Write a toolbox talk on Working at hight

Working at height is one of the highest-risk activities on site. Falls remain a leading cause of serious injury and death, and most incidents are preventable through planning, proper equipment, training, and supervision. Before any work at height starts, decide how the job will be done, what hazards are present, what fall protection method will be used, and how a fallen or stranded worker will be rescued. [1] [1] [8]

Key toolbox talk points:

• Only work at height when the task has been planned, authorized, and supervised by a competent person.
• Identify all fall hazards before starting: unguarded edges, floor or roof openings, fragile surfaces, ladders, scaffolds, aerial lifts, unstable ground, weather, overhead power lines, and falling-object exposure below.
• Use the hierarchy of controls: avoid work at height where possible, prevent falls with guardrails or restraint, then arrest falls with PFAS only when higher-level controls are not feasible.
• Inspect the work area and equipment before each shift and remove defective equipment from service immediately.
• Never improvise with makeshift platforms, damaged ladders, overloaded scaffolds, or climbing guardrails/cross-bracing.
• Keep people out from below and control dropped-object hazards with toeboards, tool management, and barricades.

[1] [1] [10] For fall protection, use the safest practical method first. Guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall-arrest systems must be in place where there is fall risk. Guardrails are a primary passive control and are required on work surfaces where workers are exposed to falls greater than 6 feet; they must be about 42 inches high with a mid-rail. Where guardrails cannot be provided, use a properly selected personal fall arrest system with a full-body harness, suitable connector, and secure anchorage. [4] [4] [9]

If PFAS is used, it must be correctly fitted, inspected, and anchored. Full-body harnesses are required as part of a PFAS. Inspect all components before each use for wear, damage, deterioration, deployed shock packs, damaged stitching, cracked hardware, and deformation. The back D-ring should sit between the shoulder blades, the chest strap should cross the middle of the chest, and leg straps should be snug. Anchorages should support at least 5,000 pounds, and the system should be rigged so free fall does not exceed 6 feet. Equipment exposed to impact loading must be removed from service. [2] [7] [8] [8]

Ladder safety:

• Choose the right ladder for the task and inspect it before use. Do not use damaged ladders.
• Set ladders on firm, level footing and maintain three points of contact while climbing.
• Do not overreach, carry loads that affect balance, or use ladders as work platforms unless designed for that purpose.
• Use ladder climbing systems or PFAS on fixed ladders where required by regulation, especially where the worker could fall more than 24 feet to a lower level.
• Workers must be trained in proper ladder setup and use.

[1] [1] [12] Scaffold safety:

• Scaffolds must be erected on a solid foundation using base plates and mud sills or another adequate firm foundation.
• Platforms should be fully planked, secured, and protected with guardrails; do not overload platforms or stockpile materials.
• Provide safe access by ladder, built-in access, stair tower, ramp, or walkway as appropriate.
• Never climb scaffold cross-bracing.
• Do not use scaffolds in high winds, storms, icy conditions, or other adverse weather.
• A competent person should inspect scaffolds before use and after conditions that could affect safety.

[3] [3] [3] [10] Edge protection and dropped-object prevention are essential whenever people are working near open sides or below elevated work. Protect unguarded edges with guardrails or travel restraint/fall arrest as appropriate. Cover or guard floor openings and holes. Use toeboards, secure tools and materials, avoid storing loose items at edges, and barricade the area below scaffolds or elevated work so no one can enter the drop zone. [1] [9] [10]

Risk assessment and hazard identification should happen before work starts and continue during the job. Review the task, access method, surface condition, weather, load limits, nearby openings, overhead obstructions, electrical hazards, and who may be exposed below. For lifts and mobile platforms, inspect the travel and work zone for holes, debris, drop-offs, unstable ground, and overhead power lines. Stop work and reassess if conditions change. [6] [5] [9]

Control measures to discuss with the crew:

• Eliminate the need to work at height where possible by assembling at ground level or using longer-handled tools.
• Use collective protection first: guardrails, covers, secured platforms, properly erected scaffolds, and exclusion zones.
• Use the correct access equipment for the task: ladder for short-duration light work, scaffold or MEWP for longer-duration or two-handed work.
• Inspect PFAS, ladders, scaffolds, and lifts before each use; tag out defective equipment.
• Control weather, lighting, housekeeping, and surface conditions; stop work in high winds, storms, ice, or slippery conditions.
• Maintain safe distances from overhead power lines and other obstructions.
• Ensure workers are trained, authorized, and supervised.

[1] [5] [6] PPE:

• Full-body harness and compatible lanyard/lifeline when PFAS or restraint is required.
• Hard hat to reduce injury from falling objects and head strikes.
• Non-slip safety footwear suitable for ladders, scaffolds, and roof surfaces.
• Gloves as needed for grip and handling, provided they do not create additional risk.
• Any task-specific PPE required for the environment, such as eye protection or electrical PPE.

[2] [10] A rescue plan is mandatory whenever fall arrest is used. Do not rely on emergency services alone. The plan should identify who will perform the rescue, how they will reach the suspended worker, what equipment will be used, how emergency services will be contacted, and how suspension trauma risk will be minimized. Workers must know the plan before starting work, and rescue equipment must be available on site. [8] [2]

Compliance means following applicable work-at-height regulations, manufacturer instructions, and site procedures. At a minimum, ensure workers are trained to recognize fall hazards and use equipment safely; provide fall protection where required; inspect equipment before use; and use only authorized, competent, or qualified persons for setup, inspection, and operation of specialized equipment such as scaffolds and lifts. For aerial lifts, follow the manufacturer manual, inspect before each shift, close gates or chains, stand on the platform floor, and use fall protection as required by the equipment type and manufacturer. [4] [5] [6] [11]

Before starting today’s work, the crew should confirm: the task and access method are planned, hazards are identified, edge protection or PFAS is in place, equipment is inspected, the drop zone is controlled, weather is acceptable, workers are trained, and the rescue plan is understood.