Fall protection is crucial for preventing serious injuries and fatalities when working at heights. Planning is essential to eliminate hazards and control risks associated with working near openings or at heights. [1]

Here are key measures for fall protection:

• Hazard Assessment: Identify potential fall hazards before work begins, including areas where falls from 3 m (10 ft) or more are possible, or where there's an increased risk of injury.
• Fall Protection Plan: Develop a site-specific plan involving experienced individuals, supervisors, and workers. Include details like site location, specific fall hazards, types of fall protection to be used, and rescue procedures.
• Fall Arrest Systems: Use fall arrest systems only when other methods are not feasible. These systems should minimize free fall distance, reduce fall forces, and prevent workers from striking surfaces during a fall.
• Guardrails: Install guardrails as a primary means of fall protection on open edges of floors, roofs, scaffolds, runways, ramps, and elevated platforms.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure workers use appropriate PPE, including full body harnesses, self-retracting lanyards, and energy-absorbing lanyards. Inspect PPE before each use and maintain it in good condition.
• Training and Education: Educate and train workers and supervisors on fall protection methods, equipment use, and rescue procedures. Workers should understand how to recognize and report fall hazards.
• Rescue Plan: Create a detailed rescue plan that outlines how to safely return workers to the ground after a fall, including designated rescuers, first aid personnel, emergency contact information, and communication systems.

[3] [5] [6] [2] [4] Specific regulations and standards may vary by jurisdiction. Always consult local occupational health and safety laws and applicable standards such as CSA Z259.17 for detailed requirements.