For information purposes only. This page supports your safety planning; it does not replace professional judgment. All safety plans and fall protection decisions must be reviewed and approved by a competent person or a qualified person as required by the occupational health and safety regulator in your province or territory, before work begins.
Provincial jurisdiction · CSA Z259 standards
Alberta Fall Protection Requirements
Regulated by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) under the OHS Act (SA 2020, c O-2.2). Alberta accepts ANSI/ASSE Z359 equipment as equivalent to CSA Z259, and requires a written fall protection plan for work at 3 m or higher.
Ask all of your fall protection questions, CSA and provincial answers included.
Open the Regulation Hub ›Alberta fall protection at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary authority | Alberta OHS |
| Construction trigger height | 3 m (about 10 ft) (OHS Code Part 9, s.139) |
| General industry trigger | 3 m (about 10 ft) (OHS Code Part 9, s.139) |
| Report a serious incident | 1-866-415-8690 (24/7) |
Who regulates fall protection in Alberta
| Contact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Alberta OHS |
| Website | Official site |
| Governing law | OHS Act (SA 2020, c O-2.2) |
Report a serious injury or death
1-866-415-8690 (24/7)
Report a serious injury or potentially serious incident to the Alberta OHS Contact Centre immediately.
Official page ›Alberta requirements beyond the baseline
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Mandatory training | Workers must be trained and instructed in fall protection use, and the employer must have a written fall protection procedure. No province-wide certificate. |
| Distinctive rule | Alberta accepts ANSI/ASSE Z359 equipment as equivalent to CSA Z259, and requires a written fall protection plan for work at 3 m or higher. |
Equipment and anchorage requirements
| CSA standard | Covers |
|---|---|
| CSA Z259.10 | Full body harnesses |
| CSA Z259.11 | Energy absorbers and lanyards |
| CSA Z259.2.2 | Self-retracting devices |
| CSA Z259.2.5 | Fall arresters and vertical lifelines |
| CSA Z259.16 | Design of active fall-protection systems |
| CSA Z259.1 | Body belts and saddles (work positioning / travel restraint) |
Shop our CSA/Canada Certified department for equipment that already carries the mark, with certifications on every spec sheet.
Penalties
| Violation type | Maximum |
|---|---|
| OHS penalty | Up to $500,000 for a first offence (plus up to $30,000/day c... |
Alberta fall protection FAQ
Who enforces fall protection in Alberta?
Alberta OHS. Regulated by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) under the OHS Act (SA 2020, c O-2.2). Alberta accepts ANSI/ASSE Z359 equipment as equivalent to CSA Z259, and requires a written fall protection plan for work at 3 m or higher.
At what height is fall protection required in Alberta?
For construction, 3 m (about 10 ft) under OHS Code Part 9, s.139. For general industry, 3 m (about 10 ft) under OHS Code Part 9, s.139.
Does Alberta have requirements beyond the baseline?
Yes. Workers must be trained and instructed in fall protection use, and the employer must have a written fall protection procedure. No province-wide certificate. Alberta accepts ANSI/ASSE Z359 equipment as equivalent to CSA Z259, and requires a written fall protection plan for work at 3 m or higher.
What are the maximum penalties in Alberta?
OHS penalty: Up to $500,000 for a first offence (plus up to $30,000/day c.... Confirm current amounts with the regulator.
How do I report a serious injury in Alberta?
Call 1-866-415-8690 (24/7). Report a serious injury or potentially serious incident to the Alberta OHS Contact Centre immediately.
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