What fall protection is required on construction sites?

Fall protection is required for employees 6+ ft above lower levels via guardrail, safety net, or personal fall arrest systems (except where infeasible/greater hazard, requiring a fall protection plan per §1926.501(b)(1-14)) [2,1]. Specific cases: precast concrete erection [1], residential construction [1], wall openings [1], holes [2], hoist areas [2], leading edges [2], and unprotected sides/edges [2]. Fall protection plans must be site-specific, supervised by a competent person, and document infeasibility/greater hazard [3]. Falling object protection (e.g., toeboards, canopies) is also required [2,8]. Exceptions apply for scaffold, crane, steel erection, and aerial lift work per §1926.500 [4].

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