A comprehensive fall protection plan for British Columbia should include hazard assessment, risk control, and regulatory compliance measures. Fall protection planning is crucial to eliminate hazards or control risks when working at heights, where a person could fall and be injured. [1] [1]

Key elements to consider when writing a fall protection plan include:

• Site-specific fall hazards (e.g., maximum height(s), roof slope, proximity to power lines, ground cover).
• Type of fall protection to be used, including anchor points and clearance requirements.
• Procedures for fall protection equipment inspection, set-up, use, and removal.
• Rescue procedures.
• Worker sign-off.

[3] [3] [3] [3] [3] Responsibilities for fall hazards should be clearly defined:

An employer must:

• Develop written fall protection policy and procedures relevant for the workplace.
• Identify all areas where there is a potential of injury due to a fall.
• Prioritize using passive fall arrest systems, such as guardrails, travel restraint, or fall-restricting systems, over personal fall arrest systems.
• Develop fall arrest rescue procedures detailing how to return workers safely to the ground after a fall.

[3] [3] [3] [3] A supervisor must:

• Ensure workers follow legal requirements and workplace policies regarding fall protection.
• Inform workers about fall hazards and how to work safely at heights.
• Ensure workers use appropriate fall protection equipment and know how to wear it.
• Act on information provided by workers regarding safety concerns.
• Participate in fall protection planning.

[2] [2] [2] [2] [2] A worker must:

• Alert the supervisor about unidentified fall hazards.
• Participate in fall protection planning.
• Follow fall protection legal requirements and workplace procedures.
• Actively participate in fall protection education and training.
• Wear and use protective equipment appropriately.

[2] [2] [2] [2] [2] In British Columbia, employers must ensure workers are instructed in the fall protection system and procedures before entering an area where there is a risk of falling. [11]

A fall protection plan should outline the various ways fall hazards will be controlled or eliminated at each worksite. The nature of the work and the worksite itself will determine whether safety nets can be used as a fall protection method for that specific situation. [12] [12]

A rescue plan should include:

• Being written and posted before work begins.
• Designating, educating, and training those who will conduct the rescue.
• Identifying on-site first aid personnel and including all contact information.
• Listing the first aid equipment that must be on site.
• Providing contact information for local emergency medical and fire services, if needed.
• Identifying all emergency exits and access routes within the worksite.
• Identifying all available systems of communications and ensuring a backup system.
• Including procedures for rescue, including rope rescue, retrieval lines, location of anchor points, etc.
• Including procedures for using any powered mobile equipment, mechanical hoisting systems, or elevating devices that may be required during the rescue.
• Detailing procedures necessary to clear and secure work areas while they remain unsafe or if any ongoing work would obstruct a rescue.
• Educating and training workers performing work at height so they understand what they must do after a fall and during a rescue operation.
• Being reviewed and amended on a regular schedule, after relevant changes to the worksite, and after all rescues or related incidents.

[5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] A working at heights rescue plan should include:

• Be written, reviewed, and posted before work begins.
• Identify who will conduct the rescue and their roles and responsibilities.
• Include procedures for identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards.
• Outline training requirements for both 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.
• Include procedures for rescue, first-aid, and medical care.
• Identify the communication system that will be used.
• Identify all emergency exits and access routes within the worksite.
• Include procedures to clear and secure work areas that are unsafe or may interfere with a rescue.
• Provide contact information for local emergency medical and fire services, as appropriate.
• Review and update as needed.

[6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] Fall arrest systems should only be used when other methods of fall protection are not available or possible, including engineering controls (e.g., elevated platform), guardrails, safety nets, or travel restraint. [13]

When deciding on the use of a safety net, check your local legislation for requirements such as:

• Is there a specified standard that your safety nets must meet?
• Is a qualified installer or a professional engineer required to certify the installation of the safety net?
• Is testing by a professional engineer or other competent person required before the safety net can be used?
• Is there a requirement to conduct any testing or for record keeping when using safety net?
• Is there a requirement for fall protection training for workers?

[12] [12] [12] [12] [12] Before working at heights, the anchor points need to be evaluated to ensure their strength, stability, and location are appropriate for the work and any potential rescue procedures. [8]

For a temporary fall restraint system in British Columbia, the 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. For a temporary fall arrest system, the anchor must hold a load of at least 22 kN (5,000 lbs) or two times the maximum arrest force. A permanent anchor must have a load capacity of at least 22 kN (5,000 lbs). [9] [9] [9]

Visually inspect anchors for damage, corrosion, and suitability before connecting fall protection equipment. Permanent anchors should be inspected by a competent person at least once a year, and anchors should be tested after a fall by a professional engineer. [9] [9] [9]

Training is a very important part of fall protection. Workers and employers must understand how and when their equipment should be maintained, and how to identify damage or incorrectly assembled systems. [4]

Constant awareness of and respect for fall hazards, and compliance with all safety rules are conditions of employment. [10]