The Five Critical Requirements For Planning Safe Work At Heights

Zachary Fernandez1Life News

The Five Critical Requirements For Planning Safe Work At Heights

Falls from heights are the deadliest hazard in construction and skilled trades—and the numbers are worsening.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 865 workers were killed in 2022 due to falls, slips, and trips. Of those, 680 died from falls to a lower level, the highest number in recorded history. Construction accounted for nearly half of these deaths. Roofers, ironworkers, HVAC technicians, and electricians were among the most affected.

In Canada, falls are the leading cause of traumatic fatalities, responsible for over 40% of all workplace deaths in construction annually.

These aren’t freak accidents. They happen on everyday jobs: installing ductwork, checking a rooftop unit, replacing solar panels. Most victims weren’t rookies—they were seasoned professionals. And they didn’t fall because they didn’t care. They fell because something was missed—planning, equipment, or enforcement.

It’s not enough to wear a harness. It’s not enough to hope for the best. You need a system—and it has to be built around these five non-negotiables:

1. Implement a System That Sets, Communicates, and Enforces Safety Standards

A successful safety culture isn’t accidental. It’s driven by leadership and reinforced by systems that ensure clarity, consistency, and accountability. That means:

– Set clear standards: Define expectations for fall protection, inspections, rescue plans, and training—based on both regulatory requirements and practical job realities.

– Communicate and train: Don’t assume people know. Train every worker, subcontractor, and supervisor on what the standards are and why they exist.

– Coach and enforce: Every foreman, every supervisor must correct unsafe behaviors immediately, reinforce what “good” looks like, and lead by example—every day. 

2. Conduct Daily, Site-Specific Hazard and Risk Assessments

Even familiar jobs can become deadly when variables shift—weather, surfaces, layout, access. Risk isn’t just about probability. It’s about severity. A fall from 12 feet can break a neck. A fall from 30 feet often ends in death.

3. Plan Work at Heights With Intention and Detail

It’s not enough to “be careful.” Every job that involves heights must have a documented plan that addresses:

– What’s being done and when

– Who is involved, and their competency

– How access will be gained (ladder, lift, scaffold)

– What type of fall protection will be used

– How the rescue will be performed if something goes wrong

4. Use the Right Fall Protection—Inspected, Fitted, and Applied Correctly

Having fall protection gear doesn’t mean it’s being used correctly—or safely. In incident investigations, fall protection is often present… but either not worn, not anchored, or set up improperly.

5. Prepare for Emergencies—Because Time Is Critical

A fall arrest is not the end of an incident—it’s the beginning of a rescue emergency. Without a fast and rehearsed response, a suspended worker can suffer suspension trauma, organ damage, or death within minutes.

 

Final Word

No one plans to fall. But without structure, planning, and enforcement, that’s exactly what happens.

You don’t need to overhaul your business. You just need to implement a system that makes safety practical, repeatable, and undeniably standard.

Because when it comes to working at heights, the stakes aren’t high. They’re fatal.

Need help operationalizing your work-at-heights safety system?

Contact 1Life Workplace Safety Solutions for tools and coaching that make safety measurable, manageable, and effective — without the paperwork drag. Start your free Demo today! Click here!

 

Zachary Fernandez