Understanding Fall Hazards

Falls are the leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Whether from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or unprotected edges, fall hazards must be identified and controlled before work begins.

Common Fall Risks

• Working at heights without proper guardrails or fall arrest systems.
• Using damaged ladders or scaffolding.
• Improper anchorage or harness setup.
• Weather conditions that affect footing or stability.

Essential Fall Protection Measures

• Conduct a hazard assessment before beginning work.
• Use fall protection equipment (harness, lanyard, anchor point) as required.
• Inspect equipment daily and remove defective gear from service.
• Maintain three points of contact when using ladders.

Training and Responsibilities

• Only trained and competent workers should use fall protection systems.
• Supervisors must ensure fall protection is in place and used correctly.
• Workers must speak up if equipment is missing, damaged, or improperly installed.
• Report all near-misses or incidents to improve safety practices.