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OSHA Information for Preventing Falls

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What do I need to know about fall prevention in my warehouse?

Here are a few ideas on how to prevent falls and fall protection.

At what height should a worker be protected from a fall?

  • In the construction industry, a worker should be protected from a fall at a height of 6 feet or more.
  • In other industries, the height a worker should be protected from a fall is 4 feet or more.

Does your company have a fall protection program?

OSHA requires the management at each company to “develop, implement and commit to” a fall protection program.  In addition, the company must then provide fall protection training.  Then, measure the training program’s effectiveness at preventing falls.  It needs to be updated and changed if found lacking in any way.

If a fall hazard is present, what should my company do?

First, is the work surface structurally sound and safe to support the worker?  If it is, then:

  • Provide a fall protection system appropriate to the given situation.
  • Be sure the safety system is properly installed.
  • Supervise the employees.
  • Train your employees in the correct use and maintenance of the fall protection system.

There are areas in the workplace that have unprotected sides, wall openings and/or floor holes.  What should I do?

Is the fall greater than 4 feet or more in your warehouse?  Then you will need the following:

  • Guardrail Systems
  • Safety net systems
  • Fall arrest systems
    • 5 point harness
    • Lanyard
  • Guard or cover all holes in the floor as soon as them become present.
    • How much weight should the covers be able to withstand?
      • The covers should be able to hold at least 2 times the weight of employees, equipment and materials.
  • In general, it is better to prevent the fall using guardrails, versus saving the employee from a fall using safety nets and fall arrest devices.

This is intended as an introduction and overview only.  Before you develop a fall prevention program at your company, consult the OSHA compliance standards and regulations.   Refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

You can find complete information at www.OSHA.gov

The telephone number for OSHA is  (800) 321-OSHA or (202) 693-1999