In a fall policy, what is the correct order of priority?

The correct order of priority in a fall policy is to prioritize safety measures that are most effective at preventing falls before considering options that involve arresting a fall after it occurs. This sequence is established to ensure that the highest level of protection is implemented first, thereby minimizing the risk to workers.

Starting with guard systems, which create barriers to prevent falls, is essential as they are the most effective in eliminating the risks associated with working at heights. They serve as the first line of defense. Following this, fall restraint systems come into play. These systems allow workers to be connected to an anchor point in such a way that they can work safely without the risk of falling off an edge.

If both guard systems and fall restraint systems are not feasible, only then do we consider fall arrest systems, which are designed to stop falls after they have occurred. This method is less desirable because it involves reacting to a fall rather than preventing it in the first place. Including "other" as a category recognizes that there may be various supplemental measures or equipment that can further enhance fall protection but should not be the primary focus.

This structured approach emphasizes a hierarchy of controls that prioritizes prevention and minimizes reliance on reactive measures, thereby ensuring the best possible outcomes for worker safety in environments where