Safety checklist — Work at height
Fall protection, harness and lifeline. Based on Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Before work
13 items- ✓
Guardrails first; otherwise harness + lanyard + absorber, hard hat with chin strapCritical
ℹ️ CSTC 2.9.1: also no-height cases (liquid, moving part, dangerous equipment), 1.2 m on a vehicle, 1.5 m with a load, more than 3 m otherwise. Harness is last resort (2.9.2).
- ✓
Anchor points verified — strength ≥ 18 kN or engineer plan (CSTC 2.10.15)Critical
ℹ️ CSTC 2.10.15: point anchor ≥ 18 kN, or designed to CSA Z259.16.
- ✓
Horizontal lifeline installed by qualified person
- ✓
Guardrail within 300 mm of the void (CSTC 2.9.1)Critical
ℹ️ Not 2 m: 2 m is the minimum warning-line distance (2.9.4.1), not the guardrail.
- ✓
Rescue procedure: release within 15 min, trained rescuer, drills every 6 monthsCritical
ℹ️ CSTC 2.9.5–2.9.5.2 (Feb 2025): prioritize a MEWP; equipment on site; at least one trained rescuer present at all times.
- ✓
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 When a harness is used (2.9.2). 2.9.1 is not only “more than 3 m”: also no-height cases, 1.2 m on a vehicle, 1.5 m with a load.
- ✓
Arrest force ≤ 6 kN or free fall ≤ 1.8 m (CSTC 2.10.12)
- ✓
Sufficient clearance below worker for fall arrest
- ✓
Access ladder extending at least 900 mm (CSTC 3.5.6 e)
- ✓
Tools tethered or stored — no loose objects at height
- ✓
Ground zone below work marked (falling objects)
ℹ️ Good practice. The CSTC does not write a generic “prohibited zone” for all work at height (except 3.9.4 for scaffold erection).
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
17 verification items — use this checklist on-site with the app
Use on-site — freePDF reports, history and team management in the app
For information only — this is not legal advice. OK Sécurité is an independent company with no affiliation to the CNESST: we are not mandated, endorsed or certified by it. Completing a checklist here does not by itself establish your compliance — your exact obligations depend on your job site and your prevention program. Where there is any discrepancy, the official text published by Légis Québec or the CNESST prevails.
More checklists — Cross-cutting Situations
More safety checklists
Related official rule
Related guides
Risks and prevention — Work at height
Falls from height are the leading cause of death in Québec construction. CSTC 2.9.1 is not a single 3 m threshold, and 2.9.2 puts the harness after ground, travel restraint, and a net.
Each fall protection system must be selected for the situation: structure type, free-fall distance, clearance, and swing potential. A harness without adequate anchorage provides no protection.
Fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards, energy absorbers, anchors) must be inspected before each use and periodically documented by a competent person. Any equipment that has arrested a fall must be removed from service.
Scan to access OK Sécurité
Open the app directly on your phone to complete your safety checklists on-site.
ok-securite.com