Fall Hazards-A fall hazard is any condition in the

construction workplace which exposes an employee to an

unprotected fall that may result in injury or death.

Fall from an elevation

Fall on same level
Being struck by falling object
Elevated locations which require  increased  
fall hazard awareness
• Scaffolds
• Ladders
• Roofs
• Open sides & edges
• Excavations
• Bridges
• Floor openings
• Form works
Hierarchy of Fall Hazard Control

• Eliminate the fall hazard
• Prevent / prohibit exposure to fall
• Control the fall
Eliminating the fall hazard (from
 elevated work‐area)

Fall hazards can be eliminated  through
 engineering controls  and/or
 alternative work methods.
Engineering Control Performing as much work
on the ground as possible to eliminate the
hazard of climbing/working at elevation.
Examples:

1. Assembling guardrail systems at ground

level rather than at elevation.
2. Maximize pre-assembly of structural
components on the ground.
Alternative Work Methods

Example: Use of radio communication for

signaling instead of employees hanging over
the edge giving signals
Preventing Falls
Fall prevention methods include:
• Use of a properly erected scaffoldings
• Protecting openings with covers or
guardrails
• Providing leading edges with guardrails
• Providing proper access to elevated
work area using standard ladders and
stairs with handrails
• Use of fall restraint system
Guardrails
(1) All railings shall be permanently constructed of wood, pipe,
structural metal or other material of sufficient strength.
(2) Standard railings shall be at least 1 meter (3.3 ft.) from the
floor level to the upper surface of the top rail.
(3) Standard railings shall have posts not more than 2 meters
(6.6 ft.) apart and an intermediate rail halfway between the
top rail and the floor.
(4) The dimensions of railings and posts anchorage and framing
of members shall be such that the completed structure shall
be capable of withstanding a load of at least 100 kgs. (220
lbs.) applied from any direction to any point of the top rail.
Use of Body Belts
Controlling the fall

• Least desirable method of protection because
it  minimizes
 the consequences of a fall rather than
preventing  its occurrence

• Should only be considered after determining 
that  the  fall hazard cannot be eliminated or 
the  possibility  of falling prevented
Rules for Safety Net/Mesh
• Constructed of materials of sufficient strength
 to  catch a falling person and prevent 
contacting  any structure below the net

• Inspected at least once a week for wear, 
damage  and other deterioration

• Place as close as possible and no more than 
30  feet below where employees work
Type I
Type I helmets are intended to reduce the force of
impact resulting from a blow only to the top of the
head. This form of impact, for example, may result from
a hammer or other small material falling from above.

Type II
Type II helmets are intended to reduce the force of
impact resulting from a blow to the top or sides of the
head. This form of impact, for example, may result from
contact with the sharp corner of a side beam.
Class G (General)
Class G helmets are intended to reduce the danger of contact
with low voltage conductors. Test samples shall be proof-tested
at 2200 volts (phase to ground) for 1 minute. Leakage shall not
exceed 3 milliamperes.

Class E (Electrical)
Class E helmets are intended to reduce the danger of contact
with higher voltage conductors. Test samples are proof-tested at
20,000 volts (phase to ground) for 3 minutes. Leakage shall not
exceed 9 milliamperes. At 30,000 volts, the test sample shall
not burn through.
Class C (Conductive)
Class C helmets are not intended to provide
protection against contact with electrical hazards.
On the hand, Class C hard hats may include vented
options that provide increased breathability .