Hierarchy of risk controls for working at height

Elimination

Elimination of hazards refers to the total removal of the hazards and hence effectively making all the identified possible accidents and ill health impossible. This is the permanent solution and shell be attempted in the first instance.

Substitution

This involves replacing the hazard by one that presents a lower risk.

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls are physical means that limit the hazard. These include structural changes to the work environment or work process or erecting barriers to prevent the worker from being exposed to the hazard.

Administrative Controls

Administrative controls are systems of work or work procedures that help to reduce the exposure of workers to the risk of falling. It is also a useful means to limit the frequency and duration of exposure of workers to hazard and the number of persons involved in the task.

Personal protection

Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used only as a last resort, after all other control measures have been considered, or as a short term contingency during maintenance or repair or as an additional protective measure