23 Free Fall Protection Safety Articles
Fall protection is the set of equipment, training, and work practices that keeps workers safe when they are exposed to heights, either by preventing a fall or safely stopping one that is already happening. Falls are the leading cause of death in construction and a common source of serious injury in every industry, whether the work is on roofs, scaffolds, ladders, elevated platforms, or near unprotected floor openings.
The fall protection articles on this page explain the common fall hazards and how to control them. They cover guardrails, harnesses and anchor points, ladder and roof work, floor openings, falling objects, and rescue planning for a worker left suspended after a fall. The right approach to fall protection depends on the situation, since OSHA sets a 6-foot trigger in construction, 4 feet in general industry, and separate rules for ladders and scaffolds.
Foremen and safety managers can use these fall protection articles to review a hazard before a job, train a new or returning worker, or prepare for a safety meeting. They are written for foremen, safety managers, and anyone responsible for keeping a crew safe when they work at height.
Why it matters
Falls are the leading cause of construction worker deaths.
Fall Protection Safety Articles
Fall Protection FAQs
When does OSHA require fall protection?
OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet in the construction industry (OSHA 1926.501), 4 feet in general industry (OSHA 1910.28), 5 feet in shipyards, and 8 feet in longshoring. It is also required at any height when working above dangerous equipment or machinery, regardless of the fall distance.
What are the main types of fall protection?
The three main types of fall protection are guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). Travel restraint and positioning systems are also used to keep a worker from reaching the fall hazard in the first place. Guardrails and nets are passive, while a personal fall arrest system depends on the worker wearing and connecting it correctly.
What is the difference between fall arrest and fall restraint?
Fall restraint keeps a worker from reaching the edge, so a fall cannot happen, while fall arrest allows some movement but stops a fall already in progress. Fall arrest uses a harness, lanyard, and anchor point to limit the fall distance and the forces on the body. In short, restraint prevents the fall and arrest catches it.
How often should a fall arrest harness be inspected?
A fall arrest harness should be inspected by the worker before every use, and a competent person should perform a documented inspection at least annually, more often in harsh conditions. Any harness or lanyard involved in a fall must be removed from service immediately.
What is OSHA's Focus Four, and where do falls rank?
OSHA's Focus Four are the leading causes of construction deaths: falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocution. Falls rank number one, consistently accounting for the largest share of construction fatalities each year. OSHA emphasizes these four hazards because eliminating them would prevent most construction deaths.
Do workers need fall protection on a fixed ladder?
Yes, on taller fixed ladders. Fixed ladders over 24 feet that were installed after November 19, 2018 must have a personal fall arrest or ladder safety system (OSHA 1910.28). Cages and wells are being phased out and must be fully replaced on older ladders by 2036.
