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

When working at heights, it's essential to follow safety regulations and compliance procedures to prevent falls and ensure safe work practices. Here's what you need to know:

• Fall Protection Plan: Implement a comprehensive fall protection plan specific to each site where workers are at heights. This plan should outline policies and procedures to identify fall hazards and measures to prevent injury. It includes the selection, assembly, maintenance, inspection, and use of equipment like ladders, scaffolds, or platforms, as well as fall protection equipment. Emergency procedures for rescuing fallen workers are also a critical part of the plan. [1] [1]

• Hierarchy of Control: Prioritize the elimination of the need to work at a height. If elimination is not possible, use engineering controls like guardrails or scaffolding to reduce the risk. Administrative controls such as workplace policies, safe work practices, and training can further minimize hazards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense. [2]

• Hazard Assessment: Conduct a thorough hazard assessment to identify potential fall hazards before work begins. This includes areas where workers may fall from a height of 3 meters (10 feet) or more, into machinery, water, hazardous substances, or through openings in a work surface. [3] [3]

• Fall Protection Measures: Use measures such as fixed barriers (e.g., handrails, guardrails), surface opening protection (e.g., covers), warning barriers or control zones, fall or travel restraint systems, fall containment systems (e.g., safety nets), and fall arrest systems. [4]

• Training: Ensure that employees working at heights are adequately trained. Training should cover the nature of fall hazards, correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting fall protection systems, proper inspection of fall protection equipment, climbing safety procedures, and the use and operation of fall protection systems. [5]