OSHA Issues Fall Protection Guide for Residential Construction

construction workers with ppe

OSHA has published a Fall Protection in Residential Construction guidance document to demonstrate work methods that can help employers prevent fall-related injuries and deaths among construction workers. Enforcement of the Compliance Guidance for Residential Construction directive began in 2011. It requires residential construction employers to provide workers with fall protection according to OSHA’s Fall Protection in Construction standard.

Historically, falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction, accounting for about one-third of all fatalities in the industry.

Methods for preventing fall-related injuries and deaths include using:

  • anchors for personal fall arrest systems and fall restraints
  • safety net systems
  • guardrails
  • ladders and scaffolds for activities such as installing roof sheathing, weatherproofing a roof and installing walls and subfloors

OSHA continues to develop additional resources to help employers protect residential workers’ safety and health.

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.

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