OSHA has developed this webpage to provide workers and employers useful, up-to-date information on fall protection.

Falls are among the most common causes of serious work related injuries and deaths. Employers must set up the work place to prevent employees from falling off of overhead platforms, elevated work stations or into holes in the floor and walls.

Employers must set up the work place to prevent employees from falling off of overhead platforms, elevated work stations or into holes in the floor and walls. OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance.

To prevent employees from being injured from falls, employers must:

Fall protection is addressed in specific OSHA standards for construction. Provides fall protection information related to construction.

Fall protection, for activities not in the construction industry is addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry, and maritime.

Provides references that may aid in recognizing and evaluating fall protection hazards in the workplace.

Provides links and references to additional resources related to fall protection.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration