Beginning April 1, 2015, what must qualified workers use while climbing or changing locations on poles?

Qualified workers must use fall protection while climbing or changing locations on poles to ensure their safety in elevated work environments. Fall protection systems and equipment are designed to prevent workers from falling from heights and to reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a fall. This requirement is particularly crucial in electrical work, where workers may be exposed to significant heights while conducting their tasks on utility poles.

The regulation that mandates fall protection reflects the inherent risks involved in such operations. By implementing proper fall protection measures, employers can significantly enhance worker safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries during climbing and transitioning between locations.

Other safety equipment, such as helmets, high-visibility vests, and safety goggles, serve important roles in worker safety but do not specifically address the dangers of falling from heights as fall protection does.