Comprehensive Fall Protection Plan

This comprehensive fall protection plan is designed to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance for all elevated work environments. It addresses hazard identification, prevention measures, and emergency procedures to minimize the risk of fall-related injuries and fatalities. The plan is site-specific and will be reviewed and amended regularly, as well as after any fall or near-miss incident, or relevant workplace changes to ensure its continued effectiveness.

Hazard Identification and Assessment

A thorough hazard assessment must be conducted before any work begins to identify all potential fall hazards. This assessment should involve supervisors, workers, and the joint health and safety committee to capture diverse perspectives and experiences. [4]

Areas to Examine During a Hazard Assessment:

• Areas where people may fall during tasks, including from heights of 3 meters (10 feet) or more, from heights less than 3 meters where there is an increased risk of injury, into operating machinery, water or other liquid, into or onto a hazardous substance or object, or through an opening in a work surface.
• The presence and condition of existing controls to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of falls.
• Whether workers are trained to recognize new or previously unrecognized fall hazards and report them immediately.
• Whether workers understand the protective measures taken to reduce falls (e.g., guardrails, safety nets, etc.).
• The stability and condition of all equipment used by workers, including guardrails, ladders, and scaffolding.
• The condition of floors in work areas, ensuring they are clean and as dry as possible.
• Whether workers are educated and trained to understand how and when to use protective equipment safely.
• The availability, condition, and proper use of required personal protective equipment.

[5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] Fall Prevention Measures

The following measures will be implemented to prevent falls and protect workers in elevated work environments:

Hierarchy of Controls:

• Elimination: The most effective method is to eliminate the need to work at height by designing the work to be completed at ground level or by using extendable tools.
• Engineering Controls: Implement physical barriers such as guardrails, safety nets, and hole covers to prevent falls. Use fixed or suspended scaffolding and mobile elevating work platforms.
• Administrative Controls: Establish and enforce workplace policies, safe work practices, and emergency rescue procedures. Use warning lines and controlled access zones to restrict access to hazardous areas. Assemble components on the ground to minimize time spent working at heights.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide and ensure the use of appropriate PPE, including full body harnesses, lanyards, and other fall arrest systems, when other control measures are not sufficient.

[13] [13] [13] [13] [13] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11]

Specific Fall Protection Measures:

• Guardrails: Install guardrails on all open sides and edges of elevated platforms and walkways.
• Safety Nets: Use safety nets below work areas where guardrails are not feasible.
• Personal Fall Arrest Systems: Provide full-body harnesses, lanyards, and appropriate anchor points for workers who must work in areas where falls are possible. Ensure proper fit and inspection of all equipment before use.
• Hole Covers: Cover all holes and openings in walking/working surfaces with covers that can withstand the weight of workers and equipment.
• Warning Lines and Controlled Access Zones: Use warning lines to designate areas where fall hazards exist and restrict access to these areas.
• Safety Monitoring System: Where conventional fall protection is infeasible, a safety monitoring system can be used. A competent person is responsible for recognizing and warning employees of fall hazards. The safety monitor must be on the same working surface as the monitored employees and within visual sighting distance. The safety monitor should not have other responsibilities that encumber monitoring.

[1] [1] [1] [3] [12] [12] [12] [12] [12] Training and Competency

All workers who may be exposed to fall hazards must receive comprehensive training on fall protection. This training must cover:

• Recognition of fall hazards
• Use of fall protection systems and equipment
• Proper inspection, maintenance, and storage of equipment
• Relevant legal requirements and workplace policies
• Post-fall rescue procedures

[3] [3] [3] [2] Emergency Rescue Procedures

A detailed rescue plan is a critical component of the fall protection plan. It must outline the procedures for safely retrieving a fallen worker and providing medical assistance. The plan must: [2] [7]

• Identify who will conduct the rescue and their roles and responsibilities.
• Include procedures for identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards during the rescue operation.
• Outline training requirements for rescue personnel and workers performing work at heights.
• List the emergency rescue equipment and first aid supplies that must be on site.
• Identify on-site first aid personnel and include all contact information.
• Identify the required personal protective equipment (PPE) for rescuers.
• Indicate how a rescue will be initiated and the communication protocols.

[9] [9] [9] [9] [9] [9] [9]

Rescue Plan Details:

• Immediate Response: Workers who fall and become suspended in their fall arrest harness need to be rescued immediately to prevent suspension trauma.
• Communication: Establish clear communication protocols, including how a worker requiring rescue will communicate with their supervisor and rescue team, and how the supervisor and rescue team will communicate with each other.
• First Aid and Medical Care: Include procedures for first-aid and medical care for rescued or injured workers, including transport of the worker to the hospital. Determine the quickest route to the hospital.
• Hazard Identification: Identify the hazards associated with the rescue. This information determines the rescue procedures, what equipment will be required, who will be on the rescue team, and what training the rescue team will need.
• Rescue Techniques: Detail various rescue techniques, including rope rescue, ladder rescue, retrieval lines, self-rescue, and location of anchor points. Ensure the methods are suitable for the location and potential obstructions.

[9] [10] [6] [6] [6] Equipment and Inspection

All fall protection equipment must be regularly inspected to ensure it is in good working condition. Inspections should be conducted:

• Before each use by the worker
• Regularly by a competent person
• After any fall or impact

Any defective equipment must be immediately removed from service and replaced or repaired. [8]

Responsibilities

• Employers: Develop written fall protection policies and procedures, identify potential fall hazards, prioritize passive fall arrest systems, and develop fall arrest rescue procedures.
• Supervisors: Ensure workers follow fall protection requirements, inform workers about fall hazards, ensure workers use appropriate fall protection equipment, and act on information provided by workers regarding safety concerns.
• Workers: Alert supervisors about unidentified fall hazards, participate in fall protection planning, follow fall protection requirements, and use all protective equipment appropriately.

[4] [4] [4] [4] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] Plan Review and Amendment

This fall protection plan will be reviewed and amended:

• On a regular schedule
• After relevant workplace changes
• After each fall or near-miss incident

[3] [3] [3]

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