A fall is the fastest way a remedial job turns fatal. From the edge back to safe — the controls, the hold point you never skip, and the triggers that stop the job.
When it applies
If you're doing any of this, this guide is in play.
Before you start
Before the work begins, the Site Supervisor confirms — and you check your own work area.
Fall edges
Falling-object risks
Access method
Rescue needs
Weather
Exclusion zones
The controls
Work down the hierarchy — collective protection first, PPE last. PPE never carries the job on its own.
The RPD rule
Prefer scaffold, EWP or edge protection. Use ladders only for short, light work. Secure tools and materials so nothing falls.
Scaffold firstEWPEdge protectionLadders = short & lightSecure toolsNo work at height starts without a rescue plan where fall arrest is used.
If a harness and lanyard are part of the control, the rescue plan is completed and briefed before work begins — a suspended worker must be recovered in minutes.
Stop & escalate
See any one of these? The job stops until it's fixed — no exceptions.
- Missing or incomplete edge protection
- Scaffold not handed over / incomplete
- Unsafe or unverified access
- High wind on EWP or edge work
- No rescue arrangement in place
What gets recorded
The job isn't done until the evidence exists. Live records go in Breadcrumb.
Breadcrumb · live site
- SWMS
- Permits where required
- Pre-starts & toolbox talks
- Plant inductions for EWP
- Site alerts for exclusion zones