Climber Safety Watchlist

Rushed Job Timelines Without Safety Readiness

If you're being pushed to climb before a site is fully inspected or before materials/equipment are staged, it's a red flag.

Rushing often leads to missed hazards.

Lack of a Clear Rescue Plan

Every site should have a documented and communicated rescue plan before anyone climbs. If no one discusses it or says, “We’ll figure it out if something happens,” that’s unacceptable.

Inadequate Pre-Job Briefings

Toolbox talks or JHAs that are glossed over or copied from the last site without relevance to current hazards are a sign of poor safety culture.

Sketchy Rigging Practices

Look for over-tensioned ropes, misused load-bearing hardware, or anchor points that don't pass the "gut check." If it doesn't look right, speak up--even if it slows the job.

Complacency or "Old School" Mentality

Be wary of coworkers or supervisors who dismiss safety procedures with phrases like “we’ve always done it this way.” Complacency kills — even experienced climbers fall.

JOIN CPG NOW - NO DUES REQUIRED

Missing or Improper PPE

If your gear isn’t inspected, doesn’t fit right, or is missing altogether — or if the company expects you to "make it work" — that’s a major liability.

Matrix Pricing and "Speed Bonus" Pressures

When pay or contract structures reward speed over safety, you may be pushed into taking dangerous shortcuts. Stay grounded in your own limits — the job isn’t worth your life.

Working Alone on Site or in Isolation

You should never be alone on a job site, especially when climbing. If you’re told to go solo or “get a head start,” push back hard.

Vague or Undocumented Change Orders

If you're asked to “just knock it out real quick” without formal documentation or scope clarification, it’s a recipe for miscommunication and potential liability.

Signs of Structural Degradation

Look for missing bolts, rusted members, damaged ladders, cracked concrete, or crooked towers. Don’t trust the phrase “it’s been like that for years.”