b'FEATUREheights without proper fall protection, notofdevelopingone,saysJaretSwanson, following safe-work procedures, slippery orManager,PreventionFieldServices uneven surfaces or over-exertion. Construction West for WorkSafeBC. Fallsfromheights,evenrelativelylowIts an opportunity for employers and elevations,canleadtoseriousinjuries.supervisors to use a fall protection plan as Working at heights safely requires planninganother tool to make sure workers have the by the employer before any work can begin.training and knowledge about fall hazards Hazards and potential risks at each worksiteoneachjobsite. Themoretrainingand must be fully assessed, and workers must befamiliarity workers have with fall protection, provided with the right equipment, trainingthebetterthechancetheywillgohome and supervision.safely at the end of the day.TheOccupationalHealthandSafetyMore informationRegulation requires workers to use fall-pro- TheOccupationalHealthandSafety tection systems when they could fall fromRegulation covering fall protection in Part a height of 10 feet (3.0 metres) or more or11. Part 4 of the regulation provides addi-where a fall from a lesser height could resulttional requirements to protect workers from in serious injury. fall hazards, such as ensuring that floor or Before a worker is allowed into an arearoofopeningsareadequatelycoveredor where a risk of falling exists, the employerguarded, as well as guidance on guardrail must ensure that the workers are instructedconstruction. in the fall protection system for the area andWorkSafeBCs websiteworksafebc.com the procedures to be followed.also has additional information about fall Ifworkisbeingcarriedoutabove25protection, including a fall protection plan feet (7.6 metres), or when work procedurestemplate, as well as the organizations high-are being used as a fall protection system,risk strategies. then a fall protection plan must be in writing and available at the workplace. The plan must be site-specific and include the following main elements:hazard identification,fall protection systems to be used,procedures to assemble and inspect the systems,inspection requirements of the anchors, where applicable,and procedures to rescue a suspended worker. While a written plan is not required for work below 25 feet (7.6 metres), WorkSafeBC encourages employers to consider them even for work at lower heights.While preparing a fall protection plan may seem unnecessary for lower heights, the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience Roof Consulting, Design & Inspection Roof Forensic Surveys & Audits Roof Specifications & TenderingMons Aase President, RRO, TQ, IP(250)6143369 aaseroof@telus.netToll Free: 1.866.257.2888www.rcabc.org l29'