Fall Protection, Fall Restraint & Fall Arrest

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Note: The Fall Protection rules for Construction have recently been changed, and will be effective 4/1/2013. Find the adopted rule language here.

Man in red hard hat with fall protection securing him to rebar -- Caption: When used properly, fall protection can save your life.Fall hazards are a serious problem amongst the growing workforce and account for 8% of all occupational fatalities in the United States.

When working over dangerous equipment and machinery fall protection must be provided, regardless of the industry and fall distance. Fall protection must be provided at:

  • Four feet In general and construction industry.
  • Five feet In maritime.
  • Six feet In concrete work on vertical surfaces and hazardous slopes in construction.
  • Ten feet In construction: For roofing and leading edge work and surfaces that by definition are not walking or working surfaces.
Caption: Safety monitors are another way of warning workers of fall dangers.
Caption: Poor lighting, glare, and shadows can contribute toward a slip, trip or fall.

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