Fall Hazard Assessment

What is Fall Hazard Assessment?

Fall hazard assessment is a systematic process of identifying, evaluating, and controlling potential fall hazards in the workplace. It involves thoroughly examining work areas, tasks, and equipment to recognize situations where workers might be at risk of falling, then implementing appropriate measures to eliminate or minimize these risks.

Key Components

1. Hazard Identification

• Survey all work areas for potential fall hazards (unprotected edges, floor openings, etc.)
• Analyze tasks that involve working at heights
• Consider both obvious hazards and less apparent risks (fragile surfaces, unstable equipment)

2. Risk Evaluation

• Assess the severity of potential falls (height, landing surface, etc.)
• Determine the likelihood of falls occurring during specific tasks
• Prioritize hazards based on risk level and frequency of exposure

3. Control Implementation

• Apply the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE
• Select appropriate fall protection systems (guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems)
• Document control measures and communicate them to all affected workers

Building Your Safety Mindset

1. Adopt a Questioning Attitude

   • Always ask "What if?" when evaluating work at heights
   • Challenge assumptions about familiar environments or routine tasks
   • Consider how changing conditions might introduce new fall hazards

2. Embrace Systematic Thinking

   • Follow a methodical approach to hazard identification
   • Consider the entire work process, not just individual tasks
   • Recognize patterns that might indicate developing risks

3. Value Prevention

   • Understand that fall hazard assessment is proactive, not reactive
   • Recognize that identifying hazards before incidents occur saves lives
   • Promote a culture where reporting potential hazards is encouraged

Discussion Points

1. What fall hazards are most commonly overlooked in our workplace?
2. How effective are our current fall protection systems in addressing identified hazards?
3. What challenges do you face when conducting fall hazard assessments?

Action Steps

• Conduct a comprehensive fall hazard survey of your work area
• Review tasks that involve working at heights for potential risks
• Verify that appropriate fall protection is available for identified hazards
• Document findings and share them with your team and supervisors