InstituteSafety and Health Programs and TrainingTraining & DevelopmentSafety and Health Programs and TrainingFocus AreaFocus Four HazardsHuman ResourcesEnglishAnalysisIn Depth Sub Topics (Level 4)USA
Determine the threshold height
['Safety and Health Programs and Training']
- Fall protection must be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) generally requires that fall protection be provided at four feet in general industry, five feet in maritime and six feet in construction. However, regardless of the fall distance, fall protection must be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery. The importance of fall protection cannot be stressed enough.
On scaffolds, fall protection is required at 10 feet. In steel erection, workers on walking/working surfaces with unprotected sides or edges above 15 feet must be protected. (There are some exceptions for connectors and workers working in controlled decking zones for heights between 15 and 30 feet. See 1926.760).