Falls, Ladders & Working at Height Toolbox Talks

Why it matters

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, and many happen from heights people assume are safe. In construction, protection is required at 6 feet (29 CFR 1926.501).

Talk points

• Tie off 100% of the time at 6 feet or more — moving between anchor points included.
• Inspect your harness and lanyard before every shift: webbing cuts, frayed stitching, hook function.
• Anchor points must support 5,000 lbs per worker — a guardrail post or conduit is not an anchor.
• Floor holes and skylights get covers or guardrails the moment they're created, marked "HOLE".
• Guardrails need a top rail, mid rail, and toe board where people work below.

Ask the crew

• Where is the nearest rated anchor point for the work we're doing today?
• Who inspected their harness this morning — and what did you check?
• Is there any unprotected edge or opening on this site right now?

"If you're at 6 feet and not tied off, you're one slip from not going home."

Photo-check guide: How to prevent falls at height

Why it matters

Ladder falls are one of the most common causes of serious jobsite injuries, and most involve using the wrong ladder, skipping inspection, or overreaching.

Talk points

• Keep three points of contact climbing up or down — tools go up on a hoist line, not in your hand.
• Extension ladders: 4-to-1 angle, and extend 3 feet above the landing point.
• Inspect before use: cracked rails, bent rungs, missing feet, working rung locks. Tag and remove damaged ladders.
• Never stand on the top step or top cap of a stepladder.
• Belt buckle stays between the rails — move the ladder instead of leaning.

Ask the crew

• What's wrong with leaning a stepladder folded against the wall?
• Who checked their ladder's feet and rungs today?
• When is a ladder the wrong tool — and what should we use instead?

"A two-minute ladder check beats a two-month recovery."

Site checklist: Ladder safety inspection checklist

Why it matters

A scaffold only protects you when every part is sound, fully set, and used the way it was designed. A missing plank, weak footing, or improvised access can put the whole crew at risk.

Talk points

• Let a competent person inspect the scaffold before each shift and after anything that could affect its strength.
• Set every supported scaffold on base plates and firm, level footing — never on loose blocks, barrels, or scrap.
• Use the ladder, stair tower, ramp, or built-in access provided when the platform is more than 2 feet above or below the access point.
• Install guardrails or use the required personal fall-arrest system when you work more than 10 feet above a lower level.
• Keep platforms clear, respect the rated load, and never move or remove braces, planks, or ties without authorization.

Ask the crew

• Who is the competent person for this scaffold, and was it inspected this shift?
• Where is the safe access point for the level we're using?
• Do you see any missing planks, guardrails, braces, ties, or damaged parts?

"If the scaffold is not complete, stay off it until it is."

Site checklist: Scaffold safety inspection checklist

Why it matters

A lift can tip, crush, or throw you when the setup, travel path, or controls are wrong. Slow down, inspect the machine, and keep your body inside the platform.

Talk points

• Inspect the lift and test its controls before use; tag it out if any safety device or control fails.
• Use the lift only if you are trained and authorized for that machine and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Close the platform gate or access chain and keep both feet on the floor — never climb or stand on the rails.
• Wear a body belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift, and use the manufacturer-required fall protection on a scissor lift.
• Check the route for holes, drop-offs, overhead obstructions, and power lines before raising or moving the platform.

Ask the crew

• What ground and overhead hazards are in this lift's work path today?
• Where is the approved tie-off point on this machine?
• Who is trained and authorized to operate this lift?

"Stay inside the rails, watch above and below, and run the lift by the book."

Why it matters

Roof edges can disappear from view when you are carrying material or focused on the task. Know the fall-protection plan before anyone steps onto the roof.

Talk points

• Protect every worker on a walking or working surface with an unprotected edge 6 feet or more above a lower level.
• Use guardrails, safety nets, or a personal fall-arrest system at leading edges unless the designated plan allows another compliant method.
• Inspect harnesses, connectors, lifelines, and approved anchors before starting work.
• Keep materials, cords, and loose debris away from edges and marked access paths.
• Stop roof work when wind, rain, ice, or changing conditions make footing or equipment unsafe.

Ask the crew

• Where are today's leading edges, roof openings, and fall-protection boundaries?
• Which protection system are we using, and where are the approved anchors?
• What condition would make us stop work and come off the roof?

"Before you watch the work, know where the edge is."

Site checklist: Roofing safety inspection checklist

Why it matters

An opening can look covered and still fail under a boot, tool cart, or material load. Treat every hole and skylight as a fall hazard until proper protection is in place.

Talk points

• Guard every hole more than 6 feet above a lower level with a cover, guardrail system, or personal fall-arrest system as the rule allows.
• Use covers that can support at least twice the maximum load that may be placed on them.
• Secure each cover so wind, equipment, and foot traffic cannot shift it.
• Mark covers with "HOLE" or "COVER" or use clear color coding so nobody mistakes them for working surfaces.
• Replace protection immediately after access, and never remove a cover or rail until authorized controls are ready.

Ask the crew

• Where are the floor openings and skylights in our work area today?
• Are the covers secured, marked, and strong enough for the loads that may cross them?
• Who restores the protection if an opening must be accessed?

"If you cannot prove a cover will hold, do not step on it."

Photo-check guide: How to prevent falls at height

Why it matters

Temporary stairs and walkways change as the job moves, so yesterday's safe route may be today's open edge. Use the designated route and correct hazards before the crew passes through.

Talk points

• Install stair rails on each unprotected side or edge of stairways with four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches, whichever is less.
• Provide a handrail on stairways with four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches.
• Keep stairs, landings, and elevated walkways clear of debris, cords, ice, and spilled material.
• Fix or block access to missing, damaged, or slippery treads before anyone uses the route.
• Protect exposed walkway edges and keep gates, rails, and access openings closed when not in use.

Ask the crew

• Which stairway or elevated walkway will this crew use today?
• Do you see any open edge, missing rail, damaged tread, or blocked landing on that route?
• Who will barricade the route and report it if conditions change?

"Keep the route clear, keep the rails in place, and take every step on purpose."

Photo-check guide: Slip, trip and fall photo check