OSHA GUIDANCE DOCUMENT 

FALL PROTECTION 

IN 

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
OSHA GUIDANCE DOCUMENT 

FALL PROTECTION IN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION 

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary.......................................................................................................... 1 

Introduction....................................................................................................................... 1 

Installing Roof Trusses..................................................................................................... 3 

Installing Ridge Poles and Rafters.................................................................................. 5 

Installing Roof Sheathing................................................................................................. 6 

Roofing – Weatherproofing ............................................................................................. 7 

Foundation Walls and Formwork ................................................................................... 8 

Installing Floor Joists and Floor Trusses...................................................................... 10 

Installing Subfloors......................................................................................................... 12 

Installing Walls................................................................................................................ 13 

Sheathing Walls............................................................................................................... 15 

Exterior Finishing ........................................................................................................... 17 

Interior Finishing............................................................................................................ 18 

More Resources............................................................................................................... 20 
Executive Summary

This OSHA guidance document is designed to help employers prevent fall-related 

injuries and fatalities among workers engaged in residential construction activities, such 

as roofing. Falls are the leading cause of work-related deaths among residential 

construction workers. 

On December 16, 2010, OSHA issued STD 03-11-002, Compliance Guidance for 

Residential Construction, which rescinds STD 03-00-001, Interim Fall Protection 

Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction, and provides that OSHA will be 

enforcing 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13) for all residential construction work. 

This guidance document is intended to assist employers with their compliance efforts. It 

provides information on various work methods that may be used at different stages of the 

residential construction process. 

David Michaels, PhD, MPH 

Assistant Secretary of Labor for 

Occupational Safety and Health 

This document is intended to assist employers in their efforts to comply with fall 

protection requirements for residential construction work. The Occupational Safety and 

Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards promulgated 

by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. However, this document is 

not itself a standard or regulation and it creates no new legal obligations. 

Introduction 

Falls are the leading cause of death for workers engaged in residential construction. This 

“Fall Protection in Residential Construction” guidance document describes various 

methods that residential construction employers may be able to use to prevent fall-related 

injuries and fatalities at various points in the residential construction process. 

The focus of this document is mostly on new construction. The examples provided in 

this guidance document do not represent all possible work methods that can be used in 

residential construction. Moreover, employers should be aware that the examples 

described in this document may not be suitable in all situations. Employers are 

responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. 

Under 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet 

or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (in other 

words, guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or other fall 

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protection measures allowed elsewhere in 1926.501(b). (Although the standard does not 

mention personal fall restraint systems, OSHA will accept a properly utilized fall restraint 

system in lieu of a personal fall arrest system when the restraint system is rigged in such 

a way that the worker cannot get to the fall hazard.) If an employer can demonstrate that 

the fall protection required under 1926.501(b)(13) is infeasible or presents a greater 

hazard, it must instead implement a written fall protection plan meeting the requirements 

of 1926.502(k). 

Fall protection used to comply with 1926.501(b)(13), including guardrail systems, safety 

net systems, and personal fall arrest systems, must meet and be used in accordance with 

applicable requirements in 1926.502. Requirements for work performed on scaffolds, 

ladders, and aerial lifts are in Part 1926 – Subpart L, Subpart X, and 1926.453, 

respectively. 

State plans may also have additional requirements. For further information on state plan 

standards, please visit: http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/statestandards.html. 

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Installing Roof Trusses

Numerous methods can be used to prevent fall-related injuries and fatalities among 

workers installing roof trusses. 

Bracket Scaffold

A bracket scaffold can be placed on the interior or exterior of a structure. The scaffold 

can provide a stable working platform. When bracket scaffolds are used on the interior of 

the structure, the exterior wall can limit employee exposures to fall hazards. 

Figure 1 - A worker installing roof trusses from an interior bracket scaffold. 

Exterior bracket scaffolds can also be used for installing roof trusses and other rooftop 

construction activities. The guardrail system on the scaffold can provide fall protection. 

With the addition of toeboards, falling object protection can be provided to the areas 

below. 

Figure 2 - Workers using an exterior bracket scaffold to install roof trusses. 

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Ladders

Platform ladders and step ladders can provide a stable, elevated platform from which to 

work. 

Figure 3 - Platform ladders can be set up inside a structure and used to install roof trusses. 

Anchors

A spreader braces the trusses and distributes arrest forces across several trusses. 

Spreaders can act as anchors for personal fall arrest systems and fall restraint. They can 

be reused according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to refer to the truss 

manufacturer’s instructions and have a qualified person determine if trusses will meet 

strength requirements for a personal fall arrest system or fall restraint system. 

Figure 4 – An example of a spreader attached to roof trusses. 

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Installing Ridge Poles and Rafters 

Although the use of roof trusses is nearly universal, some builders still frame roof 

systems with ridge poles and rafters. While performing this task, workers need to be 

protected from falls. 

