Fall Protection Plans

Elements of a Fall Protection Plan

A fall protection plan must be prepared by a qualified person and developed specifically for the site where the work is being performed.

In addition, the following criteria apply:

• The fall protection plan must be kept up to date.
• Any changes to the fall protection plan must be approved by a qualified person.
• A copy of the fall protection plan with all approved changes must be maintained at the jobsite.
• A competent person must supervise the implementation of the fall protection plan.
• The plan must document the reasons why the use of conventional fall protection is infeasible or would create a greater hazard.
• The plan must include a written discussion of other measures that will be taken to reduce or eliminate the fall hazard for workers who cannot be provided with protection using conventional fall protection systems. For example, the employer must discuss the extent to which scaffolds, ladders, or vehicle-mounted work platforms can be used to provide a safer working surface and thereby reduce the hazard of falling.
• The plan must identify each location where conventional fall protection methods cannot be used. These locations must then be classified as controlled access zones.
• Where no other alternative measure has been implemented, the employer must implement a safety monitoring system.
• The plan must include a statement that provides the name or other method of identification for each worker who is authorized to work in controlled access zones. No other workers may enter controlled access zones
• In the event that a worker falls, or some other related, serious incident occurs (for example, a near miss), the employer must investigate the circumstances to determine if the fall protection plan needs to be changed. For example, the plan may need to add new practices, procedures, or training. The employer must implement the needed changes to prevent similar types of falls or incidents.

To learn more about Focus Four Safety visit our Construction Focus Four Safety Online Training web page.