![Page 1: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
![Page 2: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Fall Protection in
Construction
The content of this presentation is general in nature and provided to you for informational purposes only. The
information is derived from sources believed to be reliable and is offered as a resource to be used together
with guidance from your professional insurance, legal, and safety advisors in maintaining a loss prevention
program. ACUITY assumes no liability by reason of the information contained in this document. If you have a
specific concern, you should contact your professional insurance, legal, or safety advisors.
![Page 3: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Senior Loss Control Representative
![Page 4: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
![Page 5: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
![Page 6: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
• 2010: 265 fall fatalities out of 774 total fatalities in
construction
• 2011: 259 fall fatalities out of 738 total fatalities in
construction
![Page 7: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
PLAN PROVIDE TRAIN
![Page 8: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Covers fall hazards in construction except for the
following:
◦ Subpart L – Scaffolds
◦ Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks
◦ Subpart R – Steel Erection in Buildings
◦ Subpart S – Tunneling Operations
◦ Subpart V – Electric Transmission
◦ Subpart X – Stairways and Ladders
◦ 1926.105 – Erection of Tanks and Communication
Towers
![Page 9: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
1. Protection at or above 6’
2. Walking/working surfaces
inspected before work begins
3. Employees can only work on
surfaces strong enough to
support them safely
![Page 10: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
• Unprotected sides and edges
• Leading edges
• Hoist areas
• Holes
• Formwork and reinforcing steel
• Ramps, runways, and other walkways
• Excavations
![Page 11: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
• Dangerous equipment
• Overhand bricklaying
• Roofing – low sloped
• Roofing – steep
• Precast concrete erection
• Residential construction
• Wall openings
• Walking/working surfaces not “otherwise
addressed”
![Page 12: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
• OSHA rescinded the interim guidelines for
residential fall protection
• Residential contractors must now follow same
requirements in Subpart M – 6’ being the trigger
height
• Exception: If using the required fall protection
system is unfeasible or creates a greater hazard,
the employer must instead develop and implement
a written site-specific fall protection plan
![Page 13: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
• OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility”
to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall
protection
• There is a presumption that it is feasible and will
not create a greater hazard to implement at least
one of the fall protection systems listed in
1926.501(b)(13)
![Page 14: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
![Page 15: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Protect from falling through, tripping or stepping
into, and object falling through
![Page 16: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
![Page 17: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
![Page 18: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
COVER
2x Max Intended Load
![Page 19: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
![Page 20: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
![Page 21: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
![Page 22: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Guardrails, fences, or barricades should be
erected around the excavation if not readily seen
![Page 23: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
• Less than 6’ – guardrail system or equipment
guards
• Greater than or equal to 6’ – guardrail system,
PFAS, safety net system
![Page 24: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
![Page 25: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
• Low sloped roofs rise 4 units or less for every run
of 12 units
• Guardrail system
• Safety net system
• PFAS
• Combination of above with a warning line
• Warning line with a safety monitor
![Page 26: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
• May be used on flat and low-sloped roofs
• Safety monitoring should be used sparingly
• Employees must comply promptly with warnings
and directions
![Page 27: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
• For use on flat or low-sloped
roofs and along rake edges
of steeper roofs
• Must be at least 6’ back from
edges (10’ when mechanical
equipment is used)
• Lines must remain between
34-39” apart
• Must have a minimum tensile
strength of 500 lbs.
6 feet
Free
Work
Zone
Warning Line
Roof Perimeter
6 f
ee
t
6 feet6 feet
Free Work Zone
Warning Line
![Page 28: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
• Steep-sloped roofs have a pitch greater than 4
and 12
• Require guardrail system with toe boards
• Safety net system
• PFAS
![Page 29: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Parapets must be at least 39” high or roof fall
protection must be provided.
