Inspecting Fall Protection Equipment
The Problem
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction and related industries. One of the primary reasons fall-related injuries occur is the failure to properly inspect fall protection equipment. Faulty harnesses, lanyards, or connectors can fail when needed most—leading to serious injury or death. Today, we’ll discuss how to inspect your fall protection gear to ensure it’s safe and compliant with Canadian occupational health and safety requirements.
Identify the Hazards
- Damaged Harnesses: Cuts, frays, or tears in webbing compromise the strength and safety of the harness.
- Faulty Hardware: Rust, cracks, or deformation in D-rings, buckles, or hooks can result in equipment failure.
- Improperly Stored Equipment: Exposure to moisture, UV light, chemicals, or extreme temperatures weakens materials over time.
- Lack of Inspection: Using uninspected equipment increases the likelihood of failure during a fall.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Inspect the Harness
- Check webbing for cuts, frays, abrasions, burns, or other signs of damage.
- Stretch webbing to reveal any hidden flaws.
- Inspect stitching to ensure no loose, torn, or broken threads are present.
Inspect Hardware
- Look for corrosion, cracks, or deformation in D-rings, buckles, adjusters, and connectors.
- Confirm snap hooks and carabiners are functioning correctly and that locking mechanisms operate properly.
- Never use hardware that is bent, stiff, or difficult to engage/disengage.
Inspect Lanyards and Connectors
- Examine shock absorbers for signs of deployment or damage.
- Check for fraying, cuts, or exposed internal fibres.
- Ensure lanyards and connectors are clean, undamaged, and free from corrosion.
Proper Storage
- Store gear in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight and away from chemicals.
- Hang harnesses to keep their shape and prevent damage from compression or tangling.
Tag and Remove Defective Equipment
- If equipment is damaged, tag it as “DO NOT USE” immediately.
- Report all defects to your supervisor for replacement or inspection by a competent person.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A worker recently fell from height while wearing a harness with hidden damage in the lanyard. The equipment had not been inspected before use. During the fall, the lanyard failed, resulting in serious injuries. This incident could have been avoided with a proper inspection routine.
Employee Responsibilities
- Inspect all fall protection equipment before every use.
- Follow correct storage procedures to maintain equipment condition.
- Report any damaged or suspect gear immediately.
- Do not use any equipment that hasn’t been inspected or is showing signs of wear.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide fall protection equipment that complies with applicable CSA standards.
- Ensure employees are trained on inspection, use, and maintenance of fall protection systems.
- Replace or repair faulty equipment promptly.
- Establish and enforce a regular inspection and maintenance program.
Discussion & Questions
- "What common faults have you come across when inspecting harnesses or lanyards?"
- "Do you feel confident inspecting your gear, or would further training be helpful?"
Encourage workers to share experiences or ask for clarification on inspection practices.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to inspecting all harnesses, lanyards, and connectors before every use. Take 5 minutes at the start of each shift to check your gear—your life could depend on it.
Wrap-Up
Falls from height can be catastrophic, but they are preventable when we use the right equipment and inspect it regularly. Thank you for taking fall protection seriously and helping ensure our site remains safe for everyone.
Standards Overview
Canadian occupational health and safety regulations require that:
- All personal fall arrest equipment must comply with applicable CSA standards.
- Equipment must be inspected before use and undergo regular formal inspections by a competent person.
- Defective equipment must be withdrawn from service immediately and either repaired by a qualified professional or replaced.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
All Rights Reserved Site App Pro 2025