Fall Protection Basics for Construction Sites

Falls are a leading cause of death in construction. Fall protection is required when workers are 6 feet or more above a lower level (4 feet in general industry). Here's what inspectors should verify.

Guardrails

Guardrails are the first line of defense. They must be 42 inches high (plus or minus 3 inches), have a midrail, and a 4-inch toe board to prevent objects from falling. Inspect that rails are secure, with no gaps, and properly installed before work begins.

Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)

When guardrails aren't feasible, workers use harnesses connected to an anchor point via a lanyard or lifeline. Inspect:

• Harness fit — Snug but comfortable; D-ring between shoulder blades
• Anchorage — Capable of 5,000 lbs per worker; above the worker's back D-ring
• Lanyard/lifeline — No cuts, fraying, or damage; proper length to limit free fall

Anchor Points

Anchors must be certified or engineered for fall arrest. Temporary anchors (e.g., beam straps) should be used per manufacturer instructions. Never anchor to ductwork, conduit, or other non-structural elements.

Holes and Openings

Any hole 2 inches or more must be covered (capable of supporting 2x the intended load) or guarded with a standard railing. Covers must be marked and secured.

Leading Edges

Work at leading edges requires fall protection before the worker approaches. Inspect that systems are in place before work starts — not added after someone is already exposed.

Training

Workers must be trained on fall hazards and how to use their equipment. Inspectors should verify that harnesses are worn correctly and that workers understand how to connect and disconnect safely.

Add fall protection items to your inspection checklist and track findings with corrective actions.