What fall protection plan is required under WorkSafeNB regulations when painters are working at heights above three metres on a New Brunswick home?

WorkSafeNB requires a written fall protection plan for any work at heights above 3 metres (10 feet), including residential painting projects. This applies to professional painting contractors working on two-storey homes, tall bungalows with steep roofs, or any exterior surface requiring ladders or scaffolding above the 3-metre threshold.

WorkSafeNB Fall Protection Requirements

Written Fall Protection Plan must include:

• Identification of fall hazards on the specific worksite


• Fall protection methods to be used (guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems)


• Rescue procedures if a worker falls and is suspended


• Training requirements for workers using fall protection equipment


• Equipment inspection and maintenance schedules


• Emergency contact information

Personal Fall Arrest Systems are the most common solution for residential painting and must include:

• Full-body harness (never just a belt)


• Shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline


• Secure anchor point capable of supporting 22 kN (about 5,000 lbs) per worker


• The system must limit free fall to 1.2 metres and total fall distance to 1.8 metres

Professional painters working above 3 metres must also ensure workers are trained in fall protection equipment use, conduct daily equipment inspections, and have rescue procedures in place. Many painting contractors use roof anchors, scaffolding with guardrails, or aerial work platforms to meet these requirements safely.

Homeowner Considerations

If you're hiring a painting contractor for exterior work on a two-storey home or high areas, verify they have current WorkSafeNB coverage and ask about their fall protection procedures. A legitimate professional contractor will have proper equipment and training — if they show up with just an extension ladder for high work, that's a red flag.

For DIY exterior painting, WorkSafeNB regulations don't apply to homeowners on their own property, but the safety risks are identical. Most homeowner injuries happen on ladders and roofs. Consider hiring a professional for any work above single-storey height — the cost of professional painting is often less than emergency room visits and time off work from fall injuries.

Ladder safety basics for lower work include maintaining three points of contact, setting the ladder at the proper 4:1 angle, having someone spot you, and never overreaching. But for anything requiring extension ladders above 3 metres, professional equipment and training make a significant safety difference.

Need help finding a WorkSafeNB-covered painting contractor for high exterior work? New Brunswick Painting can match you with professionals who have proper safety training and equipment for your project.