Fall protection is a critical aspect of workplace safety, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a pivotal role in setting specific standards to ensure the well-being of workers in various industries. OSHA mandates distinct fall protection standards, tailored to the nature of the industry and the potential fall distances that may be encountered.
In general industry workplaces, OSHA requires fall protection measures when working at elevations of four feet or more. This threshold increases to five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry, and eight feet in longshoring operations. These height specifications serve as crucial benchmarks, highlighting the significance of implementing protective measures to mitigate the inherent risks associated with elevated workspaces.