Introduction

Health and Safety takes all practical steps to ensure that engineering or other controls, i.e. passive fall protection systems, are available to eliminate the need to utilize active fall arrest systems. Special consideration shall be given to eliminating and controlling fall hazards. However, certain situations and tasks are performed at locations where passive fall protection is not available and will therefore require the use of personal fall protection equipment and systems. Potential exposures to falls are routinely evaluated through regular workplace inspections and upon employee or supervisor request. Such evaluations must be performed using a standard form by a Qualified Person identified by the Program Administrator. The evaluations are maintained by Health, Safety & Environmental Department.

Locations, where active fall protection systems exist or are required, must be identified with signage at the access point. A review of evaluations where active fall protection systems are necessary will be reviewed annually. An often overlooked cause of falls is those resulting from slips and trips. A fall of this nature generally occurs at the same elevation and is often the result of poor housekeeping, spills/inadequate maintenance of the walking and working surfaces. Due to the unpredictable nature of the exposure, workers are encouraged to self-assess conditions and to act quickly to eliminate the hazard. These hazards may include missing or broken handrails and guard rails.

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