Job hazard analysis: working at height and fall protection
Work near edges, on roofs, and on elevated surfaces where a fall is possible.
- 5 steps
- 5 PPE items
- Editable in Reldro
The job hazard analysis
PPE required: Hard hat, Safety glasses, Full-body harness, Lanyard or self-retracting lifeline, Safety boots with good grip
1. Plan the work and the protection
What could go wrong
No plan, so protection is chosen on the day or not at all
How we control it
Pick the protection before the work starts: guardrails first, then a personal fall arrest system. In US construction, protection is generally required at 6 feet (1.8 m) or more.
2. Inspect the equipment
What could go wrong
A damaged harness or lanyard fails when needed
How we control it
Check webbing, stitching, buckles, and hooks before each use. Remove damaged gear from service.
3. Set up the anchor
What could go wrong
An anchor that isn't strong enough or is used incorrectly
How we control it
Use an anchor rated for the load and have a qualified person approve it. Keep slack to a minimum.
4. Work at height
What could go wrong
Falls, falling tools and materials, weather
How we control it
Stay tied off. Tie off tools. Barricade the area below. Stop work in high wind, ice, or lightning.
5. Rescue plan
What could go wrong
A worker hanging in a harness after a fall can be injured within minutes
How we control it
Have a written rescue plan and the equipment to carry it out before work starts.
- Guardrails and covers protect everyone nearby. Personal fall arrest protects only the person wearing it.
- Mark and cover floor openings and skylights.
When to use it
Use it before work where someone could fall to a lower level, and make sure the people doing the work are trained in the fall protection you use.
Review it with the crew before the work starts, change anything that doesn't match how you'll do the job, and update it when the method, the equipment, or the site changes.
Use this JHA in Reldro
- It arrives ready to edit, and your crew uses it on their phone, even without signal.
- Failed items become corrective actions with an owner and a due date.
- Every completed one is kept with the site, the date and who did it.
