What safety measures should be taken when working near unprotected sides and edges?

When working near unprotected sides and edges, implementing guardrail systems or personal fall arrest systems is critical to ensure the safety of workers. Guardrails act as a physical barrier that prevents falls, while personal fall arrest systems, which include harnesses and lifelines, provide a means to safely restrain workers from falling. These methods effectively minimize the risk of accidents in areas where workers are exposed to potential falls from heights.

Personal protective equipment alone does not provide adequate protection against falls from unprotected edges, as it is meant to reduce the severity of injuries rather than prevent them. Visible warning signs can raise awareness of dangers but do not physically prevent accidents. Gathering the work crew for orientation is a good practice for promoting safety awareness, but it does not address the tangible protective measures that need to be in place to prevent falls. Therefore, the combination of guardrails and personal fall arrest systems is the most effective approach to enhance safety in these high-risk areas.