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Fall Protection Systems

OSHA 1926.502: Fall Protection Requirements

The roofing industry must adhere to fall protection requirements as outlined by standard 1926.502 of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations standards. The standard requires employers to provide adequate fall protection systems for workers who perform work on surfaces with open sides and edges, sloping roofs, steep roofs, leading edges, and any surfaces with falls at or above six feet.

Required Roof Fall Protection Systems

Before a roofing worker commences work, employers must provide roof safety systems to prevent or lessen the impact of falls. The following fall protection systems will protect workers that are exposed to vertical drops of six feet or more or for those who are engaged in low-slope roofing projects with unprotected edges or sides. These systems are also designed to prevent workers from falling into holes in floors, roofs, or other surfaces and to restrict access to controlled access zones:

  • Guardrails
  • Safety Nets
  • Personal Fall Arrest Systems
  • Positioning Device Systems
  • Warning Line Systems
  • Controlled Access Zones
  • Safety Monitoring Systems
  • Covers

Wise employers strive to not only protect their workers but to protect themselves from lawsuits stemming from severe injuries or fatalities.

The Way to Prevent Falls

Inadequate fall protection is one of the top reasons construction employers are cited. Roofing incidents are often caused by lack of training, failing to follow equipment instructions and warnings, OSHA violations, and using the wrong safety equipment. Roofing employers can save lives by adhering to OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign by planning ahead for safety, by providing workers with the right equipment, and by conducting regular training sessions. Visit OSHA’s website to learn more about stopping falls. An expert OSHA attorney is a great resource for providing sound counsel on fall protection for your jobsite.

If you would like to speak with one of our knowledgeable roofing lawyers, please contact us at 813.579.3278, or submit our contact request form.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.