Safety
Fall Protection
Systems and practices designed to prevent workers from falling from heights, including guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, and safety nets.
Fall Protection in Construction
Fall protection is the use of systems, practices, and equipment to prevent workers from falling from heights. Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry.
OSHA Requirements
- **1926.501** — fall protection required at 6 feet (construction)
- **1926.502** — fall protection systems criteria
- **1926.503** — training requirements
Types of Fall Protection
- **Guardrails** — passive fall protection
- **Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)** — harness, lanyard, anchor
- **Safety nets** — catch falls below
- **Positioning devices** — hold worker in place
- **Warning line systems** — alert workers to roof edge
- **Controlled access zones** — limited access areas
The Hierarchy
- Eliminate the fall hazard (prefabrication, guardrails)
- Guard against the hazard (passive protection)
- Fall restraint (prevent the worker from reaching the edge)
- Fall arrest (stop the fall in progress)
- Administrative controls (safety monitors, warning lines)
Related Terms
- Scaffolding Safety
Safety standards and practices for the erection, use, and dismantling of scaffolds to protect workers at heights.
- Confined Space Entry
Entry into a space that is not designed for continuous occupancy, has limited access and egress, and may contain hazardous atmospheres.
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury or infection.
- OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The US federal agency that sets and enforces workplace safety standards.
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