• Employees must be protected from falls when they are working near leading edges.
• If the employer can demonstrate that the three primary methods are infeasible, the employer must create a fall protection plan that meets requirements set in 1926.502(k).

Like with unprotected sides and edges, workers who are constructing leading edges 6 feet or more above lower levels must be protected through one of these primary methods:

• Guardrail systems
• Safety net systems
• Personal fall arrest systems

If the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to implement these systems, it must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 1926.502(k). There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with 1926.502(k).

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers a fall protection measure to be infeasible if the employer can establish that the application of that measure is either functionally unworkable or would prevent the performance of required work. OSHA recognizes that there are situations where one or another measure cannot be implemented because of the configuration of the worksite (for example, where structures are built so close together that nets cannot be installed) or due to circumstances during a particular phase of the construction process (for example, where work at the leading edge precludes the use of guardrails).