Duty to Have Fall Protection, Construction • Regulation 29 CFR 1926.501

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OSHA has classified falls as one of the construction industry’s Fatal Four – the top four hazards that cause construction worker fatalities. Many of these deaths are preventable.

Types of falls include:

1. Falls from height: This is the most common type of fall in construction. It includes falls from roofs, ladders, scaffolding, and other elevated surfaces. Falls from height can occur when harnesses or guardrails are not in place.
2. Falls through openings: Construction sites often have openings such as holes in floors, unguarded stairways, or skylights. Workers may fall through these openings if they are not properly marked or if guardrails are not installed.
3. Falls from equipment: Workers can also fall from construction equipment, such as cranes or aerial lifts. These falls can occur due to improper use of equipment or failure to follow safety protocols.
4. Slips and trips: These types of falls occur on the same level and can be caused by uneven surfaces, wet or slippery conditions, or obstacles in walkways. While they may not be as deadly as falls from heights, they still contribute significantly to injuries and fatalities.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Employers should assess their work sites to identify potential fall hazards and determine which PPE and training employees require based on their job duties and exposure to these hazards.

• When properly used, fall arrest systems including harnesses and lanyards can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury or death for workers who are operating at height.
• Guardrails and safety nets can also provide fall protection. They act as barriers that can prevent workers from falling off elevated surfaces or through an opening.

ABOUT THE STANDARD

OSHA standard 1926.501 specifically addresses fall protection in the construction industry and includes:

Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): Employers must provide harnesses, lanyards, and anchorage points for workers exposed to fall hazards.

Guardrails: These should be installed around open edges of platforms, roofs, and areas where employees are at risk of falling.

Safety Nets: These must be installed to catch workers in case of a fall, especially in situations where other forms of fall protection are not feasible.

Here are the major provisions of the standard:

• Employers are required to provide fall protection for employees who are working at heights of six feet or more in the construction industry. In areas such as roofing and leading edges, this height requirement is increased to eight feet. Fall protection must also be provided when someone is working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance.
• Fall protection systems must be used to protect employees who are potentially exposed to falls of six feet or more while they are:
  • on ramps, runways, walkways, the edge of excavations, wells, pits, shafts or above dangerous equipment
  • performing overhand bricklaying and related work
  • engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs, with unprotected sides and edges (warning line systems may also be used)
  • engaged in residential construction activities
  • on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge
  • constructing a leading
  • in a in a hoist area
  • near holes, including skylights (covers may also be used)
  • on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel

OTHER IMPORTANT PROVISIONS

The standard includes provisions tailored to specific activities, such as:

• Roofing Work: Requirements for fall protection are stricter for roofing operations, where workers are regularly exposed to fall hazards.
• Scaffolds and Ladders: Additional guidelines are provided for the use of scaffolds and ladders, emphasizing the need for proper safety measures.
• Training Requirements: Employers must ensure that workers are trained to recognize fall hazards and understand how to utilize fall protection systems effectively. This training must be documented.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Fall protection systems must be periodically inspected and maintained to ensure their effectiveness. Employers are responsible for ensuring that all equipment is in good condition and functioning properly.
• Exceptions and Alternative Methods: In some cases, alternative fall protection methods may be permitted if they provide equivalent safety. Employers must evaluate the effectiveness of these methods and ensure compliance with the standard’s intent to protect workers.

THE NATIONAL SAFETY STAND-DOWN

Employers are encouraged to participate in the annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. This event, which is held the first week of May, is organized by OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. It aimed at preventing fatal falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds among residential construction contractors.

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall and other job hazards they see.

For information on how to participate in the National Safety Stand-Down, visit www.osha.gov/stop-falls-stand-down. WMHS

RESOURCES

Taking a Stand to Prevent Falls: https://blog.dol.gov/2024/05/02/taking-a-stand-to-prevent-falls