Hierarchy of fall protection
Contents |
[edit] Introducing the hierarchy
Indication is that Herbert William Heinrich proposed the first hierarchy for the management of occupational safety, hazard control and prevention in general, Heinrich's pyramid. His theory of industrial accident prevention was first proposed in 1931 and propoeses that for every accident that results in a major injury, there are 29 accidents that result in minor injuries and 300 accidents that result in no injuries. The pyramid itself can be sourced at the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health dated 2014.
The Hierarchy of Controls (for fall protection) was established by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and is also referred to by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in its decription of working at height at the hierarchy of controls – avoid, prevent, arrest. Indication is that the Hierarchy of fall protection was introduced by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) also referred to as ANSI-Z359.
This diagram was published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to describe the hierarchy and is was published by the OSHA in their guidance on identifying hazard control options.
The guidance goes on to describe examples at each of the section of the hierarchy:
[edit] Elimination
Elimination makes sure the hazard no longer exists. Examples:
- Ending the use of a hazardous material
- Doing work at ground level rather than at heights
- Stopping the use of noisy processes
[edit] Substitution
Substitution means changing out a material or process to reduce the hazard. Examples:
- Switching to a less hazardous material
- Switching to a process that uses less force, speed, temperature, or electrical current
[edit] Engineering Controls
Engineering controls reduce exposure by preventing hazards from coming into
contact with workers. They still allow workers to do their jobs, though. Examples:
• Interlocks
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).