A practical guide to spotting fall protection gaps before they turn into costly claims.
- Fall protection remains one of OSHA’s top-cited violations — often due to inconsistent training, vague protocols or incomplete documentation.
- Helping clients prioritize clarity in training, accountability in supervision and regular documentation can reduce injuries and strengthen compliance.
- A proactive approach to fall protection doesn’t just prevent fines, it can also reduce claim frequency, lower costs and build a stronger safety culture overall.
Fall protection mistakes happen more often than you’d think — and they come at a steep cost. Whether it’s overlooking Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements or skipping safety refreshers, small oversights can lead to big consequences. For insurance agents working with high-risk industries, understanding where things tend to go wrong can help you better advise your clients and support more effective risk management.
Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to get fall protection right.
1. Skipping consistent, hands-on training
Training shouldn’t be only a checkmark on a compliance form; it should be the foundation of your clients’ fall protection strategy. Yet many businesses skip updates or assume that once trained, always trained.
Related: Insights and strategies to reduce workplace injuries and claims
OSHA requires fall protection for employees working six feet or more off the ground and also notes that all employees exposed to fall hazards should receive comprehensive training on how to recognize and minimize those hazards. That means going beyond a quick slide or outdated manual. Instead, fall protection training should be part of their overall safety culture — one that’s ongoing, thorough and tailored to the real-world risks their teams face.
Your clients should:
- Hold regular training refreshers that update employees on the latest safety standards and equipment.
- Practice real-world scenarios to ensure training becomes second nature.
- Document every session, keeping track of who’s trained and when.
- Create an open line of communication so workers feel comfortable reporting safety issues.
A culture of continuous learning keeps safety habits sharp and helps reduce injuries, and that can have a real impact on your clients’ loss history.
2. Overlooking routine gear inspections
Safety gear is not ‘set it and forget it.’ Fall protection equipment like harnesses, lanyards and nets can wear out or get damaged over time, and ignoring inspections can be just as dangerous as not using the gear at all.
Therefore, one big mistake is not establishing a routine for checking gear. OSHA guidelines specify that fall protection equipment must be inspected before every use and regularly maintained.
Encourage your clients to:
- Inspect gear before every use and make it a daily routine.
- Replace worn or damaged equipment immediately — don’t wait for a close call.
- Keep records of each inspection to ensure accountability.
Remind your clients that it’s not only about avoiding fines, but also about protecting people.
3. Neglecting documentation and safety records
Even the best fall protection plan can lose impact if the details aren’t tracked. Without consistent documentation, it’s difficult to spot patterns, measure progress or know when equipment or protocols need to be adjusted.
Related: Workplace accidents and best practices for incident reporting
Encourage clients to treat documentation as an active part of their safety program and view it as a tool for improvement. They should maintain detailed logs of:
- Training sessions and attendance records.
- Inspection reports and equipment maintenance logs.
- Safety incident documentation.
Being diligent about documentation not only keeps your clients compliant and protects them if an accident occurs but also helps reinforce good habits and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
4. Choosing the wrong gear for the job
Not all fall protection equipment is created equal. Using the wrong harness, lanyard or anchor point can be as risky as using none at all. It’s important to match the gear to the specific job and conditions.
Advise your clients to:
- Conduct a hazard assessment to identify specific risks.
- Consult safety gear manufacturers for recommendations.
- Invest in quality gear that’s built to last.
- Test and evaluate equipment before putting it to use.
Helping clients choose the right equipment for the task at hand can reduce accidents and liability.
5. Failing to foster a safety-first culture
Safety isn’t just about equipment and training — it’s a mindset. Without a strong culture of safety, even the best fall protection program can fall short. Workers need to feel comfortable reporting safety concerns and know that leadership prioritizes well-being.
Related: How to help your clients achieve lower workers’ comp rates
Guide your clients to:
- Incorporate safety into daily routines rather than treating it as an afterthought.
- Involve employees in safety discussions so they feel invested.
- Empower workers to report hazards without fear of reprimand.
- Recognize and reward safety initiatives to reinforce good practices.
- Stay consistent. Safety can’t be something that’s only talked about after an incident.
A safety-first mindset builds not only compliance but also trust and accountability within the team.
Helping clients stay prepared
Your clients count on you to help them navigate safety challenges and minimize risk. By guiding them to build strong fall protection programs, you help protect their business, reduce claims and enhance their overall safety culture. Use these insights to keep the conversation going — and keep your clients covered.
Looking for a workers’ comp solution that supports safety-minded businesses? Learn how Arrowhead’s Workers’ Compensation program can help protect both your clients and their workforce.
This material has been prepared for general informational purposes only, is intended to apply generally rather than to any specific company, and presumes appropriate discretion will be exercised regarding any particular situation.