Falls of more than 3 m

In almost all workplaces, workers are exposed to falls from a height. These accidents are still too frequent, especially since they are easy to avoid. In construction, there is a risk of falling when a worker erects structures, renovates or finishes exterior walls or installs a roof. In establishments or any other workplace, window washing, chimney sweeping, manual handling activities and maintenance are also hazardous tasks. 

A fall of more than 3 metres can also occur from a fragile surface that is unable to support a worker’s weight, such as a skylight, awning, sunshade or a drywall ceiling.

Falls of more than 3 m are a hazard that can result in sprains, strains, multiple fractures and even death. The employer, by implementing safety measures, and the worker, by applying them, have a shared responsibility to ensure safety when working at a height.

Safety rules for all workplaces

Other mandatory safety measures

Depending on the tasks to be performed, one or more of the following measures must be taken by the employer to ensure the safety of the worker:

• change the worker’s work position so that they can work on the ground or on another surface where they are not at risk of falling
   
  • s. 2.9.1.1 of the SCCI
  • s. 33.2 1˚ of the ROHS
     
• use collective safety equipment or devices, for example, a fall surface such as a net, to limit falls
   
  • s. 2.9.1.3 of the SCCI
  • s. 2.9.3 of the SCCI
  • s. 33.2.3 of the ROHS
  • s. 354 of the ROHSM
     
• when the worker needs to use their fall arrest device to maintain their position, for example on a slope, make sure that in addition to their harness they use a means of positioning, such as a plank on brackets, a positioning lanyard or a platform
   
  • s. 2.9.1.4 of the SCCI
  • s. 33.2.4 of the ROHS
     
• install a warning line (in French only) to :
  • replace a guardrail that has been temporarily removed to perform work at a specific location
  • do bridging or roofing work
     
  • ss. 2.9.2, 2.9.4.0 and 2.9.4.1 of the SCCI
  • ss. 33.4 and 33.5 of the ROHS
  • s. 354.1 of the ROHSM
     
• make sure harnesses are used in accordance with the regulations
   
  • s. 2.10.12 of the SCCI
  • s. 2.10.15 of the SCCI
  • ss. 347, 348 et 349 of the ROHSM
  • s. 5 of the RHOSMa
     
• make sure guardrails are strong enough and are designed in accordance with the regulations
   
  • ss. 3.8.2, 3.8.3 and 3.8.4 of the SCCI
  • s. 12 of the ROHSM
  • s. 66 of the ROHSM

Protective measures

• Elevating platform
• Guardrails
• Safety net
• Horizontal safety rail
• Harness and fall arrest connecting device