Safety checklist — Work at height
Fall protection, harness and lifeline. Compliant with Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Before work
13 items- ✓
PPE worn: full harness, lanyard + energy absorber, hard hat with chin strapCritical
ℹ️ Mandatory from 3 m height — CNESST zero tolerance
- ✓
Anchor points verified — strength ≥ 18 kN (CNESST)Critical
ℹ️ Minimum anchor strength per CSA Z259 standard
- ✓
Horizontal lifeline installed by qualified person
- ✓
Perimeter guardrail installed within 2 m of edge if possible
- ✓
Rescue plan for falls documented and known to team
- ✓
Weather checked — no high wind, ice or thunderstorm
- ✓
Floor openings protected (secured covers or guardrails)
- ✓
Worker tied off continuously — 100% of the time at heightCritical
ℹ️ Zero tolerance: unattached worker > 3 m = immediate stop
- ✓
Free fall distance ≤ 1.8 m (lanyard + absorber)
- ✓
Sufficient clearance below worker for fall arrest
- ✓
Ladder extending at least 900 mm (35 in) above access point
- ✓
Tools tethered or stored — no loose objects at height
- ✓
Ground zone below work marked and restricted
After work
4 items- ✓
Harnesses and lanyards inspected — no damage or abnormal wear
- ✓
Collective protections restored (guardrails, nets)
- ✓
Fall protection equipment stored under cover (UV, moisture)
- ✓
Incidents or near-misses reported
More checklists — Cross-cutting Situations
Road work / Signage
Roadside work and construction site signage
15 checks
Cold weather work
Prevention of frostbite and hypothermia on site
15 checks
Asbestos / Decontamination
Asbestos removal and decontamination work
19 checks
Confined space
Entry and work in confined spaces
18 checks
Hot weather work
Prevention of heat stroke on site
14 checks
Manual handling
Lifting and carrying loads by hand
13 checks