respond accordingly. For more information on Housekeeping, see our OSH Answers documents: Workplace Housekeeping - Basic Guide Workplace Housekeeping - Checklist for Workplace Housekeeping Fact sheet last revised: 2024-10-31 ## Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Stairways - Fall Prevention CCOHS

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# What can the workplace do to be prepared for tornadoes? Being prepared and taking precautions ahead of a tornado can help workplaces be equipped for a storm, stay safe, and reduce the impact of the tornado. Paying attention to weather conditions and forecasts allows time to plan for threatening weather and to react appropriately. - Include tornadoes in your workplace's emergency_preparedness_plan - Include site-specific considerations for tornadoes. - Select and identify safe places for workers to take shelter. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or storm cellar. - Conduct regularly scheduled tornado safety drills. - Be aware of the weather. Check the weather forecast for the work area ahead of time, at the beginning of each shift, and continue to check the weather regularly throughout the shift. - Prepare emergency kits that contain essentials like water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. - Train workers on tornado preparedness. - Do not seek shelter in large, long-span buildings (such as malls, theatres, or gyms) with wide-span roofs as they are more likely to collapse during a tornado. ## What steps can workplaces take to protect workers during a tornado watch or warning? - Stay informed and pay attention to weather watches and warnings. Use a reliable weather service for up-to-date information on tornado conditions, storm maps, and weather warnings. - Check the weather throughout the workday - do not assume it will remain the same. - Prepare the space where you will shelter. If it is safe to do so, inspect the area. Secure items that are loose and can become airborne, where possible. ## What should a worker do during a tornado? If you encounter a tornado while in an office or building, follow your workplace's emergency response procedures. Find a safe place to seek shelter. Weather Tornado CCOHS

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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 - Safety Net Systems ## On this page When should a safety net be used ? What does your jurisdiction require? What should be done before using a safety net system? What should be done when using a safety net system? What should be done when safety nets catch debris? What are tips for maintaining a safety net system? ## When should a safety net be used ? Safety nets are one option that can be used as part of a fall protection plan. Workplaces that have the risk of falling should have a fall protection plan that outlines the policy and procedures involved in 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. Safety nets are classified as a passive fall protection system which can be installed as either a barrier to prevent a fall, or beneath the work to catch a falling worker. Safety nets are designed to decrease the fall distance, to absorb the energy of a fall, and to reduce the likelihood or seriousness of an injury. However, safety nets do not stop the worker from falling. Installing a fixed barrier such as guardrails, opening covers, or walls are always the preferred method to prevent a worker from falling. Safety nets are most often used when it is impossible or impractical to install fixed barriers or to use an anchored and lifeline system (fall arrest system). ## What does your jurisdiction require? 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 equpment (PPE). Fall Protection - Safety Net Systems CCOHS

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# Fall Protection - Hierarchy of Control (cont.) ## How can work at heights be eliminated? (cont.) - Moving the item to a level that is not at a height (e.g., control panels) - Using robots, cameras, or drones for cleaning and inspection of equipment - Lowering the object to the ground (e.g., lights that can be lowered by a rope or chain) - Using a device that allows the material to be handled from a safe location (e.g, an extended pole to reach higher areas instead of using ladders when painting or changing light bulbs) ## What engineering controls can be used to reduce work at heights? Engineering controls are methods that are built into the design of a plant, equipment, materials, or other aspects of the physical work environment. For example, guardrails are stationary or fixed (permanent) systems used to protect workers. The system is an engineering control because it does not rely on the worker to be trained to use or wear a fall protection system. Other examples of engineering controls include: - Placing a cover over the hole - Fixed or suspended scaffolding - Mobile elevating work platforms ## What administrative controls can be used? Administrative controls can include workplace policies and rules that instruct workers in fall protection methods. Examples of administrative controls for fall protection include: - Workplace policies and procedures to manage work at heights, including safe work practices, emergency rescue procedures, weather monitoring, etc. - Warning lines - Train and supervise staff to not cross warning lines or enter unsafe zones. - Controlled access zones - Assembling components on the ground to minimize the time spent working at heights (e.g., assembling roof trusses on the ground before hoisting) What are examples of personal protective equipment? Fall Protection - Hierarchy of Control CCOHS

