General Industry coverage and exceptions

• Most employers in General Industry must comply with the fall protection rule.
• Certain exceptions exist when workers are inspecting worksites before or after completion of work.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s fall protection requirements in Part 1910 Subpart D apply to all employers in General Industry.

The rule generally does not apply to agriculture, construction, maritime, mining, or transportation employers. However, the rule may apply to construction and transportation employers that have offices, maintenance shops, warehouses, or supply rooms.

OSHA provides an exception when workers are inspecting, investigating, or assessing workplace conditions prior to the start of any work or after completing all work. This exception does not apply when properly installed fall protection systems or equipment meeting the requirements of 1910.29 are available for use. Once any work begins, employers must provide workers performing inspections with, and ensure that they use, fall protection where required.