Why Fall Protection Matters
Falls are the #1 cause of death in construction. In fact, one in three construction fatalities is from a fall. The good news is that falls are preventable when you use proper fall protection.
When Fall Protection is Required
OSHA requires fall protection when working at heights of 6 feet or more above a lower level. This includes work on:
- Roofs
- Scaffolds
- Ladders
- Elevated platforms
- Steel erection
- Near holes, skylights or openings
- Leading edges
- Wall openings
Types of Fall Protection Systems
1. Guardrail Systems
- Physical barriers that prevent falls
- Must be 42 inches (±3 inches) high
- Must withstand 200 pounds of force
- Must have midrails and toe boards when necessary
- Common at roof edges, floor openings, and on scaffolds
2. Safety Net Systems
- Catch workers who have fallen
- Installed as close as possible below the work area
- Must be tested or certified
- Must have enough clearance to prevent hitting objects below
3. Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
A personal fall arrest system consists of three key components:
- Anchor point - Secures the system to the structure
- Connecting device - Lanyard or lifeline that connects your harness to the anchor
- Full-body harness - Distributes fall forces across your body
4. Warning Line Systems
- Visual barriers set back from the edge
- Only for roofing work on low-slope roofs
- Not a physical restraint - just a warning
- Must be combined with other protection when working outside the warning line
5. Hole Covers
- Must support twice the weight of workers, equipment, and materials
- Must be secured to prevent accidental displacement
- Must be marked with the word "HOLE" or "COVER"
Using a Personal Fall Arrest System
Your Harness
- Hold by the back D-ring and shake to untangle straps
- Slip straps over shoulders like a vest
- Connect chest strap and adjust it to fit snugly
- Connect leg straps and adjust for a snug fit
- The D-ring should be centered between your shoulder blades
- You should be able to stand up straight with all straps snug but comfortable
Your Lanyard
- Connect only to the back D-ring of your harness
- Secure to an anchor point that can support 5,000 pounds
- Keep lanyard as short as possible to minimize fall distance
- Never tie knots in your lanyard - this weakens it
- Protect your lanyard from sharp edges
- Use shock-absorbing lanyards when possible
Inspection Before Each Use
Check for:
- Frayed or damaged straps
- Broken stitching
- Rust or damage on metal parts
- Damaged or missing parts
- Impact indicators showing a fall has occurred
- Proper function of buckles and connections
What to Do If You Fall
If you're hanging in your harness after a fall:
- Stay calm
- Try to reach a safe surface if possible
- Push against any nearby structure to maintain blood circulation
- Move your legs to prevent blood pooling
- Call for help
- If you have one, deploy your suspension trauma strap
Remember: Hanging motionless in a harness for too long can cause serious injury. Rescue planning is a critical part of any fall protection program.