Most jurisdictions require the use of specific fall protection measures before, or in addition to, personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures generally include the use of some of the following:
There may also be specific legal requirements around use of equipment like ladders and scaffolding.
Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential to fall about 3 metres (10 feet). In most cases, fall protection is required when:
Below is a table for guidance purposes that lists the common situations where fall protection is required.
NOTE that other requirements may be listed in other sections, regulations, or Acts that are not listed in this table. For more details, consult the legislation directly.
Always consult the legislation that applies in your situation, and with your jurisdiction for complete information.
General requirement excerpts
(For more details, consult the legislation directly.)
Section 139 General protection
139. (1) An employer and a supervisor, must ensure that a worker is protected from falling if a worker may fall,
(a) at a temporary or permanent work area, a vertical distance of 3 metres or more,
(b) at a temporary or permanent work area, a vertical distance of less than 3 metres if there is an unusual possibility of injury,
(c) at a temporary or permanent work area, into or onto a hazardous substance or object, or through an opening in a work surface, or
(d) at a permanent work area, a vertical distance of more than 1.2 metres and less than 3 metres.
Construction Regulations:
Section 26
26. Sections 26.1 to 26.9 apply where a worker may be exposed to any of the following hazards:
1. Falling more than 3 metres.
2. Falling more than 1.2 metres, if the work area is used as a path for a wheelbarrow or similar equipment.
3. Falling into operating machinery.
4. Falling into water or another liquid.
5. Falling into or onto a hazardous substance or object.
6. Falling through an opening on a work surface.
Industrial Regulations
Section 85
85. Where a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling and the surface to which he or she might fall is more than three metres below the position where he is situated
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020
Sections 9-2 - 9-5
| Fall protection plan 9‑3(1) An employer or contractor shall develop a written fall protection plan if: (a) a worker may fall 3 metres or more; and (b) workers are not protected by a guardrail or similar barrier. |
See below for the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards that may acceptable in Canadian workplaces concerning fall protection. Other standards or other editions of that standard may apply. Standards are enforceable when adopted by law.
Always check the legislation in your jurisdiction to determine which specific standards are applicable for your area.
Certain CSA Group standards are available for online viewing. To access these, you must first create an account with “CSA Communities”.
Standards on fall protection include:
Further information is available in OSH Answers, including:
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.