"Fall protection must be provided at four feet in general industry, five feet in maritime and six feet in construction. However, regardless of the fall distance, fall protection must be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery." reference

Employers are to determine if the working environment in which the employees work are considered free of all recognized hazards. All walking/working surfaces are to be deemed as "safe" (possessing strength and structural integrity to support workers). When an employee is exposed to falling 6 feet or more, OSHA approved fall protection method must be used; guardrail system, or personal fall arrest system.

Industries in which fall protection is necessary/required:

• Controlled Access Zones
• ExcavationsFormwork and Reinforcing Steel
• Hoist Areas
• Holes
• Leading Edges
• Overhand Bricklaying and Related Work
• Precast Concrete Erection and Residential Construction
• Ramps, Runways, and Other Walkways
• Roofing
• Wall Openings