Fall Protection in 

Construction

OSHA 3146-05R 2015
This informational booklet is intended to provide an overview 

of frequently cited OSHA standards in the construction 

industry. This publication does not alter or determine 

compliance responsibilities, which are set forth in OSHA 

standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Employers and workers in the 27 states and territories that 

operate their own OSHA-approved workplace safety and 

health plans should check with their state safety and health 

agency. Their state may be enforcing standards and other 

procedures that, while “at least as effective as” Federal OSHA 

standards, are not always identical to the federal requirements. 

For more information on states with OSHA-approved state 

plans, please visit: www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp.

Material contained in this publication is in the public domain 

and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. 

Source credit is requested but not required.

This information will be made available to sensory-impaired 

individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; 

teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627.

Cover photo: Dona File

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

“To assure safe and healthful working conditions for 

working men and women; by authorizing enforcement 

of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting 

and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure 

safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for 

research, information, education, and training in the field 

of occupational safety and health...”
Fall Protection in 

Construction

U.S. Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 3146-05R 2015
Contents

The Continuing Need for Fall Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Why Does OSHA Have a Standard for Fall Protection?. . . . . . 1

What Subpart M – Fall Protection Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

What is Subpart M?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

What are Employers’ Responsibilities 

to provide Fall Protection? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

When must employers provide Fall Protection? .. . . . . . . . . . . 2

What construction areas and activities 

does Subpart M cover?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

What kinds of Fall Protection should employers use? . . . . . . . 3

Examples of Fall Protection Requirements for Certain 

Construction Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Leading Edges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Overhand Bricklaying and Related Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Roofing Work on Low-Slope Roofs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Working on Steep Roofs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Residential Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Other Walking or Working Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Conventional Fall Protection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Guardrail Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Safety Net Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Personal Fall Arrest Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Personal Fall Arrest System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Positioning Device Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Fall Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Additional Fall Protection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Warning Line Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Controlled Access Zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Safety Monitoring Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Other Hazards that Require Fall Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Hoist Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Holes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Ramps, Runways, and Other Walkways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Excavations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Dangerous Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Wall Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Protection from Falling Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Guardrails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Overhand Bricklaying and Related Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Roofing Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Toeboards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Canopies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Fall Protection Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Presumption of Feasibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

When Can I Use a Fall Protection Plan?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Elements of a Fall Protection Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Fall Protection Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Verification of Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Fall Protection Requirements in 

Other OSHA Construction Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Subpart M – Fall Protection: Non-mandatory Appendices . 26

Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Workers’ Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

OSHA Assistance, Services and Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

OSHA Regional Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

How to Contact OSHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

1

The Continuing Need for Fall Protection

Why Does OSHA Have a Standard for Fall 

Protection?

Historically, falls are the leading cause of fatalities in 

construction, accounting for about one-third of all fatalities 

in the industry. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics 

reported that there were 291 fatal falls to a lower level in 

construction in 2013, out of 828 total fatalities. 

OSHA recognizes that incidents involving falls are generally 

complex events, frequently involving a variety of factors. 

Consequently, the standard for fall protection deals with both the 

human and equipment-related issues in protecting workers from 

fall hazards. This publication is intended to help workers and 

employers better understand the Fall Protection in Construction 

standard’s requirements and the reasons behind them. 

What Subpart M – Fall Protection Covers

What is Subpart M?

Subpart M lays out the requirements and criteria for fall 

protection in construction workplaces. For example, it applies 

when workers are working at heights of 6 feet or more above 

a lower level. It also covers protection from falling objects, 

falls from tripping over or falling through holes, and protection 

when walking and working around dangerous equipment 

without regard to height. Subpart M provisions do not apply, 

however, to workers inspecting, investigating, or assessing 

workplace conditions prior to the actual start of work or after 

all construction work has been completed. The provisions of 

Subpart M can be found in Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations 

(CFR) Subpart M - Fall Protection, 29 CFR 1926.500, 29 CFR 

1926.501, 29 CFR 1926.502, and 29 CFR 1926.503. 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

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What are Employers’ Responsibilities to 

provide Fall Protection? 

Initially, employers must assess the workplace to determine 

if walking or working surfaces have the necessary strength 

and structural integrity to safely support the workers. Once 

it is determined that the work surfaces will safely support 

the work activity, the employer must determine whether fall 

protection is required (using the requirements set forth in 

29 CFR 1926.501) and, if so, select and provide workers with 

fall protection systems that comply with the criteria found in 

29 CFR 1926.502. 

When must employers provide Fall Protection? 

The 6-foot rule.

Subpart M requires the use of fall protection when 

construction workers are working at heights of 6 feet or 

greater above a lower level. It applies at heights of less than 6 

feet when working near dangerous equipment, for example, 

working over machinery with open drive belts, pulleys or gears 

or open vats of degreasing agents or acid.

What construction areas and activities does 

Subpart M cover?

The standard identifies certain areas and activities where fall 

protection or falling object protection may be needed. For 

example, it might require fall protection for a worker who is: 

on a ramp, runway, or another walkway; at the edge of an 

excavation; in a hoist area; on a steep roof; on, at, above, or 

near wall openings; on a walking or working surface with holes 

(including skylights) or unprotected sides or edges; above 

dangerous equipment; above a lower level where leading 

edges are under construction; on the face of formwork and 

reinforcing steel; or otherwise on a walking or working surface 

6 feet or more above a lower level. The standard may also 

require fall protection where a worker is: constructing a leading 

edge; performing overhand bricklaying and related work; or 

engaged in roofing work on low-slope roofs, precast concrete 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

3

erection, or residential construction. In addition, the standard 

requires falling object protection when a worker is exposed to 

falling objects. 

What kinds of Fall Protection should 

employers use? 

Generally, fall protection can be provided through the use of 

guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest 

systems. OSHA refers to these systems as conventional fall 

protection. Other systems and methods of fall protection may 

be used when performing certain activities. For example, when 

working on formwork, a positioning device system could be 

used. OSHA encourages employers to select systems that 

prevent falls of any kind, such as guardrails designed to keep 

workers from falling over the edge of a building. 

Examples of Fall Protection Requirements 

for Certain Construction Activities 

Leading Edges – 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(2)

Each worker constructing a leading edge 6 feet or more 

above a lower level must be protected by guardrail systems, 

safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. 29 CFR 

1926.501(b)(2)(i). 

Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is 

infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the 

employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan 

which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.502(k). See the 

section below on Fall Protection Plans. 

Workers must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net 

systems, or personal fall arrest systems, even if they are not 

engaged in leading edge work, if they are on a walking or 

working surface that is 6 feet or more above a level where 

leading edges are under construction. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(2)(ii).
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

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Overhand Bricklaying and Related Work – 

29 CFR 1926.501(b)(9)

When workers perform overhand bricklaying and related work 

6 feet or more above a lower level: 

■ They must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net 

systems, or personal fall arrest systems, or 

■ They must work in a controlled access zone (CAZ).

All workers reaching more than 10 inches below the level of the 

walking or working surface on which they are working must be 

protected by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal 

fall arrest system. 

