how to check if a worker is in compliance with working at heights

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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 - Legislation ## On this page When is fall protection required? What are the sources of legislation regarding fall protection? What are the applicable standards for fall protection? Where can I find more information from CCOHS about fall protection and working at heights? ## When is fall protection required? 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/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 (i.e., 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. Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential to fall about 3 metres (10 feet). In most cases, fall protection is required when: other means of fall protection are not available or possible, such as guardrails - working at a height of 3 metres or more (permanent and/or temporary work areas) Fall Protection - Legislation CCOHS

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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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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Fall Protection # Fall Protection - Hierarchy of Control ## On this page What should be considered when work is done at heights? How can work at heights be eliminated? What engineering controls can be used to reduce work at heights? What administrative controls can be used? What are examples of personal protective equipment? What should be considered when work is done at heights? Workplaces that identify any risk of injury due to a fall from heights should implement a fall protection plan that outlines the management of work at heights. These policies and procedures may cover a wide range of elements, such as the use of any fall protection equipment, or the assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using, and dismantling of equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, or platforms used for working at heights. Employers must consider the hierarchy of control when selecting the safest method. Information about the hierarchy of control for fall protection is included in this document. Please see the OSH Answers "Hierarchy of Control' for general information. NOTE that other requirements may be needed that are not discussed in this document. Applying the hierarchy of control for work at heights can be complex. Always consult the legislation that applies in your situation, and with your jurisdiction for complete information. The following information is intended as guidance only. ## How can work at heights be eliminated? The most effective method of control is to eliminate the need to work at a height. Examples include: - Designing the work (structurally or mechanically) to eliminate the need to work at heights - Providing a stable platform or floor Fall Protection - Hierarchy of Control CCOHS

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# CONSTRUCTION STANDARD (cont.) ## R 408.[redacted postal code] Emergency response. - Rule 2913. (1) The employer shall establish and document procedures for rescue of employees in the event of an emergency, which shall include whether the employer will designate its own employees to perform the rescue procedures or whether the employer will designate a third party to perform the rescue procedures. The documented procedures shall be available for review by the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth or his or her designee, upon request. (2) When an employer uses employees to provide elevated (high angle) rescue and emergency services, the following measures shall be taken: (a) Ensure at least 2 rescue-trained employees are on-site when employees are working at heights over 6 feet on the structure. When there are only 2 employees on-site and 1 of these employees has been employed for less than 12 months, then that new employee must minimally have documented rescue training which includes steps to be taken in an emergency. (b) Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) and high angle rescue equipment needed to conduct elevated rescues are provided, utilized, and maintained by the rescue-trained employees. (c) Train rescue employees so they are proficient in the use and maintenance of PPE and high angle rescue equipment needed to conduct elevated rescues. (d) Train rescue employees to perform assigned rescue duties to ensure that they maintain the ability to perform and demonstrate such duties by conducting and documenting simulated rescue operations at least once every 12 months. The employer shall keep documentation available for review by the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth or his or her designee, upon request. (3) An employer who designates a third-party rescue and emergency service to provide elevated (high angle) rescue and emergency services shall take all of the following measures: (a) Obtain verifi…

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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