Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and deaths in construction—and also one of the most frequently cited OSHA violations. If you’re a construction employer, understanding OSHA’s fall protection standards is critical not only for worker safety but also for avoiding costly citations and legal liability.
When is Fall Protection Required?
Under OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926.501, fall protection is generally required for construction workers performing tasks six feet or more above a lower level. Specific thresholds include:
- 6 feet: General construction work (e.g., roofing, framing, open-sided floors)
- 10 feet: Scaffolding work
- 15 feet: Steel erection (special exceptions apply)
- 24 feet: Fixed ladders
- Any height: Work near dangerous equipment or impalement hazards
Acceptable Fall Protection Systems
Employers must implement one or more of the following OSHA-approved systems:
- Guardrail Systems: Permanent or temporary barriers that prevent falls.
- Safety Net Systems: Catch systems used under high work surfaces.
- Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): Harnesses, anchor points, and lifelines that stop a fall in progress.
Additional systems such as warning lines and safety monitors may be permitted under limited circumstances, typically for low-slope roofing work.
Training Requirements
OSHA mandates that all workers exposed to fall hazards receive training from a qualified person. The training must cover:
- Hazard recognition
- Proper use of fall protection systems
- Inspection and maintenance procedures
- Emergency procedures
Employers must document the training and retrain employees as needed.
Inspection & Maintenance Responsibilities
- Daily Inspections: All PFAS components must be inspected before each use.
- Weekly Inspections: Safety nets and guardrails should be checked regularly.
- After-Fall Protocols: Remove any equipment involved in a fall from service immediately.
Employer Liability for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with fall protection standards can result in:
- OSHA Citations: Fines up to $15,000 per serious violation; much more for willful or repeat offenses.
- Project Delays: Work stoppages during abatement.
- Lawsuits and Claims: Increased liability if a worker is injured or killed.
Legal Help for Fall Protection Citations
If your company has received an OSHA citation related to fall protection, don’t face it alone. Our construction law firm has helped contractors and developers respond to:
- OSHA fall protection citations
- Construction site safety violations
- Department of Labor investigations
Contact Us Today
Protect your company and your workforce. If you’ve received a fall protection citation or need compliance guidance, contact us today. Our OSHA defense attorneys are ready to help.
Kushnick Pallaci PLLC
Construction Law Attorneys
📞 (212) 752-7155
🌐 www.nyconstructionlaw.com