Is there a duty to have fall protection when assessing workplace conditions?

There is an exception when workers are inspecting, investigating, or assessing (collectively referred to as “inspecting”) workplace conditions prior to the start of any work or after completing all work. However, once any work begins, employers must provide workers performing inspections (inspectors) with, and ensure that they use, fall protection where required. This exception does not apply when properly installed fall protection systems or equipment meeting the requirements of 1910.29 are available for use.