Job Safety Analysis: Working at Heights

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Step Potential Hazard Control Measure
1. Assess work area and identify fall hazards Unprotected edges, weak surfaces, overhead hazards Conduct a site assessment, identify all fall hazards, verify surface strength, mark unsafe or fragile areas
2. Select proper fall protection system Wrong equipment for task, inadequate fall clearance Choose fall restraint or fall arrest based on task, verify proper clearance, ensure anchor points meet rating requirements
3. Inspect fall protection equipment Damaged harness, frayed lanyard, malfunctioning SRL Inspect harness, straps, stitching, connectors, lanyards, SRLs, and anchors; remove defective equipment from service
4. Don and adjust harness Incorrect fit causing injury during a fall Adjust harness snugly, secure chest strap, tighten leg straps, verify D ring placement between shoulder blades
5. Establish secure anchorage Anchor too weak or improperly located Use approved anchor points capable of supporting required loads, avoid pipes, rails, or unstable structures
6. Connect lanyard or SRL to anchor Wrong connector, improper attachment Confirm locking snap hooks or carabiners engage fully, ensure connectors are compatible and rated for the system
7. Access work area (ladder, lift, roof, platform) Slips, trips, loss of balance, unstable access Maintain three point contact, inspect ladders and lifts, keep surfaces clear and dry, ensure lift operation training
8. Perform task at height Falls from edge, dropped tools, loss of balance Stay within fall restraint limits, maintain awareness, use tool lanyards, keep materials organized, avoid overreaching
9. Move or reposition equipment Accidental disconnection, entering fall arrest zone without protection Disconnect only while secure on flat ground, reposition anchor points before moving, stay tied off when required
10. Descend and exit elevated work area Missteps, slips, improper dismount Descend slowly, maintain three point contact, ensure harness remains attached until safe on ground
11. Remove and store fall protection equipment Damaged or tangled gear, contamination Inspect equipment after use, clean if needed, store in dry and protected location

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

• Full body harness
• Shock absorbing lanyard or restraint lanyard
• Self retracting lifeline when appropriate
• Hard hat
• Safety glasses
• Steel toe boots with slip resistant soles
• High visibility vest when working near equipment or traffic
• Work gloves

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: Miscellaneous Operations

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

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Job Safety Analysis
Step Potential Hazard Control Measure
1. Assess work area and identify fall hazards Unprotected edges, weak surfaces, overhead hazards Conduct a site assessment, identify all fall hazards, verify surface strength, mark unsafe or fragile areas
2. Select proper fall protection system Wrong equipment for task, inadequate fall clearance Choose fall restraint or fall arrest based on task, verify proper clearance, ensure anchor points meet rating requirements
3. Inspect fall protection equipment Damaged harness, frayed lanyard, malfunctioning SRL Inspect harness, straps, stitching, connectors, lanyards, SRLs, and anchors; remove defective equipment from service
4. Don and adjust harness Incorrect fit causing injury during a fall Adjust harness snugly, secure chest strap, tighten leg straps, verify D ring placement between shoulder blades
5. Establish secure anchorage Anchor too weak or improperly located Use approved anchor points capable of supporting required loads, avoid pipes, rails, or unstable structures
6. Connect lanyard or SRL to anchor Wrong connector, improper attachment Confirm locking snap hooks or carabiners engage fully, ensure connectors are compatible and rated for the system
7. Access work area (ladder, lift, roof, platform) Slips, trips, loss of balance, unstable access Maintain three point contact, inspect ladders and lifts, keep surfaces clear and dry, ensure lift operation training
8. Perform task at height Falls from edge, dropped tools, loss of balance Stay within fall restraint limits, maintain awareness, use tool lanyards, keep materials organized, avoid overreaching
9. Move or reposition equipment Accidental disconnection, entering fall arrest zone without protection Disconnect only while secure on flat ground, reposition anchor points before moving, stay tied off when required
10. Descend and exit elevated work area Missteps, slips, improper dismount Descend slowly, maintain three point contact, ensure harness remains attached until safe on ground
11. Remove and store fall protection equipment Damaged or tangled gear, contamination Inspect equipment after use, clean if needed, store in dry and protected location
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

• Full body harness
• Shock absorbing lanyard or restraint lanyard
• Self retracting lifeline when appropriate
• Hard hat
• Safety glasses
• Steel toe boots with slip resistant soles
• High visibility vest when working near equipment or traffic
• Work gloves