Roofing Work on Low-Slope Roofs – 29 CFR 

1926.501(b)(10)

A low-slope roof has a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 

(vertical to horizontal). When engaged in roofing work on a 

low-slope roof that has one or more unprotected side or edge 

6 feet or more above lower levels, workers must be protected 

from falling by: 

■ Guardrail systems, 

■ Safety net systems, 

■ Personal fall arrest systems, 

■ A combination of conventional fall protection systems and 

warning line systems, or

■ A warning line system and a safety monitoring system. 

When engaged in roofing work on low-slope roofs 50 feet or 

less in width, the use of a safety monitoring system without a 

warning line system is permitted.

Working on Steep Roofs – 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(11) 

A steep roof has a slope greater than 4 in 12 (vertical to 

horizontal). When working on a steep roof that has one or more 

unprotected side or edge 6 feet or more above lower levels, 

each worker must be protected by: 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

5

■ Guardrail systems with toeboards,

■ Safety net systems, or 

■ Personal fall arrest systems.

Residential Construction – 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13)

Workers engaged in residential construction 6 feet or more 

above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall 

protection (i.e., guardrail systems, safety net systems, or 

personal fall arrest systems) unless another provision in 29 CFR 

1926.501(b) provides for an alternative fall protection measure.

Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is 

infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, 

the employer must develop and implement a site-specific 

fall protection plan which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 

1926.502(k). See the section on Fall Protection Plans, below.

Note: For purposes of determining the applicability of section 

1926.501(b)(13), the term “residential construction” is interpreted 

as covering construction work that satisfies the following two 

elements: (1) the end-use of the structure being built must be as 

a home, i.e., a dwelling; and (2) the structure being built must be 

constructed using traditional wood frame construction materials 

and methods. The limited use of structural steel in a predominantly 

wood-framed home, such as a steel I-beam to help support wood 

framing, does not disqualify a structure from being considered 

residential construction. For more information see OSHA’s 

Compliance Guidance for Residential Construction, STD 03-11-002. 

Other Walking or Working Surfaces – 29 CFR 

1926.501(b)(15) 

As a general matter, each worker on a walking or working 

surface 6 feet or more above a lower level must be protected 

from falling by a guardrail system, a safety net system, or a 

personal fall arrest system.

Exceptions: For exceptions to this rule that specify different 

requirements, see 29 CFR 1926.500(a)(2) and 29 CFR 

1926.501(b)(1) through (b)(14).
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Conventional Fall Protection Systems

Guardrail Systems – 29 CFR 1926.502(b)

Guardrail systems are barriers erected to prevent workers 

from falling to lower levels. If the employer chooses to use 

guardrail systems to protect workers from falls, the following 

provisions apply: 

■ Top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, must be 

42 inches plus or minus 3 inches above the walking or 

working level. When workers are using stilts, the top edge of 

the top rail, or equivalent member, must be increased an 

amount equal to the height of the stilts. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(1).

■ Screens, midrails, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or 

equivalent intermediate structural members must be installed 

between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking 

or working surface when there are no walls or parapet walls at 

least 21 inches high. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(2). 

■ When midrails are used, they 

must be installed at a height 

midway between the top 

edge of the guardrail system 

and the walking or working 

level. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(2)(i).

■ When screens and mesh are 

used, they must extend from 

the top rail to the walking 

or working level and along 

the entire opening between 

top rail supports. 29 CFR 

1926.502(b)(2)(ii). When 

necessary, screens and/or mesh must be installed in a 

manner to prevent a worker from falling underneath. 

■ When intermediate members (such as balusters) are used 

between posts, they must not be more than 19 inches apart. 

29 CFR 1926.502(b)(2)(iii).

Properly installed guardrail system.
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

7

■ Other structural members (such as additional midrails and 

architectural panels) must be installed so that there are no 

openings in the guardrail system more than 19 inches wide. 

29 CFR 1926.502(b)(2)(iv).

■ Guardrail systems must be capable of withstanding a force 

of at least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top 

edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point 

along the top edge. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3).

■ Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, 

solid panels, and equivalent structural members must be 

capable of withstanding a force of at least 150 pounds 

applied in any downward or outward direction at any point 

along the midrail or other member. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(5).

■ Guardrail systems must have a surface to protect workers 

from punctures or lacerations and to prevent clothing from 

snagging. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(6).

■ The ends of top rails and midrails must not overhang 

terminal posts, except where an overhang poses no 

projection hazard. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(7).

■ Steel and plastic banding cannot be used as top rails or 

midrails. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(8).

■ Top rails and midrails of guardrail systems must have a 

nominal diameter or thickness of at least 1/4 inch to prevent 

cuts and lacerations. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(9).

■ If wire rope is used for top rails, it must be flagged at not 

more than 6-foot intervals with high-visibility material. 

29 CFR 1926.502(b)(9).

■ When guardrail systems are used at hoisting areas, a chain, 

gate, or removable guardrail section must be placed across 

the access opening between guardrail sections during 

those times when hoisting operations are not taking place. 

29 CFR 1926.502(b)(10).

■ When guardrail systems are used at holes, they must be 

set up on all unprotected sides or edges. When a hole is 

used for the passage of materials, it must not have more 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

8

than two sides with removable guardrail sections. When 

the hole is not in use, it must be covered or provided with 

a guardrail system along all unprotected sides or edges. 

29 CFR 1926.502(b)(11) & (12).

■ If guardrail systems are used around holes being used as 

access points (such as ladderways), gates must be used. 

Alternatively, the point of access must be offset to prevent 

workers from accidentally walking straight into the hole. 

29 CFR 1926.502(b)(13).

■ If guardrails are used on ramps and runways, they must 

be erected on each unprotected side or edge. 29 CFR 

1926.502(b)(14).

■ Manila, plastic, or synthetic rope used for top rails or 

midrails must be inspected as frequently as necessary to 

ensure its strength and stability. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(15).

Safety Net Systems – 29 CFR 1926.502(c)

When safety nets are used, they must be installed as close as 

practicable under the walking or working surface on which 

workers are working and never more than 30 feet below that 

level. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(1). When nets are used on bridges, 

the potential fall area from the walking or working surface to 

the net must be unobstructed. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(1). All safety 

nets must be installed with sufficient clearance underneath 

to prevent a falling body from hitting the surface or structure 

below the net. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(3). If the employer chooses 

to use nets, the following criteria apply: 

Vertical distance from a 

working level to the 

horizontal plane of the net

Minimum required horizontal 

distance from the edge of a 

working surface to the 

outer edge of the net 

Up to 5 feet 8 feet 

More than 5 feet 

up to 10 feet

10 feet 

More than 10 feet 13 feet 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

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Drop-testing is required to ensure that safety nets and safety 

net installations are working properly. See 29 CFR 1926.502(c)

(4)(i) for more details. If an employer can demonstrate that it is 

unreasonable to perform a drop-test, then the employer or a 

designated competent person must certify that the net and its 

installation is in compliance with the standard. See 29 CFR 

1926.502(c)(4)(ii) for more 

details on certification and 

certification records.

■ Do not use defective nets. 

Inspect nets at least once 

a week for wear, damage, 

or deterioration of 

components such as net 

connection points. 29 CFR 

1926.502(c)(5).

