When is fall protection legally required?

Fall protection is mandated legally when workers are at a height of 6 feet or higher in the construction industry. This standard is set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and is aimed at ensuring worker safety by implementing protective measures to prevent falls, which are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the workplace.

When working in other industries, such as general industry, the requirement for fall protection may apply at different heights, typically at 4 feet, but the construction industry specifically adheres to the 6-foot threshold for fall protection measures. This requirement encompasses the need for guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems, and other safety equipment to be utilized whenever there is a risk of falling from elevated positions. Thus, the legal requirement is centered around this height to provide a consistent and effective safety framework for jobs at elevation.