Working at Heights Hazard

You are considered to be "working at height" if you are working in any place above another level where a person could fall causing injury. This includes working on a ladder, scaffolding, flat or sloped roofs, near an edge or an opening in a floor or wall and many, many more.

You are working at height if you are:

Above ground/another level
Could fall from an edge
Near an opening or fragile surface

Download a working at height protection and rescue plan (PDF, 1.29 MB)

Person working on outdoor oil rig at heights in 3M fall protection equipment

Before you go up. Stop and Think.

CONTACT A 3M FALL PROTECTION SPECIALIST

What are the Key Challenges of Working at Heights?

There are key challenges of working at heights: leading edge – sharp edges, fall clearance, and dropped objects. Whether conducting a hazard assessment or developing a comprehensive fall protection plan, thinking about the key challenges before the work begins will help to prevent falls.

Leading Edge/Sharp Edges

It’s critically important to understand leading and sharp edges and the unique hazards they present. Having the right equipment for the job can make all the difference.

Read our Blog: The Difference Between Leading and Sharp Edges
Fall Clearance

Should a fall occur, there must be sufficient clearance below the user to arrest the fall before the striking the ground or any other object.

Download a fall clearance calculation chart (PDF, 248.84 KB)
Dropped Objects

Objects dropped from height can result in personal injury to workers and others at a worksite. It also can cause equipment damage and tool loss. Solve for this key challenge with fall protection for tools.

Read our Blog: ANSI Approves New ISEA 121 Standard for Fall Protection for Tools

Download a dropped object prevention plan (PDF, 5.51 MB)

Download the fall protection for tools infographic

Want to get trained?

Training can help ensure those who work at heights are aware of hazards they may face and understand how to carry out their job safely. 3M Safety Training offers a variety of fall protection classes, training and services to fit your needs: Instructor-led training in facilities across the US, On-site training at your job site, eLearning courses, and virtual reality apps.

See all 3M Safety Training Courses

Working at Heights Hazard Products

We strive to deliver comfortable, well-designed personal protective equipment (PPE) that offers your workers the most effective protection available. You can buy 3M Safety PPE, confident in the knowledge that 3M is working hard to provide products that your employees will feel good about wearing. View all PPE products

Fall Protection

Elevate your employees’ safety and comfort to new heights with 3M Fall Protection equipment, and our trusted 3M™ DBI-SALA® and Protecta® fall protection brands. We’re dedicated to bringing every worker at height home safely.

Anchorage Connectors

Full-Body Harnesses

Self-Retracting Lifelines

See all fall protection products
Fall Protection for Tools

3M™ DBI-SALA® Fall Protection for Tools makes work environments safer and more productive by drastically reducing the hazard of falling object incidents that can result in personal injury, equipment damage, and tool loss.

Tool Tether

Attachment Point

Tool Pouches

See all fall protection for tools products