Following the hierarchy of control, what is regarded as the last resort for someone's safety when working at height?

When discussing the hierarchy of control for safety when working at height, the use of safety harnesses and fall-arrest lanyards is considered a last resort option. This is because these methods are reactive rather than proactive. They are used as a final line of defense to protect workers after other, more effective measures have been implemented.

The hierarchy of controls emphasizes starting with the most effective solutions, such as eliminating the hazard or using engineering controls. For example, scaffolding provides a sturdy working platform and is an engineering control that can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Guardrails also serve as protective barriers that prevent workers from falling, while administrative controls involve changes to how work is performed—such as training or scheduling—to reduce risk.

In scenarios where it is not possible to eliminate the risk of falling, or where engineering controls and guardrails are not feasible, personal protective equipment like safety harnesses and fall-arrest systems becomes necessary. However, relying solely on such equipment does not mitigate the hazard in the same way that removing the hazard or providing safe working conditions does, which is why it is viewed as the last line of defense in the hierarchy of control measures.