Why This Matters
Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, responsible for over 300 deaths annually.
When Protection is Required
OSHA requires fall protection at heights of 6 ft in construction, 4 ft in general industry, and around unprotected edges and holes.
Main Hazards on Jobsites
- Roofs
- Leading edges
- Floor openings
- Ladders & access transitions
- Formwork
- Mezzanines & platforms
Your Protection Options
- Guardrails
- Covers
- Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
- Safety nets
- Warning lines
PFAS Essentials
- Only a full-body harness is acceptable
- Anchor points must support 5,000 lbs minimum
- Free fall limited to 6 ft max
- Inspect equipment before each use
- Don’t tie off low where you could hit a lower level
Inspect It / Remove It
- Do a pre-use checklist every shift
- Remove equipment after a fall arrest or visible damage
Rescue Matters
Plan for quick rescue after a fall. Suspension trauma is dangerous; fast rescue saves lives.
Key Takeaways
- Construction: fall protection required at 6 ft
- PFAS anchor must hold 5,000 lbs
- Inspect equipment before use
- Plan rescue immediately
Quiz Time
Test your knowledge with these 5 questions. You must score 70% to pass.