Anchors

Employees installing ridge poles and rafters can use strap anchors and bolt-on anchors. 

These anchors can be used with personal fall arrest systems and fall restraint to provide 

fall protection for workers engaged in this activity. Both anchors can be removed and 

reused according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Figure 5 - Strap anchors providing anchorage for three personal fall arrest systems. 

Figure 6 - A bolt-on anchor attached to a rafter. 

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Installing Roof Sheathing 

Once a roof has been framed, roof sheathing operations can begin. There are serious fall 

hazards associated with this activity, but there are a number of ways to protect workers. 

Safety Net System

Safety net systems can be used as fall protection for workers installing roof sheathing. 

Figure 7 - An example of a safety net system. 

Bracket Scaffold 

A bracket scaffold can be attached to the top plate of a structure. The scaffold can 

provide a secure work platform from which to install roof sheathing. 

Figure 8 – A worker sheathing a roof from a bracket scaffold. 

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Anchors

Anchors and retractable lifeline stands can be used by workers installing roof sheathing. 

Figure 9 - Anchors that can be used while performing roof sheathing operations. 

Roofing – Weatherproofing 

As with other roofing activities, fall protection is critical for this type of work. 

Bracket Scaffolds

An exterior bracket scaffold can be used for workers weatherproofing a roof. Bracket 

scaffolds can be especially useful for installing materials along the edge of the roof. 

Some exterior bracket scaffolds can be used as catch platforms to prevent workers from 

falling six feet to the lower level. 

Figure 10 - An exterior bracket scaffold with guardrails being used to protect workers 

while weatherproofing. 

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Anchors

Permanent anchors can be installed during roofing operations and left in place after 

construction is complete. They can provide an anchorage point during the life of the 

roof. Reusable anchors can also be used while weatherproofing a roof. It is important to 

inspect these anchors prior to use. 

 

Figures 11 & 12 - Permanent anchors on completed roofs. 

Figure 13 - A worker using a reusable anchor with a retractable lifeline. 

Foundation Walls and Formwork 

In most residential construction, concrete or masonry block is used to create the 

foundation and the foundation walls of a structure. The concrete is usually poured into an 

excavation to create the foundation and the foundation walls. 

Anchors

Anchors can be added to cured concrete. Anchors with expandable bolts can be placed in 

holes that have been drilled into the concrete. 

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Figure 14 – A cutaway picture of an anchor with an expandable bolt for use in concrete. 

Strap anchors can provide versatility and options for anchorage points while performing 

this type of work. Strap anchors can be looped over rebar and removed when no longer 

necessary. 

Figure 15 - A worker placing a strap on anchor over rebar. 

These strap anchors can also be poured over with concrete and left in during construction. 

Antichafe sleeves (the green part of the anchor) can be used to maintain the integrity of 

the strap. Once no longer needed, the strap can be cut out of the concrete and removed. 

Anchor straps are typically reusable if they have not been poured into concrete or have 

not been shock loaded. Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when using this 

equipment. 

Scaffolds

Scaffolds can provide elevated work surfaces for workers performing foundation work. 

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Figure 16 - A bracket-form scaffold attached to formwork. 

Installing Floor Joists and Floor Trusses 

Floor joists and floor trusses are usually constructed directly over the foundation walls. 

Fall hazards may be present, for example, if the structure being built has a basement. 

Anchors

A reusable floor truss anchor can act as a temporary truss brace and spacer as well as an 

anchor point for a self-retracting lifeline. The device can spread shock loads over 

multiple trusses. These kinds of anchors can be uninstalled, moved, reinstalled and 

reused as per the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Figure 17 - A retractable lifeline attached to a floor truss anchor. 

Scaffolds

Scaffolds can be used for residential construction workers installing floor joists and floor 

trusses. 

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Mobile scaffolds can be used effectively for residential construction workers. These 

scaffolds can be placed on the cured concrete basement floor of a structure. From the 

elevated platforms of the mobile scaffold, workers can install carrier beams, floor joists, 

and floor trusses. 

Figure 18 - Workers installing a steel beam from a mobile scaffold. 

Wall bracket scaffolds can be used on a residential structure once a wall has been 

completed. These scaffolds can provide access around the perimeter of the structure and 

can be used by workers while they install carrier beams, floor joists, and floor trusses. 

This type of scaffold can also be used in other phases of residential construction. 

Figure 19 – A scaffold rigged for installing floor joists and floor trusses. 

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Installing Subfloors 

Subfloors are usually installed by fastening a wood deck to floor joists and floor trusses. 

Because of the openings between floor joists and floor trusses, fall hazards may exist 

while performing this task. 

Anchors

A truss bracket anchorage system can distribute the arresting forces across multiple 

trusses in the event of a fall. When appropriately installed in accordance with the 

manufacturer’s instructions, these anchors can be used with personal fall arrest systems 

and fall restraints. Because these anchors are reusable, they can be uninstalled and 

reinstalled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Figure 20 - Workers using a truss bracket anchor while installing a subfloor. 

Guardrails 

Guardrail systems can be used to protect workers from falls during the performance of 

flooring and subflooring activities. If installed with a toeboard, guardrail systems can 

also protect workers on lower levels from falling objects. 

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Figures 21 & 22 - Examples of guardrails installed around floor openings. 

Installing Walls 

Framed wall sections usually are constructed on the ground and typically include 

sheathing and openings for windows and doors. Guardrails across these openings can 

help prevent falls while work is being performed in the house after the walls have been 

erected. These walls can be erected by using a lifting device such as a crane, boom truck, 

or forklift. Jacks can also be used to raise these walls. These practices greatly reduce the 

likelihood that a worker will be exposed to a fall during this stage of construction. 

Figure 23 - Framed walls being erected using a jack. 

For workers exposed to falls while framing walls, there remain various ways of 

protecting against falls to lower levels. 

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Anchors

Some models of strap anchors are looped through soft eyes or larger D rings and can be 

uninstalled, moved, reinstalled and reused following the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Figure 24 - A reusable strap anchoring a retractable lifeline. 

Strap anchors can also be preinstalled to provide an anchorage point once the walls have 

been erected and braced. They can be removed by cutting the strap off or pulling out the 

nails. Once cut or nailed, these must not be reused without being refurbished by the 

manufacturer. 

 

Figures 25 & 26 - Reusable anchors 

Guardrails

Guardrail systems can provide fall protection while workers are framing walls. 

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Figure 27 - Worker installing guardrails. 

Sheathing Walls 

Although it is common for sheathing to be included on panelized walls used in residential 

construction, sheathing still takes place on residential construction sites. Erecting the 

walls by lifting devices or jacks can lessen a worker’s exposure to fall hazards. 

Scaffolds

Welded End Frame (X brace) scaffolds (like tube/coupler, and systems scaffolds) stand 

on their own. With proper bracing, the frames can be stacked from cellar hole to chimney 

top. Like other scaffolds, these can make stable work platforms for many residential 

construction operations. These stand-alone scaffolds can be used for sheathing and 

various other vertical wall operations such as masonry wall construction, siding, and 

stucco application. 

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Figure 28 - Welded end frame scaffold. 

Exterior bracket scaffolds can provide a work surface from which to attach sheathing to 

the frame. 

Figure 29 – A worker sheathing walls from an exterior bracket scaffold. 

A ladder jack scaffold consists of a platform resting on brackets attached to a ladder. 

Ladder jacks provide limited elevation and are primarily used in light applications 

because of their portability and cost-effectiveness. 

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Aerial Lifts

Aerial lifts may be used for wall sheathing work. In particular, boom type elevating and 

rotating aerial work platforms can offer positioning flexibility and provide stable elevated 

platforms. 

Figure 30 - Worker performing residential construction activities from an aerial lift. 

Exterior Finishing 

The exterior finishing phase of residential construction includes a number of activities, 

such as installing windows, doors, siding, and gutters. Many of these tasks pose fall 

hazards. 

Aerial Lifts

Aerial lifts can be ideal equipment for exterior finishing. By providing a stable, level 

work surface and positioning flexibility, an aerial lift can be used for numerous activities 

associated with finishing the exterior of a residential construction structure. 

Figure 31 - Worker positioning an aerial lift. 

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Ladders

Ladders can provide access to areas of a structure where exterior finishing work will 

occur. They can provide a stable work surface for various exterior finishing tasks. 

Scaffolds

Pump jack scaffolds consist of a platform supported by moveable brackets on vertical 

poles. Pump jacks are appealing for certain applications because they are easily adjusted 

to variable heights, and are relatively inexpensive. They can include a material shelf for 

carrying supplies and tools. 

Figure 32 - A worker performing siding activities from a pump jack scaffold. 

Interior Finishing 

Although much of this work may take place while exterior finishing is happening, interior 

finishing is one of the last phases of residential construction. This does not mean that fall 

hazards are no longer present. 

Guardrails

Guardrails can be an excellent option for providing fall protection for work on or near 

stairways and landings. The addition of a toeboard can also prevent objects from falling 

to lower levels. 

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Figure 33 - Wooden guardrail system for a stairway. 

Figure 34 - A landing protected by a wooden guardrail system with a toeboard. 

Figure 35 - Guardrails protecting window openings. 

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More Resources

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

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES&p_i

d=4755

Fact Sheet on Fall Protection in Residential Construction - 

http://www.osha.gov/doc/fall_protection_factsheet.html

Residential Construction Q & A’s - http://www.osha.gov/doc/residentialconstruction/residential-construction-qa.html