Follow new uniform safety standards for fall protection

In November 2022, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) finalized rulemaking on the Uniform Safety Standards for Fall Protection. This unified standard integrates guidelines from both the construction and general industry which were historically distinct, simplifying the compliance process for everyone, especially entities like cities that lived in both worlds. Below is a summary of when fall protection and/or program element must be in effect at each height threshold.

• Four feet or more:
  • When on a walking/working surface
  • Ramps, runways, and inclined walkways
  • Holes where work is being performed
  • Skylights
  • Hatchway and chute holes
  • Ladderways
  • Pits and trap door holes
  • Repair pits and service pits
  • Manholes
  • Openings
  • Low and steep pitched roofs
• Ten feet or more:
  • A written fall protection work plan is required in addition to physical fall protection systems, including each area of the workplace where the employees are assigned and where fall hazards of ten feet or more exist.
• Regardless of height:
  • Above or adjacent to dangerous equipment regardless of height
  • Holes into which an employee can trip, step into, or step through
  • Falling into or onto impalement hazards

Unprotected side or edges four feet or higher

It is important to ensure that each employee on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge four feet or more above the ground or lower level is protected by one of the following fall protection systems:

• A standard guardrail system, or the equivalent
• A personal fall restraint system
• A personal fall arrest system
• A safety net system
• A catch platform; or
• A warning line system.

We can help!

Looking for a written template for a fall protection program? You can find it on our website. Have questions? Our safety team would love to chat with you.