Fall Protection Basics
General info only. These talks don't replace your company's safety program, your site rules, or OSHA rules. Follow those first, and ask your safety lead if something here doesn't match.
Start here
Falls are a leading cause of death in construction. They happen from roofs, ladders, scaffolds, and holes in the floor. Let's go over how to stay safe.
Key points
- Know your company's rules for when fall protection is needed. On most construction work it starts at 6 feet.
- Guardrails and covers come first. A harness is for when those can't be used.
- Cover floor holes, and mark covers so nobody moves them by mistake.
- Inspect your harness and lanyard every time. Look for cuts, burns, frays, and bad hardware.
- Tie off to an approved anchor point, not to conduit, pipe, or handrails.
- Know the rescue plan. Someone hanging in a harness needs help fast.
- Scaffolds must be inspected and have guardrails before you get on.
Bottom line: If you're near an unprotected edge, stop and fix it before you keep working.
Talk it over
- Where are the edges and openings on this job right now?
- Who checked the harnesses this week?
- What is our plan if someone falls and is hanging in a harness?
Before you wrap up: have everyone sign the sign-in sheet, write today's date and the topic, and note any questions or hazards the crew brought up. Need a sheet? Use the free toolbox talk template.
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