This resource does not replace the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations and should not be used as or considered legal advice. Health and safety inspectors apply the law based on the facts in the workplace.

Hazard summary

Many barns have a loft or mow that is used to store hay or other feed. This area is typically located over the main section of the barn. The loft may have openings in the floor to facilitate moving feed to the level below, a side which is open to the floor below and/or doors that open to the outside. Workers may be exposed to the hazard of falling from height to the ground/floor below at any of these openings.

Hazard example

A worker accessing the loft to move feed may be unaware that there are openings in the floor and inadvertently step into an opening. The worker could fall off over 3 metres to the floor below and sustain critical or even fatal injuries.

Key legal requirements

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers have general duties, including the duty to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers from exposure to hazards, including the hazard of falling from height. 
Protecting a worker from a fall through an opening in a loft floor may include ensuring that the opening is covered by a secured, sturdy cover or that workers are otherwise protected from falling through the opening, for example through use of a guardrail. Protecting a worker from a fall at an open side of a floor may include having:

  • a guardrail
  • a travel restraint or fall arrest system
  • a safe procedure of accessing the area if the worker will be exposed to the fall

Another key duty for employers is to provide information, instruction, and supervision to workers to protect their health and safety.

Precautions to consider

If workers may be exposed to the hazard of falling from height from the barn loft, employers must ensure:

  • workers are protected from falling through any opening in the floor
  • if an opening is covered, the cover must be secured in place; and constructed such that it can sustain the loads applied to it
  • if the opening is not covered, or the worker is exposed to a fall from the open side of the loft, a worker is protected from falling by a guardrail that prevents workers from accessing the open area. An adequate guardrail would have a top rail, mid rail and, if objects may fall onto workers below, a toe-board
  • workers are protected by travel restraint or fall arrest system if a guardrail or cover is not in use
  • workers are trained in all relevant matters relating to the hazard, for example on the selection, use, maintenance and limitations of any travel restraint or fall arrest systems they may be required to use

Contact us

For more information about safety requirements, contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Health and Safety Contact Centre: