Fall Protection

The Fall Protection Program applies to University employees who may be exposed to fall hazards during their work activities and to employees who use fall protection equipment such as harnesses and lanyards. Fall hazards include working at elevations four feet or higher, such as unprotected roofs or platforms, as well as work involving aerial, boom, or scissor lifts. While this program establishes general fall protection requirements, detailed training and safe work practices for ladders, scaffolds, and aerial lifts are addressed under separate EHS programs. Employees or supervisors with questions about these types of equipment should contact Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

The Fall Protection Program establishes responsibilities for supervisors and employees and outlines requirements for training, inspections, and recordkeeping to reduce the risk of falls.

• Supervisor Responsibilities
  Supervisors must understand the program requirements, identify fall hazards within their areas of responsibility, initiate appropriate hazard control measures, ensure employees receive required fall protection training, and enforce compliance with all program requirements.
• Employee Responsibilities
  Employees must comply with all provisions of the Fall Protection Program, participate in required training, conduct pre‑use inspections of fall protection equipment, and promptly report fall‑related concerns to their supervisor.
• Training Requirements
  Employees who use fall protection devices must receive fall protection training before performing work at elevated locations. Trainers must be approved by EHS. Retraining is required when workplace conditions change, new fall protection systems or equipment are introduced, or when an employee demonstrates inadequate knowledge or skills related to fall protection.
• Inspection Requirements
  Employees must perform pre‑use inspections of fall protection equipment. In addition, annual inspections of all fall protection equipment must be conducted by a person trained to perform such inspections.
• Recordkeeping Requirements
  Work units must maintain records of fall protection training and annual equipment inspections.

Program:

• Fall Protection Safety Program

Procedure/ Lists:

• N/A

Forms:

• Fall Protection Annual Inspection Checklist (Appendix A)

Access the documents on SharePoint

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D – Walking‑Working Surfaces
• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart F – Powered Platforms, Manlifts, and Vehicle‑Mounted Work Platforms
• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M – Fall Protection