PLANNING A MULTI-LAYERED APPROACH

TO FALL PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

A recent CPWR survey identified insufficient or ineffective planning as the number one underlying cause of falls from heights. A
lack of preparation can lead to a reliance on PPE as the only protective measure, but the survey also found that when employers
didn’t do any planning, the odds of workers using their fall protection equipment were 71% lower.1

The table below is based on the hierarchy of controls. The top of the table represents approaches that result in the most risk
reduction and the bottom represents approaches that result in the least risk reduction. Contractors, owners, designers, and others
should use this chart, beginning at the top and incorporating controls as feasible to prevent falls.2,3

Eliminate or Elimination Plan, design, install, or move equipment to 1. Adopt a building design with a single level at
minimize eliminate or minimize hazards associated with grade rather than multiple levels at elevations.
the fall working at heights. Use Prevention Through 2. Use parapet walls or permanent guardrails at
hazard Design measures. Inspect and maintain least 39 inches high.
equipment regularly to prevent failure.
Substitution Change the method of work to reduce the 1. Move equipment or work to a lower height.
risk of falling. 2. Use safer equipment, for example replace
ladders with aerial lifts.
Prevent Passive Use passive fall prevention. Install temporary guardrails or barriers, including
the fall Engineering around skylights and holes.
Controls

Active Use active fall prevention. Use fall restraint systems that secure workers via
Engineering an anchor point, connector, lanyard, and harness to
Controls prevent the worker from reaching the fall hazard.

Adminstrative Establish and use safe operating procedures 1. Make sure a competent/qualified person is
Controls when working at heights and provide present on the job site.
comprehensive training in a language
understood by workers. 2. Train workers for the specific task and unique
fall hazards faced.

Minimize Personal Supply and use personal protective 1. Make sure fall harnesses fit workers properly.
the impact Protective equipment (PPE) such as a personal fall arrest 2. Plan ahead with input from the competent or
of the fall Equipment system.2 qualified person to ensure certified anchor
& points, lanyard type and length, etc.
Other Plan ahead to reduce the risk of injury or
3. Provide rescue equipment and training.
Protective death if a fall does occur.
Measures 4. Make sure the fall clearance is sufficient to
avoid both swing hazards and the ground or
nearest obstruction below.
5. Select PPE that includes trauma straps or loops
or a personal rope ladder to avoid suspension
trauma.
6. Provide hard helmets with chinstraps.
7. Have a trained first aider on site when possible.

Join the Campaign to

Stop Construction Falls!
www.stopconstructionfalls.com
1
CPWR (2022). “Underlying Causes of Falls from Heights.” https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/RR- ©2023, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training.
falls_experience_survey.pdf All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU.
2
Adapted from NIOSHʼs hierarchy of hazard controls for falls. NIOSH (2021). “Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention for Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement
Mining.” https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/content/STFprevention.html OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
3
Adapted from OSHA 10-Hour Outreach Training. OSHA (2017). “OSHA 10-Hour Outreach Training General Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the
Industry.” https://www.osha.gov/training/outreach/general-industry/presentations authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH.