Fall Protection Basics

Why it matters

Falls are the number one killer in construction, year after year. OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet in construction work. A harness in the truck protects nobody; today we make sure everyone knows what to wear, where to tie off, and what to check before stepping near an edge.

Hazards

• ⚠ Unprotected roof edges, floor openings, and skylights
• ⚠ Anchor points that were never rated for fall arrest
• ⚠ Harnesses worn loose or with frayed webbing and bent D-rings
• ⚠ Lanyards too long for the fall clearance below
• ⚠ Holes and openings covered with material that is not marked or secured
• ⚠ Working near edges in wind, frost, or wet conditions

Controls and safe practices

• ✓ Fall protection is required at 6 feet: guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest.
• ✓ Inspect your harness before each shift: webbing, stitching, D-rings, buckles.
• ✓ Tie off to rated anchors only, capable of 5,000 pounds per worker.
• ✓ Calculate clearance: lanyard length plus deceleration plus your height must be less than the drop.
• ✓ Cover and mark every hole. Covers must hold twice the load and be secured against shifting.
• ✓ Skylights count as holes. Guard them or stay off that area.
• ✓ Retrain anyone who has not used the equipment on this type of roof or edge.

Crew discussion questions

1. Where are today’s tie-off points and who verified them?
2. What is our rescue plan if someone falls and is hanging in a harness?
3. Are there any holes, skylights, or openings that are not covered right now?
4. Whose harness is due for a closer inspection?

Applicable OSHA standards

29 CFR 1926.501, 29 CFR 1926.502, 29 CFR 1926.503

More toolbox talks

• Ladder Safety
• Heat Illness Prevention
• Lockout / Tagout: Controlling Energized Circuits
• Trench and Excavation Safety
• Silica Dust Control
• PPE Head to Toe

Safety plans by trade

RoofingElectricalHVAC / MechanicalGeneral ContractorAll toolbox talks