What types of equipment must employers use to ensure employee safety from falls?

Employers must utilize equipment that effectively mitigates the risk of falls, particularly in environments where employees may be working at heights. The appropriate use of guard rails, safety nets, and personal fall protection equipment is critical to maintaining safety in such conditions.

Guard rails act as a physical barrier that prevents workers from falling over edges, providing a first line of defense against falls. Safety nets can catch employees if they do fall, reducing the risk of serious injuries. Personal fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and lanyards, is designed to secure the individual and arrest a fall before they make contact with the ground or a lower surface.

In contrast, the other listed options, while they may contribute to workplace safety, do not specifically address the immediate risks associated with falls from heights. For instance, safety shoes and helmets, although important for personal protection equipment, do not directly prevent falls. Similarly, cones and barriers are more suited for traffic control or delineation rather than fall prevention. Lastly, while scaffolding and ladders are important for maintaining safe access to elevated areas, their use must be complemented with adequate fall protection measures to ensure workers are safeguarded against the risk of falling.