■ Remove materials, tools, 

and other items as soon as possible from the net and at 

least before the next work shift. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(6).

■ To work properly, a safety net must have safe openings. 

Mesh openings must not exceed 36 square inches, and 

must not be longer than 6 inches on any side. Each 

opening, measured center-to-center of mesh ropes or 

webbing, must not exceed 6 inches. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(7).

■ All mesh crossings must be secured to prevent the 

openings from enlarging. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(7).

■ Use safety net (or section of net) with a border rope 

possessing a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. 

29 CFR 1926.502(c)(8).

■ Do not allow one weak link to compromise a safety net. Use 

connections between safety net panels that are as strong as 

integral net components and spaced no more than 6 inches 

apart. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(9).

Safety nets used in construction sites.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

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Personal Fall Arrest Systems – 29 CFR 

1926.502(d)

A personal fall arrest system is a system used to safely 

stop (arrest) a worker who is falling from a working level. It 

consists of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness. 

It also may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, 

or suitable combinations 

of these. Under Subpart M, 

body belts (safety belts) are 

prohibited for use as part of a 

personal fall arrest system.*

When employers choose to use 

a personal fall arrest system 

as a means of worker fall 

protection they must:

■ Limit the maximum arresting 

force on a worker to 1,800 

pounds when used with 

a body harness. 29 CFR 

1926.502(d)(16)(ii).

■ Be rigged so that a worker 

can neither free fall more 

than 6 feet nor contact 

any lower level. 29 CFR 

926.502(d)(16)(iii).

■ Bring a worker to a complete stop and limit the maximum 

deceleration distance a worker travels to 3.5 feet. 29 CFR 

1926.502(d)(16)(iv). 

■ Have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential 

impact energy of a worker free falling a distance of 6 feet or 

the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is 

less. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(v).

■ Be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other 

deterioration. Defective components must be removed 

from service. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21). 

Know the A, B, Cs of 

Personal Fall Arrest Systems 

Anchorages 

Body harness 

Components (connectors 

like snaphooks or Dee-rings, 

connection points, lanyards, 

deceleration devices, 

lifelines, etc.)
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

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*Note: Limited use of body belts (safety belts) can still be used 

as part of a positioning device system or fall restraint system 

See more information under Positioning Device Systems and 

Fall Restraint Systems, below.

Personal Fall Arrest System Components 

Snaphooks 

■ Snaphooks must be the locking type and designed and 

used to prevent disengagement from any component part 

of the personal fall arrest system. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(5). 

■ Locking type snaphooks may also be used when designed 

for the following connections: 

 directly to webbing, rope, or wire rope; 

 to each other; 

 to a Dee-ring to which another snaphook or other 

connector is attached; 

 to a horizontal lifeline; or 

 to any object which is incompatibly shaped or 

dimensioned in relation to the snaphook, such that 

unintentional disengagement could occur by the 

connected object being able to depress the snaphook 

keeper and release itself. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(6).

Horizontal Lifelines 

■ On suspended scaffolds or similar work platforms with 

horizontal lifelines that may become vertical lifelines, the 

devices used to connect to a horizontal lifeline must be 

capable of locking in both directions on the lifeline. 29 CFR 

1926.502(d)(7).

■ Horizontal lifelines must be designed, installed, and used 

under the supervision of a qualified person, as part of a 

complete personal fall arrest system that maintains a safety 

factor of at least two. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(8).
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

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Vertical Lifelines and Lanyards 

■ Vertical lifelines and lanyards must have a minimum 

breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(9). 

■ Lifelines must be protected against being cut or abraded. 

29 CFR 1926.502(d)(11).

Self-retracting Lifelines and Lanyards

■ Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards that automatically 

limit free fall distance to 2 feet or less must be capable 

of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 3,000 pounds 

applied to the device with the lifeline or lanyard in the fully 

extended position. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(12). 

■ Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards which do not limit free 

fall distance to 2 feet or less, ripstitch lanyards, and tearing 

and deforming lanyards must be capable of sustaining a 

minimum tensile load of 5,000 pounds applied to the device 

with the lifeline or lanyard in the fully extended position. 

29 CFR 1926.502(d)(13).

Ropes and Straps

■ Ropes and straps (webbing) used in lanyards, lifelines, and 

strength components of body belts and body harnesses 

must be made of synthetic fibers. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(14).

Anchorages

■ Anchorages used to attach personal fall arrest systems 

must be designed, installed, and used under the 

supervision of a qualified person, as part of a complete 

personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor 

of at least two. Alternatively, the anchorages must be 

independent of any anchorage being used to support or 

suspend platforms and must be capable of supporting at 

least 5,000 pounds per worker attached or be capable of 

supporting at least twice the expected impact load. 29 CFR 

1926.502(d)(15).
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

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Positioning Device Systems – 29 CFR 

1926.502(e) 

OSHA defines a positioning device system as a body belt or 

body harness system rigged to allow a worker to be supported 

on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall, and work with 

both hands free while leaning.

■ Body belt or body harness systems are to be set up so that a 

worker can free fall no farther than 2 feet. 29 CFR 1926.502(e)(1).

■ Body belts or harnesses must be secured to an anchorage 

capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact 

load of a worker’s fall or 3,000 pounds, whichever is greater. 

29 CFR 1926.502(e)(2).

Positioning Device System Components 

Snaphooks, Dee-rings, and Other Connectors

Requirements for components are similar or identical to 

provisions relating to Personal Fall Arrest System components 

found in 29 CFR 1926.502(d).

For strength and safe use requirements of snaphooks, Deerings, and other connectors when used with positioning device 

systems, see 29 CFR 1926.502(e)(3) through (10). 

Fall Restraint Systems

While fall restraint systems are not 

mentioned in Subpart M, OSHA 

recognizes a fall restraint system as 

a means of prevention. The system, 

if properly used, tethers a worker 

in a manner that will not allow a 

fall of any distance. This system is 

comprised of a body belt or body 

harness, an anchorage, connectors, 

and other necessary equipment. 

Other components typically include 

Photo: Skip Pennington
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

1 4

a lanyard, a lifeline, and other devices. For a restraint system 

to work, the anchorage must be strong enough to prevent the 

worker from moving past the point where the system is fully 

extended, including an appropriate safety factor.

*In a November 2, 1995 interpretation letter to Mr. Dennis 

Gilmore, OSHA suggested that, at a minimum, a fall restraint 

system must have the capacity to withstand at least 3,000 

pounds or twice the maximum expected force that is needed 

to restrain the person from exposure to the fall hazard. In 

determining this force, consideration should be given to 

site-specific factors such as the force generated by a person 

(including his/her tools, equipment, and materials) walking, 

slipping, tripping, leaning, or sliding along the work surface.

*Letters of Interpretation 

There are a number of Letters of Interpretation pertinent 

to fall protection that may affect your operation. OSHA 

Letters of Interpretation do not create new or additional 

requirements but rather explain these requirements and 

how they apply to particular circumstances. The letters 

constitute OSHA’s interpretation of the requirements 

discussed. From time to time, letters are affected 

when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision 

impacts a standard, or changes in technology affect the 

interpretation. To assure that you are using the correct 

information and guidance, please consult OSHA’s 

website at www.osha.gov. If you have further questions, 

contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020.

