Which method is considered the highest priority for eliminating fall hazards?

The highest priority for eliminating fall hazards is through elimination. This method addresses the problem at its source by completely removing the fall hazard from the workplace. When fall hazards can be eliminated, there is no longer a risk of falling, which provides the safest environment for workers.

By prioritizing elimination, organizations can ensure that employees are not exposed to potentially dangerous conditions, such as unprotected edges or elevated work surfaces. This proactive approach is fundamental in safety management because it reduces reliance on other controls that may only mitigate the risk rather than remove it altogether.

In practice, this might involve redesigning a worksite to avoid the need for elevated work or using ground-level equipment, fundamentally changing the work environment to ensure safety from falls. Recognizing elimination as the most effective strategy reinforces the importance of safety planning and hazard assessment in creating safe workplaces.