![Page 30: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
• Guardrail system
• Safety net system
• PFAS
• Fall protection plan
![Page 31: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
• Greater than or equal to 6’ above lower levels
• And inside bottom edge of opening is less than
39” above walking/working surface
![Page 32: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Less than 39”
![Page 33: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Must wear hard hats and use:◦ Toe boards, screens, or guardrails
◦ Canopy
◦ Barricades
![Page 34: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
![Page 35: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
• Top rail must be 42” above the working or walking
level, plus or minus 3”
• Midrails must be midway at 21”
• Supporting members
• Toe board
![Page 36: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
• Top rail: 200 pound force
• Midrail: 150 pound force
• Toe board: 50 pound force
![Page 37: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
• Surfaced to prevent injury
• No projection hazard at rail ends
• No steel or plastic banding
• Wire rope – ¼” diameter and flagged every 6’
![Page 38: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
• Installed < 30’ below working level
• Bridges – fall area to net unobstructed
• 400-lb drop test or certified by employer or competent person
• Extends sufficiently from the outer edge1926.502(c)(2) specifies the distance
• Inspected at least weekly
• Objects removed as soon as possible
• Border rope strength of 5000 lb
![Page 39: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Three types of PFA systems◦ Work positioning
◦ Fall restraint
◦ Fall arrest
![Page 40: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
• No body belts for fall arrest
• Competent person – inspections
• Prompt rescue
![Page 41: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
![Page 42: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
OSHA Standard 1926.502 (d)◦ Several requirements for the three types of fall arrest
systems and their use, based on type and application
◦ Reference the standard
◦ Vendors that provide your equipment
◦ ACUITY Loss Control for assistance
![Page 43: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
• Limit free fall to two feet
• Anchorage point > 3000 lbs
• Inspected before each use
• Safety belts OK for this use
![Page 44: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
• Erected around all sides of the roof area
• Erected at least 6’ from the edge if no mechanical
equipment is used
• Access points formed by two warning lines
• Access point must be closed off when not in use
![Page 45: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
![Page 46: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
• Consist of ropes, wires, chains, and supporting
stanchions
• Must be flagged every 6’
• Lowest point (including sag) not less than 34” and
not more than 39”
• Only roofing employees allowed between roof
edge and the warning line
![Page 47: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
• An area in which certain work (e.g., overhand
bricklaying, leading edge work, precast concrete
erection) may take place without the use of a
guardrail system, personal fall arrest system, or
safety net system, and access to the zone is
controlled
• Several provisions for CAZ with specifics for each
found under 1926.502(g) in the OSHA standards
![Page 48: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
• Allowed for leading edge work
• Precast concrete erection
• Residential construction
• OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility”
to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall
protection
![Page 49: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
• Prepared by a qualified person
• Site specific
• Changes made by a qualified person
• Plan must be kept on site
![Page 50: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
• Implemented by competent person
• Document why conventional fall protection
systems are not feasible
• Discuss measures used to protect the workers
![Page 51: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
• Identify all controlled access zones
• Where no other measures are used, a safety
monitor must be used
• Indentify all controlled access zones to the
employees
• Plan must be reviewed if there is an employee fall
or near miss
![Page 52: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
Sample fall plans are provided in OSHA Standard
Subpart M – Appendix E for:
◦ Residential construction
◦ Precast concrete erection
![Page 53: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
• There must be a training program that assures
each employee has been trained
• The employer must verify that employees are
trained by written documentation
• Retraining is required when the employee does
not have the understanding and skill required to
safely perform fall protection activities
![Page 54: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
• 6’ trigger height for fall protection
• Active fall protectiono Guardrail systems
o Hole covers
o Warning lines
• Passive fall protectiono Fall restraint
o Fall arrest
o Safety nets
![Page 55: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
• Fall protection plan ◦ Least preferred method
◦ Allowed on leading edge, precast erection, and
residential construction
◦ Must be site specific and employer has the burden to
show that conventional fall protection systems are
infeasible
• Employee trainingTraining program must be provided with written
documentation maintained
![Page 57: Fall Protection in - Acuity Insurance•OSHA does not consider “economic infeasibility” to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection •There is a presumption](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022070710/5ec73acec01d1a639020c53d/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
• For further assistance
◦ Call your agent
◦ Contact ACUITY Loss Control at 800.242.7666
◦ Send an email to [email protected]
• “Like” us on Facebook
• Visit www.ACUITY.com