- Total 0,00 SEK
A fall hazard exists whenever there is a possibility of falling to a lower level and sustaining an injury. This is not limited to work at significant heights. Even work performed at relatively low elevations can present a serious risk depending on the circumstances.
Fall protection is generally required whenever there is a risk of falling to a lower level, particularly where the height difference is 2 metres or more.
Requirements relating to fall hazards are established through occupational health and safety legislation and workplace safety regulations, including specific provisions for workplaces and construction activities.
What Do the Regulations Say?
Occupational health and safety regulations require employers to assess whether fall hazards exist in any work situation involving differences in level.
There is no precise height at which a fall hazard officially begins. However, where the potential fall height is 2 metres or more, specific fall protection requirements apply.
This means that fall hazards must be assessed and managed regardless of height, although the required protective measures generally become more stringent as the risk increases.
Fall Hazards Are Not Defined by Height Alone
A common misconception is that fall hazards only apply to work above 2 metres. In reality, the level of risk depends on several factors, including:
- The surface below (hard, uneven or slippery).
- The presence of obstacles or protruding objects.
- The worker's position and movement during the task.
- The availability of protective measures such as guardrails and work platforms.
- Weather conditions during outdoor work.
Even a fall from a relatively low height can result in serious injury if the landing surface is hard or the work is performed in a particularly exposed position.
Common Work Situations Involving Fall Hazards
Fall hazards occur in many different types of work, including:
- Roof work.
- Work on ladders or scaffolding.
- Work near floor, roof or deck openings.
- Work at unprotected edges without guardrails.
- Work from mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
- Maintenance, service and installation work above ground level.
Short-duration tasks are subject to the same safety requirements as planned or long-term work activities.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are responsible for:
- Identifying and assessing fall hazards.
- Implementing protective measures before work begins.
- Ensuring that appropriate fall protection is provided and used.
- Providing information, instruction and training to employees.
The risk assessment should be documented and used as the basis for selecting suitable protective measures.
Key Points to Remember
- Fall hazards can exist even at relatively low heights.
- Two metres is an important regulatory threshold, but not the point at which responsibility begins.
- Temporary work is subject to the same requirements as planned work activities.
- Risk assessments should always be completed before work starts.
Sources and Regulatory References
AFS 2023:12
Chapter 6, Section 2 Workplaces shall be designed so that the risk of falls is minimised [...].
Chapter 6, Section 3 Significant differences in level and similar hazards, as well as openings in floors and walls, shall normally be protected by guardrails unless enclosed by walls. Protection shall also be provided to prevent accidental access to surfaces with low load-bearing capacity, such as glass and plastic surfaces.
AFS 2023:13
Chapter 5, Section 63 [...] The fall protection system shall prevent a fall or arrest and safely stop a fall to a lower level [...].
Chapter 5, Section 64 Employers and other responsible parties shall, without delay, provide openings and holes in floors, roofs or similar structures where a person could fall through with guardrails or covers that cannot be accidentally displaced.
Chapter 5, Section 70 Where work is carried out with a risk of falling and the fall height is 2 metres or more, and the required fall protection measures are not in place, a financial penalty may apply unless appropriate fall protection is provided and used in accordance with the regulations [...].
Chapter 5, Section 70, Item 1 Protection against falls shall be provided where work is carried out [...].