Additional Fall Protection Systems

Warning Line Systems – 29 CFR 1926.502(f)

OSHA defines a warning line system as a barrier erected on a 

roof to warn workers that they are approaching an unprotected 

roof side or edge, and to designate an area in which roofing 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

1 5

work may take place without the use of guardrails, body 

harnesses, or safety net systems to protect workers in the area. 

Warning line systems consist of ropes, wires, or chains, plus 

supporting stanchions. If an employer chooses to use warning 

line systems, the following provisions apply:

■ The warning line must be erected around all sides of roof 

work areas. 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(1).

■ When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning 

line must be erected at least 6 feet from the roof edge. 

29 CFR 1926.502(f)(1)(i).

■ When mechanical equipment is being used the warning line 

must be erected:

 At least 6 feet from the roof edge parallel to the direction 

of mechanical equipment operation; and 

 At least 10 feet from the roof edge perpendicular to the 

direction of mechanical equipment operation. 29 CFR 

1926.502(f)(1)(ii).

■ The rope, wire, or chain must be flagged at not more 

than 6-foot intervals with high-visibility material. 29 CFR 

1926.502(f)(2)(i).

■ The rope, wire, or chain must be rigged and supported so that: 

 The lowest point (including sag) is at least 34 inches 

from the walking or working surface; and 

 Its highest point is no more than 39 inches from the 

walking or working surface. 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(ii).

■ Stanchions, after being rigged with warning lines, must be 

capable of resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least 

16 pounds applied horizontally against the stanchion, 30 

inches above the walking or working surface, perpendicular 

to the warning line and in the direction of the floor, roof, or 

platform edge. 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(iii).

■ The rope, wire, or chain must have a minimum tensile 

strength of 500 pounds. After being attached to the 

stanchions, it must support, without breaking, the 

loads applied to the stanchions as prescribed in 29 CFR 

1926.502(f)(2)(iii) & 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(iv).
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■ The rope, wire, or chain must be attached to each stanchion 

in such a way that pulling on one section of the line between 

stanchions will not result in slack being taken up in the adjacent 

section before the stanchion tips over. 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(v).

Controlled Access Zones – 29 CFR 1926.502(g)

■ A controlled access zone is a work area in which certain 

types of work may take place without using conventional 

fall protection systems. Worker access to these areas must 

be carefully controlled. For example, a controlled access 

zone would be designated where overhand bricklaying was 

occurring without the protection of guardrails. In this example, 

only masons and other workers actually engaged in the 

bricklaying would be allowed in the controlled access zone.

■ When used to control access to areas where leading edge 

and other operations are taking place, the controlled access 

zones must be defined by a control line or by any other 

means that restricts access. 29 CFR 1926.502(g)(1).

■ When control lines are used to define a controlled access 

zone, they must be erected at least 6 feet and no more than 

25 feet from the unprotected or leading edge, except when 

precast concrete members are being erected. In the latter 

case, the control line is to be erected at least 6 feet and no 

more than 60 feet or half the length of the member being 

erected, whichever is less, from the leading edge. 29 CFR 

1926.502(g)(1)(i) and (ii). 

■ The control line must extend along the entire length of and 

approximately parallel to the unprotected side or leading 

edge and be connected on each side to a guardrail system 

or wall. 29 CFR 1926.502(g)(1)(iii) and (iv).

■ When controlled access zones are used to limit access to 

areas where overhand bricklaying and related work are 

taking place: 

 A control line must be erected to define the work zone 

and must be erected at least 10 feet and no more than 

15 feet from the working edge. 29 CFR 1926.502(g)(2)(i). 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

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The control lines must be erected approximately parallel 

to the working edge and must extend for a distance 

sufficient to enclose all workers performing overhand 

bricklaying and related work at the working edge. 29 CFR 

1926.502(g)(2)(ii). 

 Additional control lines must be erected at each end 

of the controlled access zone to enclose the work area. 

29 CFR 1926.502(g)(2)(iii).

 Only workers engaged in overhand bricklaying or related 

work are permitted in the controlled access zone. 29 CFR 

1926.502(g)(2)(iv). 

■ Control lines must consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or 

equivalent materials, and supporting stanchions. When 

used, each control line must: 

 Be flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not more 

than 6-foot intervals with high-visibility material. 29 CFR 

1926.502(g)(3)(i).

 Be rigged and supported in such a way that the lowest 

point (including sag) is not less than 39 inches from the 

walking or working surface; and the highest point is 

not more than 45 inches, or more than 50 inches when 

overhand bricklaying operations are being performed, from 

the walking or working surface. 29 CFR 1926.502(g)(3)(ii). 

 Have a breaking strength of at least 200 pounds. 29 CFR 

1926.502(g)(3)(iii).

■ On floors and roofs where guardrail systems are not 

in place prior to the beginning of overhand bricklaying 

operations, controlled access zones must be enlarged as 

necessary to enclose all points of access, material handling 

areas, and storage areas. 29 CFR 1926.502(g)(4).

■ On floors and roofs where guardrail systems are in place 

but need to be removed to allow overhand bricklaying 

work or leading edge work to take place, only that portion 

of the guardrail necessary to accomplish that day’s work is 

allowed to be removed. 29 CFR 1926.502(g)(5).
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Safety Monitoring Systems – 29 CFR 1926.502(h)

A safety monitoring system is an alternative fall protection 

option for low-slope roofing work under 29 CFR 1926.501(b)

(10). If employers elect to use a safety monitoring system, they 

must designate a competent person to monitor the safety of 

workers and to warn them when their work puts them close to 

a fall hazard. 

The safety monitor must:

■ Be competent in the recognition of fall hazards. 29 CFR 

1926.502(h)(1)(i);

■ Warn workers when it appears that they are unaware of 

fall hazards or when the workers are acting in an unsafe 

manner. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(1)(ii);

■ Be on the same walking or working surfaces as the workers 

and be able to see them. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(1)(iii); 

■ Be close enough to the work operations to speak directly 

with workers. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(1)(iv); and

■ Have no other duties to distract them from their monitoring 

function. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(1)(v).

Employers must ensure that: 

■ Mechanical equipment is not used or stored in areas where 

safety monitoring systems are being used to monitor 

workers engaged in roofing operations on low-slope roofs. 

29 CFR 1926.502(h)(2);

■ No worker, other than one engaged in roofing work on lowslope roofs or one covered by a fall protection plan, enters 

an area where a worker is being protected by a safety 

monitoring system. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(3); and

■ All workers in a controlled access zone have been 

instructed to promptly comply with fall hazard warnings 

issued by safety monitors. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(4).

Safety monitoring systems must also be used as part of a 

fall protection plan under 29 CFR 1926.502(k), where no other 

alternative measure has been implemented. As explained in 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

1 9

more detail below, the use of a fall protection plan is limited to 

residential construction work, precast concrete work, and leading 

edge work (see 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(2), (b)(12) and (b)(13)). The 

employer must first demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a 

greater hazard to use conventional fall protection equipment. 

Other Hazards that Require Fall Protection 

A construction environment poses many hazards requiring 

protection. Below are some fall hazards that cannot be overlooked. 

