Falls are the number one killer in construction. They happen fast, and in most cases the hazard was visible long before anyone got hurt. That's what makes fall prevention so critical — and so achievable.
Plan for Fall Protection Before Work Starts
The most effective fall prevention happens before boots hit the ground. A written fall protection plan should identify every elevation hazard on the jobsite, assign responsibility for each control, and establish rescue procedures in the event someone does fall.
Don't wait until workers are on the roof or scaffold to figure out the plan. By then, the pressure to keep working almost always wins over the pressure to stop and put controls in place.
The Core Controls
Guardrails are the first line of defense at any unprotected edge 6 feet or higher. They require no action from the worker — which makes them far more reliable than personal fall arrest systems that depend on correct use.
Ladders cause more falls than most people expect. Inspect every ladder before use. Three points of contact at all times. Never carry materials up a ladder — use a hoist or hand line.
Scaffolding must be erected and inspected by a competent person. Guardrails on all open sides, proper planking, and no makeshift modifications.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems — harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points — are the last line of defense, not the first. Anchors must be capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per attached worker. Workers need hands-on training, not just a toolbox talk.
Training Has to Be Real
A slideshow isn't fall protection training. Workers need to physically demonstrate how to don a harness, identify a suitable anchor point, and understand what happens to their body in a fall. Annual refreshers aren't enough if you're onboarding new workers every few weeks.
Supervision Closes the Gap
The gap between what workers know and what they do on the job is closed by supervision. A competent person needs to be on site, watching, correcting, and documenting — not sitting in a trailer.
If your fall protection plan is collecting dust or your workers aren't sure where the anchor points are, that's where we start.
Greenberg Safety provides jobsite fall protection inspections, OSHA compliance support, and hands-on training. Call us at (512) 585-7070 or schedule a consultation.
Related reading: View all safety services we offer · OSHA Fall Protection standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M)