Hierarchy of Fall Protection Explained
Fall protection can feel like a maze of rules and acronyms, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this video, Andy breaks down the Hierarchy of Fall Protection, showing how to avoid, prevent, or minimise risk when working at height. Watch the full video:
Understanding the Hierarchy of Fall Protection
The Hierarchy of Fall Protection is the foundation of safe work at height. It guides every decision from whether you even leave the ground, to what controls and equipment you use.
It’s simple in theory but often overlooked in practice. The hierarchy prioritises:
- Avoiding the need to work at height altogether.
- Preventing falls with collective measures like guardrails or platforms.
- Minimising the distance or consequence of a fall with personal protective systems.
Ignoring this order leads to unnecessary exposure and increased risk, even when PPE is used correctly.
How to Apply the Hierarchy on Site
- Avoid first: Use tools like drones or extendable cameras to eliminate the need to climb.
- Provide safe access: If height work is frequent, install fixed gantries or platforms.
- Prevent falls: Use collective protection such as scaffolds or MEWPs before personal systems.
- Minimise risk: Only rely on PPE like harnesses and lanyards when other options aren’t possible.
Following this hierarchy ensures decisions are defensible, compliant, and based on risk, not convenience.
The REAX Approach to Safer Work at Height
We train teams to think beyond compliance, to make confident, evidence-based safety decisions. Understanding the Hierarchy of Fall Protection isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about shaping a safety-first culture that values planning as much as protection.
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Looking after your kit
Even the best kit needs regular inspection and servicing. we have a team of fully trained PPE inspectors who can take the worry out of the process. Our servicing team are fully certified to carry out the servicing requirements for many of the leading rescue devices currently on the market.