Hoist Areas – 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(3)

Each worker in a hoist area must be protected from falling 6 feet 

or more by guardrail systems or personal fall arrest systems. 

There may be times when the guardrail systems (or chain, gate, or 

guardrail) must be removed in whole or part to facilitate hoisting 

operations. For example, during the landing of materials, a worker 

may need to lean through the access opening or out over the edge 

of the access opening to receive or guide equipment and materials. 

At such times a personal fall arrest system must be used to 

protect the worker from falling through the unprotected opening.

Holes – 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(4) 

■ Each worker on walking or working surfaces must be 

protected from falling through holes (including skylights) 

that are more than 6 feet above lower levels, by personal 

fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected 

around such holes. 29 CFR 

1926.501(b)(4)(i). 

■ Each worker on a walking 

or working surface must 

be protected from tripping 

in or stepping into or 

through holes (including 

skylights) by covers. 

29 CFR 1926.501(b)(4)(ii). Covered floor hole marked, and with 

a guardrail surrounding it.
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Ramps, Runways, and Other Walkways – 

29 CFR 1926.501(b)(6)

Each worker on a ramp, runway, or other walkway must be 

protected by guardrail systems against falling 6 feet or more. 

Excavations – 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(7)

■ Each worker at the edge of an excavation 6 feet or more deep 

must be protected from falling by guardrail systems, fences, or 

barricades when the excavation cannot be readily seen because 

of plant growth or other visual barrier. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(7)(i).

■ Each worker at the edge of a well, pit, shaft, and similar 

excavation 6 feet or more deep must be protected from 

falling by guardrail systems, fences, or barricades, or 

covers. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(7)(ii).

Dangerous Equipment – 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(8)

■ When working 6 feet or more above dangerous equipment, 

each worker must be protected by guardrail systems, 

safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. 29 CFR 

1926.502(b)(8)(ii). 

■ When working less than 6 feet above dangerous equipment, 

each worker must be protected from falling into or onto the 

dangerous equipment by a guardrail system or equipment 

guards. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(8)(i). 

Wall Openings – 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(14) 

Each worker working on, at, above, or near wall openings 

(including those with chutes attached), where the outside 

bottom edge of the wall opening is 6 feet or more above lower 

levels and the inside bottom edge of the wall opening is less 

than 39 inches above the walking or working surface, must be 

protected with a guardrail system, a safety net system, or a 

personal fall arrest system. 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

2 1

Protection from Falling Objects

Falling objects can also pose a hazard to workers. Falling object 

protection must comply with the following provisions:

Guardrails – 29 CFR 1926.502(j)(5) 

When guardrail systems are used to prevent materials from 

falling from one level to another, any openings must be small 

enough to prevent passage of falling objects. 

Overhand Bricklaying and Related Work – 

29 CFR 1926.502(j)(6) 

During overhand bricklaying and related work, no materials or 

equipment except masonry and mortar may be stored within 

4 feet of working edges. Excess mortar, broken or scattered 

masonry units, and all other materials and debris must be kept 

clear of the working area by removal at regular intervals. 

Roofing Work – 29 CFR 1926.502(j)(7)

During roofing work, materials and equipment must not be 

stored within 6 feet of a roof edge unless guardrail systems are 

erected at the edge. Any materials piled, grouped, or stacked 

near a roof edge must be stable and self-supporting.

Toeboards – 29 CFR 1926.502(j)(1) through (4)

When toeboards are used as protection from falling objects, 

they must be erected along the edges of the overhead walking 

or working surface for a distance sufficient to protect workers 

working below. 29 CFR 1926.502(j)(1). Other criteria include:

■ Toeboards must be capable of withstanding, without failure, 

a force of at least 50 pounds applied in any downward or 

outward direction at any point along the toeboard. 29 CFR 

1926.502(j)(2). 

■ Toeboards must be at least 3.5 inches tall from their top edge 

to the level of the walking or working surface, must have no 
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2 2

more than 0.25 inch clearance above the walking or working 

surface, and must be solid or have openings no larger than 

one inch in its greatest dimension. 29 CFR 1926.502(j)(3).

■ Where tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the 

top edge of a toeboard, paneling or screening must be erected 

from the walking or working surface or toeboard to the top of 

a guardrail system’s top rail or midrail, for a distance sufficient 

to protect workers below. 29 CFR 1926.502(j)(4). 

Canopies – 29 CFR 1926.502(j)(8)

When used as protection from falling objects, canopies 

must be strong enough to prevent collapse and to prevent 

penetration by any objects that may fall onto them.

Fall Protection Plans

Presumption of Feasibility 

As a general matter, OSHA presumes that using conventional 

fall protection (that is, guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, 

or safety nets) is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to 

use. However, as outlined below, there are a few circumstances 

when an employer can use a site-specifc fall protection plan 

instead of conventional fall protection. 

When Can I Use a Fall Protection Plan?

It is possible that during leading edge work (29 CFR 1926.501(b)

(2)), precast concrete erection (29 CFR 1926.501(b)(12)), or 

residential construction (29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13)), it may be 

infeasible or may create a greater hazard to use conventional 

fall protection for a specific task. In those circumstances, 

employers may implement a fall protection plan that complies 

with 29 CFR 1926.502(k). 

IMPORTANT: The employer has the burden of establishing 

that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan 

instead of implementing conventional fall protection systems. 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

2 3

Elements of a Fall Protection Plan – 29 CFR 

1926.502(k) 

■ A fall protection plan must be prepared by a qualified 

person and developed specifically for the site where the 

work is being performed. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(1).

■ The fall protection plan must be maintained and kept up to 

date. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(1).

■ Any changes to the fall protection plan must be approved 

by a qualified person. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(2).

■ A copy of the fall protection plan with all approved changes 

must be maintained at the job site. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(3).

■ A competent person must supervise the implementation of 

the fall protection plan. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(4).

■ The plan must document the reasons why the use of 

conventional fall protection is infeasible or would create a 

greater hazard. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(5).

■ The plan must include a written discussion of other 

measures that will be taken to reduce or eliminate the fall 

hazard for workers who cannot be provided with protection 

using conventional fall protection systems. For example, 

the employer must discuss the extent to which scaffolds, 

ladders, or vehicle-mounted work platforms can be used 

to provide a safer working surface and thereby reduce the 

hazard of falling. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(6).

■ The plan must identify each location where conventional 

fall protection methods cannot be used. These locations 

must then be classified as controlled access zones, and 

the employer must comply with the criteria in 29 CFR 

1926.502(g) and 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(7).

■ Where no other alternative measure has been 

implemented, the employer must implement a safety 

monitoring system that complies with 29 CFR 1926.502(h) 

and 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(8).

■ The plan must include a statement which provides the name 

or other method of identification for each worker who is 

authorized to work in controlled access zones. No other workers 

may enter controlled access zones. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(9).
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■ In the event that a worker falls, or some other related, 

serious incident occurs (for example, a near miss), the 

employer must investigate the circumstances to determine 

if the fall protection plan needs to be changed. For example, 

the plan may need to add new practices, procedures, 

or training. The employer must implement the needed 

changes to prevent similar types of falls or incidents. 

