Fall protection planning is crucial for preventing serious work-related injuries and fatalities. It involves identifying fall hazards and implementing measures to eliminate or control the associated risks when working at heights or near openings. A comprehensive fall protection plan is essential for any site where workers may be exposed to fall hazards. [1]

A fall protection plan should be developed with input from those with direct experience, including supervisors and workers, and involve the joint health and safety committee or representative. [2]

A site-specific fall protection plan should include:

• Site location and description
• Identification of site-specific fall hazards (e.g., maximum height(s), roof slope, proximity to power lines)
• Type of fall protection to be used, including anchor points and clearance requirements
• Procedures for equipment inspection, setup, use, and removal
• Other requirements such as first aid or rescue personnel and barricades
• Rescue procedures
• Worker sign-off

[2] Employers have several responsibilities regarding fall hazards, including:

• Developing written fall protection policies and procedures
• Identifying areas with potential fall injuries
• Prioritizing passive fall arrest systems
• Developing fall arrest rescue procedures

[2] Workers also have responsibilities, such as:

• Alerting supervisors to unidentified fall hazards
• Participating in fall protection planning
• Following legal requirements and workplace procedures
• Actively participating in education and training
• Using protective equipment appropriately

[4] Many jurisdictions require specific training for workers at heights. Training is a critical component of fall protection, ensuring workers understand how to use equipment, maintain it, and identify hazards. [3]

A rescue plan is a vital part of fall protection, detailing how to safely retrieve fallen workers. It should be written, posted, and understood by everyone involved. [3]

Key components of a rescue plan include:

• Designated, trained rescuers
• On-site first aid personnel and equipment
• Contact information for emergency services
• Identified emergency exits and communication systems
• Procedures for rescue, including equipment and anchor points
• Securing unsafe work areas
• Regular review and updates

[5] A working at heights rescue plan is written emergency response procedures for quickly retrieving and providing help to a worker who has fallen while working at heights. [6]

Check and follow any legislative requirements regarding rescue at heights in your jurisdiction. [7]

In British Columbia, employers must ensure workers are instructed in fall protection systems and procedures before entering areas where there is a risk of falling. [9]

In British Columbia, a temporary fall restraint system's anchor must be designed to hold a load in every direction of at least 3.5 kN (800 lbs) or four times the weight of the worker to be connected to the system. For a temporary fall arrest system, the anchor must be designed to hold a load in every direction of at least 22 kN (5 000 lbs) or two times the maximum arrest force. A permanent anchor for a personal fall protection system must have a load capacity in any direction of at least 22 kN (5,000 lbs). [8]