Lift safety and fall arrest

Falls from height and dropped or mishandled loads are among the most serious hazards on construction sites, in plants and in buildings under maintenance. We help employers and owners plan work at height, check that anchors and fall arrest equipment are suitable and in good condition, and put lifting and rigging practices in place that keep loads and people apart.

What we look at

• Where work at height happens: roofs, mezzanines, platforms, ladders, scaffolds, aerial work platforms and open edges
• Your fall protection plans and whether they follow the hierarchy from elimination and guardrails through to fall arrest
• Anchor points, horizontal lifelines and roof anchors: location, suitability, documentation and condition
• Harnesses, lanyards, self-retracting devices and connectors, and how they are inspected, stored and retired
• Fall rescue plans, rescue equipment and whether rescue has been practised
• Aerial work platform selection, pre-use inspection and operator training records
• Lift plans, rigging hardware and sling inspection, load handling and exclusion zones
• Manual handling tasks that put workers at risk of strain injuries

How it works

1. We ask why. We learn what the work involves and what prompted the request: a new project, a roof with no anchors, an incident, a client audit or an equipment inventory that has not been checked.
2. We survey the site. We walk the areas where people work at height or where loads are lifted, and review your existing plans, equipment records and training files.
3. We inspect and assess. We complete an independent inspection of fall arrest equipment and visible anchorage systems and assess how lifts are planned and carried out.
4. We write or revise the plans. We prepare fall protection plans, rescue plans, lift plan templates and procedures that fit the tasks on your site and the rules in your province.
5. We follow up. We help with supervisor briefings and can return to confirm that corrective actions are complete and plans are being used.

What you get

You receive a written report of what we found, including any equipment that should be removed from service, anchors that lack documentation or appear unsuitable, and gaps in your plans. Where you have asked for plans or procedures, you receive them in editable form. Recommendations are ranked so the most serious hazards are dealt with first.

Who it's for

This service suits general contractors and trades who work at height, facility and property managers responsible for roofs and rooftop equipment, industrial plants with platforms, tanks and overhead lifting, and safety managers who need a second set of eyes on equipment and plans. Requirements differ between Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and other provinces, including the height at which fall protection is required and the training workers must have, so we work from the rules that apply where you operate.

For more detail, read The fall protection hierarchy, Anchor points for fall protection, Fall rescue plans and Lift plans and rigging safety.

Common questions