29 CFR 1926.502(k)(10).

Fall Protection Training

Requirements – 29 CFR 1926.503

Employers must provide a fall protection training program to 

workers who might be exposed to fall hazards. Training must 

include how to recognize fall hazards and how to minimize 

them. 29 CFR 1926.503(a)(1). 

The employer must assure that each worker has been trained 

as necessary, by a competent person who is qualified in the 

following areas: 

■ The nature of fall hazards in the work area. 29 CFR 

1926.503(a)(2)(i).

■ The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, 

disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems 

to be used. 29 CFR 1926.503(a)(2)(ii).

■ The use and operation of controlled access zones; guardrail, 

personal fall arrest, safety net, warning line, and safety 

monitoring systems; and other protection to be used. 

29 CFR 1926.503(a)(2)(iii).

■ The role of each worker in the safety monitoring system 

when the system is used. 29 CFR 1926.503(a)(2)(iv).

■ The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during 

the performance of roofing work on low-slope roofs. 29 CFR 

1926.503(a)(2)(v).

■ The correct procedures for equipment and materials 

handling and storage and the erection of overhead 

protection. 29 CFR 1926.503(a)(2)(vi). 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

2 5

■ The role of workers in fall protection plans. 29 CFR 

1926.503(a)(2)(vii).

■ OSHA’s fall protection requirements, published as Subpart 

M. 29 CFR 1926.503(a)(2)(viii).

Verification of Training

Employers must verify worker training by preparing a written

certification record. The record must contain the name or other 

identity of the worker trained, the dates of the training, and the 

signature of either the person who conducted the training or 

the employer. 29 CFR 1926.503(b)(1).

When an employer has reason to believe that an affected 

worker does not recognize existing fall hazards at some point 

after the initial training, the employer is required to provide 

retraining for that worker. For example, workers must be 

retrained when:

■ Changes in the workplace render previous training 

obsolete. 29 CFR 1926.503(c)(1). 

■ Fall protection equipment or systems have changed. 29 CFR 

1926.503(c)(2).

■ Inadequacies in workers’ knowledge or use of fall 

protection systems or equipment indicate that they have 

not adequately understood or retained previous training. 

29 CFR 1926.503(c)(3). 

Fall Protection Requirements in Other 

OSHA Construction Standards

Other OSHA construction standards also contain fall protection 

requirements. Employers covered by another standard may 

have to comply with the requirements in the other standard 

and those in Subpart M, unless one of the exceptions listed 

in 29 CFR 1926.500(a)(2), 1926.500(a)(3), or 1926.500(a)(4) 

applies. OSHA included these exceptions because other 

means of providing fall protection (for example, when using 

ladders and scaffolds) may eliminate the need for providing 

fall protection under Subpart M. For example, employers with 
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2 6

workers engaged in the construction of electric transmission 

or distribution lines or equipment should refer to Subpart V – 

Power Transmission and Distribution for specific fall protection 

requirements. However, employers should be aware that their 

workers are still covered by Subpart M when the workers are 

engaged in activities not covered by Subpart V or another of 

the exceptions under 29 CFR 1926.500. 

The following subparts of OSHA’s Construction standards 

address fall protection requirements and performance criteria 

outside of Subpart M:

■ Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment – Subpart E 

(applies to belts, lanyards, lifelines, nets for work on tanks, 

communication and broadcast towers);

■ Scaffolds – Subpart L;

■ Steel Erection – Subpart R;

■ Underground Construction, Caissons, Cofferdams, and 

Compressed Air – Subpart S (applies to certain types of 

equipment in tunneling operations);

■ Power Transmission and Distribution – Subpart V; 

■ Stairways and Ladders – Subpart X; and

■ Cranes and Derricks in Construction – Subpart CC.

Subpart M – Fall Protection: 

Non-mandatory Appendices

Appendix A to Subpart M – Determining Roof Widths – 

Non-mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.501(b)(10) 

This appendix serves as a guideline to help employers comply 

with the requirements of 1926.501(b)(10). Section 1926.501(b)(10) 

allows the use of a safety monitoring system alone as a means 

of providing fall protection during the performance of roofing 

operations on low-sloped roofs 50 feet (15.25 m) or less in width.

Appendix B to Subpart M – Guardrail Systems – 

Non-mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(b) 

This appendix serves as a guideline to assist employers in 

designing and building guardrail systems in compliance with 

1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

2 7

Appendix C to Subpart M – Personal Fall Arrest Systems – 

Non-mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(d) This 

appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to help employers 

comply with the requirements in 1926.502(d). Section I, 

paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) describe methods for testing 

personal fall arrest systems and positioning device systems. 

Appendix D to Subpart M – Positioning Device Systems – 

Non-mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(e) 

This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to help 

employers comply with the requirements for positioning 

device systems in 1926.502(e). The procedures listed here, 

along with those in Appendix C (above), describe methods for 

testing positioning device systems to comply with 1926.502(e)

(3) and (4) of Subpart M.

Appendix E to Subpart M – Sample Fall Protection Plan – 

Non-mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(k) 

This appendix provides sample fall protection plans for 

employers engaged in leading edge work, precast concrete 

construction, or residential construction work. The employer 

must be able to demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a 

greater hazard to use conventional fall protection systems. 

Definitions

The definitions in this section that affect Subpart M are 

found in 29 CFR 1926.32; 29 CFR 1926.500; and STD 03-11-002 

Compliance Guidance for Residential Construction.

Anchorage – a secure point of attachment for lifelines, 

lanyards, or deceleration devices.

Body belt (safety belt) – a strap with means both for securing 

it about the waist and for attaching it to a lanyard, lifeline, or 

deceleration device. Note: Since January 1, 1998, OSHA has 

prohibited the use of a body belt as part of a personal fall 

arrest system. Exception: When used correctly, body belts are 

recognized by OSHA as an acceptable fall protection component 

when used as a part of either a restraining device which prevents 

a fall or a positioning device which limits a free fall to 2 feet. 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

2 8

Body harness – straps which may be secured about the worker 

in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at 

least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders, with 

means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall 

arrest system.

Buckle – any device for holding the body belt or body harness 

closed around the worker’s body.

Competent person – one who is capable of identifying existing 

and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working 

conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to 

workers, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective 

measures to eliminate them.

Connector – a device which is used to couple (connect) parts of 

the personal fall arrest system and positioning device systems 

together. It may be an independent component of the system, 

such as a carabiner, or it may be an integral component of 

part of the system (such as a buckle or Dee-ring sewn into a 

body belt or body harness, or a snaphook spliced or sewn to a 

lanyard or self-retracting lanyard).

Controlled access zone (CAZ) – an area in which certain work 

(for example, overhand bricklaying) may take place without the 

use of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety 

net systems; and where access to the zone is controlled.

Dangerous equipment – equipment (such as pickling or 

galvanizing tanks, degreasing units, machinery, electrical 

equipment, and other units) which, as a result of form or 

function, may be hazardous to workers who fall onto or into 

such equipment.