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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold (cont.) ## How can a workplace plan for extreme cold? (cont.) It is important to note that emergency service providers, including paramedics and firefighters, may need more time to respond due to the weather and the increased demand for their services in the community. If a worker requires immediate medical attention (e.g., due to hypothermia, a slip, trip, or fall, or a motor vehicle collision), emergency services may be delayed or unable to respond in time. This competing demand for services further emphasizes the importance for workplaces to have preventative measures in place. Additional circumstances that can increase the risk of an injury, illness, or incident during extreme cold events include: - working outdoors - working in poorly heated areas - performing physically demanding work in cold temperatures - not having access to a heated sheltered area to rest and take breaks - driving vehicles or other equipment outdoors Extreme cold can put everyone at risk, although health risks are greater for: - people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions - people that are pregnant - young children and older adults ## What control measures can the employer put in place? Prepare for extreme cold and winter weather by developing and implementing a cold stress plan and an emergency response plan. The most effective strategies to protect workers are to implement measures that eliminate or minimize a worker's exposure to extreme cold and winter weather. The hierarchy of controls can be used to select the most appropriate control measures. The hierarchy of controls is a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing the risk of workplace hazards. The hierarchy of controls prioritizes controls from the most effective level of protection to the least effective level of protection: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipm…

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CCOHS CCHST Weather Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail # Weather - High Winds ## On this page What are examples of hazards when working in high wind conditions? What are some steps to take during high winds? Is wind an issue in Canada? ## What are examples of hazards when working in high wind conditions? High winds may be the result of a storm, hurricane, tornado or other weather event. Hazards include: - Potential for injury when wind moves objects - Eye injuries from dust or debris in the air - Sprains or strains when the wind forces workers to fall, when workers try to reach for an object that is moving away from them, or when the wind pulls objects/doors from their hands - Potential for injury from broken glass as a result of objects striking a window or a door swinging with force - Exposure to skin, especially in the cold - Loads, equipment or vehicles that fall, drop, or tip over - Breaking of branches or uprooting of trees - Collapse of building, roof, scaffolding, fencing, towers, etc. - Broken power lines, leading to risk of electrocution and loss of electricity - Reduced visibility (due to dust, snow, etc.) - Spreading of fire from sparks or equipment - Operating suspended equipment (swing stages, cranes...) - Wildfire spread Weather - High Winds CCOHS

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR # Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Part Number: 1910 - Part Number - Title: Occupational Safety and Health Standards - Subpart: 1910 Subpart I - Subpart Title: Personal Protective Equipment Standard - Number: 1910 Subpart I App C - Title: Personal Fall Protection Systems Non-Mandatory Guidelines. - GPO Source: e-CFR ## Appendix C to Subpart I of Part 1910 - Personal Fall Protection Systems Non-Mandatory Guidelines The following information generally applies to all personal fall protection systems and is intended to assist employers and employees comply with the requirements of $ 1910.140 for personal fall protection systems. (a) Planning considerations. It is important for employers to plan prior to using personal fall protection systems. Probably the most overlooked component of planning is locating suitable anchorage points. Such planning should ideally be done before the structure or building is constructed so that anchorage points can be used later for window cleaning or other building maintenance. (b) Selection and use considerations. (1) The kind of personal fall protection system selected should be appropriate for the employee's specific work situation. Free fall distances should always be kept to a minimum. Many systems are designed for particular work applications, such as climbing ladders and poles; maintaining and servicing equipment; and window cleaning. Consideration should be given to the environment in which the work will be performed. For example, the presence of acids, dirt, moisture, oil, grease, or other substances, and their potential effects on the system selected, should be evaluated. The employer should fully evaluate the work conditions and environment (including seasonal weather changes) Submit Feedback

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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…