Preventing Falls from Heights

Overview

Falls from heights are the leading cause of fatalities in construction and a major hazard across many industries. Any work performed above ground level requires careful planning, proper equipment, and strict adherence to fall protection requirements.

Why This Is Important

Falls from heights cause devastating injuries and deaths. Even falls from relatively low heights can result in permanent disability or death. OSHA requires fall protection at four feet in general industry and six feet in construction, but best practice suggests protection at any height. Preventing falls requires multiple layers of protection: eliminating the hazard when possible, using guardrails and barriers, and providing personal fall arrest systems when other methods aren’t feasible. Every worker at height must understand and implement these protections.

Best Practices / Safety Tips

• Use guardrail systems as the first choice for fall protection whenever structurally feasible.
• Inspect fall protection equipment before each use—harnesses, lanyards, anchors, and connecting hardware.
• Ensure fall arrest systems are properly anchored to structural members capable of supporting 5,000 pounds.
• Never remove or disable fall protection systems or guardrails to improve access or speed work.
• Wear personal fall arrest systems correctly—snug harness fit with D-ring between shoulder blades.
• Verify that fall protection systems are appropriate for the specific task and work environment.
• Ensure rescue plans are in place before beginning work—suspended workers require prompt rescue to prevent
• Receive training on fall hazards and protection systems before performing any work at heights.

Takeaway

Falls from heights are preventable tragedies. By using proper fall protection every time we work above ground level and never taking shortcuts, we can eliminate these devastating injuries and ensure everyone returns home safely.