Staying Safe at Height: Core Principles and Rescue Readiness

Falls from elevation continue to be one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries. Regulations therefore require employers to protect workers whenever there is a risk of a fall. FMTC Safety’s GWO Working at Heights course introduces fall‑arrest equipment and basic rescue techniques. To reinforce that learning and build your confidence, this concise guide outlines the hierarchy of fall protection, essential features of personal fall‑arrest systems, and the fundamentals of rescue planning.

Understanding the hierarchy and the gear

Safety professionals emphasise that physical barriers and smart design come before harnesses. The University of Washington’s fall‑protection manual lists five control levels: eliminate fall hazards, install passive systems like guardrails, use fall‑restraint systems to prevent workers reaching an edge, employ personal fall‑arrest systems (PFAS) to stop a fall in progress, and rely on administrative controls only as a last resort. In the wind industry, hazard elimination might mean modifying equipment layout to avoid climbing altogether. When you must climb, a PFAS consisting of an anchorage, full‑body harness and lanyard keeps you safe.

PFAS rigs must be set up to limit free‑fall to six feet and avoid contact with the lower level. This requires calculating clearance, considering the 3.5‑foot deceleration distance of most energy‑absorbing lanyards. Before every use, a trained person must inspect the harness, lanyards and connectors; annual inspections are mandatory too. Do not mix components from different systems and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Securing tools with lanyards or toeboards also prevents dropped objects from injuring people below.

Rescue planning and suspension trauma

Being suspended in a harness can quickly lead to circulation problems, so every job involving a PFAS must include a rescue plan. The plan should outline how workers will be retrieved if they fall, and it’s usually incorporated into a fall‑protection work plan reviewed by a competent person. Three rescue approaches are described in the University of Washington manual: workers attempt self‑rescue using rope‑descent devices or by climbing back to a safe level; a colleague performs an assisted rescue using a mobile elevating work platform; or emergency services are summoned for high‑angle rescue. To minimise suspension trauma, rescue should be performed as soon as possible. Practising these scenarios during training builds teamwork and reduces panic during real incidents.

Preparation and safety culture

Solid preparation amplifies the value of FMTC’s course. Arrive fit, familiarise yourself with regulations, fall protection is typically required from four feet or higher. and practise

donning your harness. Complete a fall‑protection work plan before each high‑risk task and ensure a competent person reviews it. Lastly, cultivate a safety‑first culture: conduct toolbox talks, encourage colleagues to voice concerns and schedule regular refresher training. Through continuous learning and teamwork, working at height can become a controlled and confident activity rather than a leap of faith.

Conclusion

Mastering height safety requires both knowledge and practice. By following the hierarchy of controls, rigging and inspecting your personal fall‑arrest system correctly, planning for rapid rescue and fostering a culture of vigilance, you drastically reduce the chances of an incident. FMTC Safety’s GWO Working at Heights course is designed to turn these principles into muscle memory. Over two days, participants learn the regulatory framework, practise fitting harnesses and navigating ladders, execute rescue drills and use evacuation equipment.

The course also forms part of the mandatory GWO Basic Safety Training for wind‑energy personnel, so completing it not only keeps you and your team safer but also satisfies global industry requirements. Enrolling in this training is an investment in confidence, competence and a safer wind industry.