Deceleration device – any mechanism (such as a rope 

grab, rip-stitch lanyard, specially-woven lanyard, tearing 

or deforming lanyards, automatic self-retracting lifelines/

lanyards, etc.) which serves to dissipate a substantial amount 

of energy during a fall arrest, or otherwise limit the energy 

imposed on a worker during fall arrest.
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

2 9

Deceleration distance – the additional vertical distance a 

falling employee travels, excluding lifeline elongation and 

free fall distance, before stopping, from the point at which the 

deceleration device begins to operate. It is measured as the 

distance between the location of a worker’s body belt or body 

harness attachment point at the moment of activation (at the 

onset of fall arrest forces) of the deceleration device during a 

fall, and the location of that attachment point after the worker 

comes to a full stop. 

Equivalent – alternative designs, materials, or methods to 

protect against a hazard, which the employer can demonstrate 

will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for workers 

than the methods, materials, or designs specified in the 

standard.

Failure – load refusal, breakage, or separation of component 

parts. Load refusal is the point where the ultimate strength is 

exceeded.

Free fall – the act of falling before a personal fall arrest system 

begins to apply force to arrest the fall.

Free fall distance – the vertical displacement of the fall 

arrest attachment point on the worker’s body belt or body 

harness between onset of the fall and just before the system 

begins to apply force to arrest the fall. This distance excludes 

deceleration distance and lifeline/lanyard elongation, but 

includes any deceleration device slide distance or selfretracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and 

fall arrest forces occur. 

Guardrail system – a barrier erected to prevent workers from 

falling to lower levels.

Hole – a gap or void 2 inches or more in its least dimension, in 

a floor, roof, or other walking or working surface.

Infeasible – impossible to perform the construction work 

using a conventional fall protection system (that is, guardrail 

system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system); or 
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

3 0

technologically impossible to use any one of these systems to 

provide fall protection.

Lanyard – a flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which 

generally has a connector at each end for connecting the 

body belt or body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or 

anchorage.

Leading edge – the edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a floor 

or other walking or working surface (such as the deck) which 

changes location as additional floor, roof, decking, or formwork 

sections are placed, formed, or constructed. A leading edge 

is considered to be an “unprotected side and edge” during 

periods when it is not actively and continuously under 

construction.

Lifeline – a component consisting of a flexible line for 

connection to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically 

(vertical lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at both ends 

to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and which serves as 

a means for connecting other components of a personal fall 

arrest system to the anchorage.

Low-slope roof – a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 

12 (vertical to horizontal).

Lower levels – those areas or surfaces to which a worker can 

fall. Such areas or surfaces include, but are not limited to, 

ground levels, floors, platforms, ramps, runways, excavations, 

pits, tanks, material, water, equipment, structures, or portions 

thereof.

Mechanical equipment – all motor- or human-propelled 

wheeled equipment used for roofing work, except 

wheelbarrows and mop carts.

Opening – a gap or void 30 inches or more high and 18 inches 

or more wide, in a wall or partition, through which workers can 

fall to a lower level.
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Overhand bricklaying and related work – the process of laying 

bricks and masonry units such that the surface of the wall to be 

jointed is on the opposite side of the wall from the mason, requiring 

the mason to lean over the wall to complete the work. Related work 

includes mason tending and electrical installation incorporated into 

the brick wall during the overhand bricklaying process.

Personal fall arrest system – a system used to arrest a worker 

in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, 

connectors, and a body harness. It may include a lanyard, 

deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these. 

Note: Since January 1, 1998, the use of a body belt for fall 

arrest has been prohibited.

Positioning device system – a body belt or body harness 

system rigged to allow a worker to be supported on an 

elevated vertical surface, such as a wall, and work with both 

hands free while leaning.

Qualified – one who, by possession of a recognized degree, 

certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive 

knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully 

demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating 

to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

Rope grab – a deceleration device which travels on a lifeline 

and automatically, by friction, engages the lifeline and locks so 

as to arrest the fall of a worker. A rope grab usually employs 

the principles of inertial locking, cam/level locking, or both.

Roof – the exterior surface on the top of a building. This does 

not include floors or formwork which, because a building has 

not been completed, temporarily become the top surface of a 

building.

Roofing work – the hoisting, storage, application, and 

removal of roofing materials and equipment, including related 

insulation, sheet metal, and vapor barrier work, but not 

including the construction of the roof deck.
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Safety-monitoring system – a safety system in which a 

competent person is responsible for recognizing and warning 

workers of fall hazards.

Self-retracting lifeline/lanyard – a deceleration device 

containing a drum-wound line which can be slowly extracted 

from, or retracted onto, the drum under slight tension during 

normal worker movement, and which, after onset of a fall, 

automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall.

Snaphook – a connector comprised of a hook-shaped member 

with a normally closed keeper, or similar arrangement, which 

may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object and, 

when released, automatically closes to retain the object. 

Snaphooks are generally one of two types:

(1) The locking type with a self-closing, self-locking keeper 

which remains closed and locked until unlocked and pressed 

open for connection or disconnection; or

(2) The non-locking type with a self-closing keeper which 

remains closed until pressed open for connection or 

disconnection. As of January 1, 1998, the use of a nonlocking snaphook as part of personal fall arrest systems and 

positioning device systems is prohibited.

Steep roof – a roof having a slope greater than 4 in 12 (vertical 

to horizontal).
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Toeboard – a low protective barrier that will prevent the fall of 

materials and equipment to lower levels and provide workers 

protection from falls.

Unprotected sides and edges – any side or edge (except at 

entrances to points of access) of a walking or working surface 

(for example, floor, roof, ramp, or runway) where there is no 

wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches high.

Walking/working (walking or working) surface – any surface 

(whether horizontal or vertical) on which a worker walks 

or works, including but not limited to floors, roofs, ramps, 

bridges, runways, formwork and concrete reinforcing steel; but 

not including ladders, vehicles, or trailers, on which workers 

must be located in order to perform their job duties.

Warning line system – a barrier erected on a roof to warn 

workers that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or 

edge, and which designates an area in which roofing work may 

take place without the use of guardrail, body harness, or safety 

net systems to protect workers in the area.

Work area – that portion of a walking or working surface where 

job duties are being performed. 
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Workers’ Rights

Workers have the right to:

■ Working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm. 

■ Receive information and training (in a language and 

vocabulary the worker understands) about workplace 

hazards, methods to prevent them, and the OSHA standards 

that apply to their workplace. 

■ Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses. 

■ File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their workplace if 

they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer 

is not following OSHA’s rules. OSHA will keep all identities 

confidential.

■ Exercise their rights under the law without retaliation, 

including reporting an injury or raising health and safety 

concerns with their employer or OSHA. If a worker has been 

retaliated against for using their rights, they must file a 

complaint with OSHA as soon as possible, but no later than 

30 days. 

For more information, see OSHA’s Workers page.

OSHA Assistance, Services and Programs 

OSHA has a great deal of information to assist employers in 

complying with their responsibilities under OSHA law. Several 

OSHA programs and services can help employers identify and 

correct job hazards, as well as improve their injury and illness 

prevention program.

Establishing an Injury and Illness 

Prevention Program

The key to a safe and healthful work environment is a 

comprehensive injury and illness prevention program.

Injury and illness prevention programs are systems that can 

substantially reduce the number and severity of workplace 

injuries and illnesses, while reducing costs to employers. 

Thousands of employers across the United States already 
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

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manage safety using injury and illness prevention programs, 

and OSHA believes that all employers can and should do 

the same. Thirty-four states have requirements or voluntary 

guidelines for workplace injury and illness prevention 

programs. Most successful injury and illness prevention 

programs are based on a common set of key elements. These 

include management leadership, worker participation, hazard 

identification, hazard prevention and control, education and 

training, and program evaluation and improvement. Visit 

OSHA’s Injury and Illness Prevention Programs web page at 

www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/safetyhealth for more information.

Compliance Assistance Specialists

OSHA has compliance assistance specialists throughout the 

nation located in most OSHA offices. Compliance assistance 

specialists can provide information to employers and workers 

about OSHA standards, short educational programs on specific 

hazards or OSHA rights and responsibilities, and information on 

additional compliance assistance resources. For more details, 

visit www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/cas.html or 

call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) to contact your local OSHA office.

Free On-site Safety and Health Consultation 

Services for Small Business

OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program offers free and 

confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses in 

all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard 

worksites. Each year, responding to requests from small 

employers looking to create or improve their safety and health 

management programs, OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program 

conducts over 29,000 visits to small business worksites 

covering over 1.5 million workers across the nation.

On-site consultation services are separate from enforcement 

and do not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from 

state agencies or universities work with employers to identify 

workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with 

OSHA standards, and assist in establishing safety and health 

management programs.
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For more information, to find the local On-site Consultation office 

in your state, or to request a brochure on Consultation Services, 

visit www.osha.gov/consultation, or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).

Under the consultation program, certain exemplary employers 

may request participation in OSHA’s Safety and Health 

Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Eligibility for 

participation includes, but is not limited to, receiving a fullservice, comprehensive consultation visit, correcting all 

identified hazards and developing an effective safety and 

health management program. Worksites that receive SHARP 

recognition are exempt from programmed inspections during 

the period that the SHARP certification is valid.

Occupational Safety and Health Training Courses

The OSHA Training Institute partners with 27 OSHA Training 

Institute Education Centers at 42 locations throughout the United 

States to deliver courses on OSHA standards and occupational 

safety and health topics to thousands of students a year. For more 

information on training courses, visit www.osha.gov/otiec.

OSHA Educational Materials

OSHA has many types of educational materials in English, 

Spanish, Vietnamese and other languages available in print or 

online. These include:

■ Brochures/booklets;

■ Fact Sheets;

■ Guidance documents that provide detailed examinations of 

specific safety and health issues;

■ Online Safety and Health Topics pages;

■ Posters;

■ Small, laminated QuickCardsTM that provide brief safety and 

health information; and

■ QuickTakes, OSHA’s free, twice-monthly online newsletter 

with the latest news about OSHA initiatives and products 

to assist employers and workers in finding and preventing 
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workplace hazards. To sign up for QuickTakes visit www.osha.

gov/quicktakes.

To view materials available online or for a listing of free 

publications, visit www.osha.gov/publications. You can also 

call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) to order publications.

OSHA’s web site also has information on job hazards and injury 

and illness prevention for employers and workers. To learn 

more about OSHA’s safety and health resources online, visit 

www.osha.gov. Use the A-Z index to help find information and 

assistance.

NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program

Getting Help with Health Hazards

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH) is a federal agency that conducts scientific and medical 

research on workers’ safety and health. At no cost to employers 

or workers, NIOSH can help identify health hazards and 

recommend ways to reduce or eliminate those hazards in the 

workplace through its Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program.

Workers, union representatives and employers can request a 

NIOSH HHE. An HHE is often requested when there is a higher 

than expected rate of a disease or injury in a group of workers. 

These situations may be the result of an unknown cause, a new 

hazard, or a mixture of sources. To request a NIOSH Health 

Hazard Evaluation go to www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/request.html. 

To find out more about the Health Hazard Evaluation Program:

■ Call (513) 841-4382, or to talk to a staff member in Spanish, 

call (513) 841-4439; or

■ Send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.

OSHA Regional Offices

Region I

Boston Regional Office
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

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(CT*, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*) 

JFK Federal Building, Room E340

Boston, MA 02203

(617) 565-9860 (617) 565-9827 Fax 

Region II

New York Regional Office

(NJ*, NY*, PR*, VI*)

201 Varick Street, Room 670

New York, NY 10014

(212) 337-2378 (212) 337-2371 Fax

Region III

Philadelphia Regional Office

(DE, DC, MD*, PA, VA*, WV)

The Curtis Center

170 S. Independence Mall West

Suite 740 West

Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309

(215) 861-4900 (215) 861-4904 Fax

Region IV 

Atlanta Regional Office

(AL, FL, GA, KY*, MS, NC*, SC*, TN*)

61 Forsyth Street, SW, Room 6T50

Atlanta, GA 30303

(678) 237-0400 (678) 237-0447 Fax

 

Region V

Chicago Regional Office

(IL*, IN*, MI*, MN*, OH, WI)

230 South Dearborn Street 

Room 3244

Chicago, IL 60604

(312) 353-2220 (312) 353-7774 Fax

Region VI

Dallas Regional Office

(AR, LA, NM*, OK, TX)
FALL PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

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525 Griffin Street, Room 602

Dallas, TX 75202

(972) 850-4145 (972) 850-4149 Fax

(972) 850-4150 FSO Fax

Region VII

Kansas City Regional Office

(IA*, KS, MO, NE)

Two Pershing Square Building

2300 Main Street, Suite 1010

Kansas City, MO 64108-2416

(816) 283-8745 (816) 283-0547 Fax

Region VIII

Denver Regional Office

(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT*, WY*)

Cesar Chavez Memorial Building

1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 551

Denver, CO 80204

(720) 264-6550 (720) 264-6585 Fax

Region IX 

San Francisco Regional Office

(AZ*, CA*, HI*, NV*, and American Samoa, 

Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands)

90 7th Street, Suite 18100

San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 625-2547 (415) 625-2534 Fax

Region X

Seattle Regional Office

(AK*, ID, OR*, WA*)

300 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1280

Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 757-6700 (206) 757-6705 Fax

* These states and territories operate their own OSHAapproved job safety and health plans and cover state and local 

government employees as well as private sector employees. 

The Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Virgin 
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Islands programs cover public employees only. (Private sector 

workers in these states are covered by Federal OSHA). States 

with approved programs must have standards that are identical 

to, or at least as effective as, the Federal OSHA standards.

Note: To get contact information for OSHA area offices, OSHAapproved state plans and OSHA consultation projects, please visit 

us online at www.osha.gov or call us at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
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How to Contact OSHA

For questions or to get information or advice, to report 

an emergency, report a fatality or catastrophe, order 

publications, sign up for OSHA’s e-newsletter QuickTakes, 

or to file a confidential complaint, contact your nearest 

OSHA office, visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-

321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.

For assistance, contact us.

We are OSHA. We can help.
For more information:

Occupational

Safety and Health

Administration

www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

U.S. Department of Labor