Fall Protection Gear

Fall protection is required in the construction industry when workers are exposed to a fall hazard of 6 feet or more above a lower level. This includes tasks such as roofing, scaffolding, steel erection, leading edge work, and unprotected sides or openings. OSHA mandates the use of proper fall arrest or fall restraint systems to protect against serious injury or death in these high-risk situations.

OSHA requires employers to provide and maintain fall protection systems that meet strength, design, and inspection criteria under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M and related sections. Equipment must be used at required heights and inspected before each use by the user and periodically by a competent person. Anchorage strength, proper fit, and training are essential to compliance. For a deeper overview, see our guide: What Is the OSHA Standard for Fall Protection?

In general construction, fall protection is required at 6 feet above a lower level. For specific equipment:

• Harnesses & Lanyards – Must be worn when working above 6 ft where fall hazards exist.
• Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs) – Often used where greater mobility or quicker arrest distance is needed at similar heights.
• Vertical Lifelines – Required for vertical climbing systems or ladder safety setups above 6 ft.
• Anchors – Must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs per attached worker and used at designated tie-off points.

For steel erection or scaffolding, different thresholds may apply (e.g., 15 ft or 10 ft). Always refer to job-specific OSHA requirements.

You must use fall protection equipment any time you are exposed to a fall hazard at or above 6 feet in construction or 4 feet in general industry. This includes working on unprotected edges, roofs, ladders, scaffolds, aerial lifts, and while climbing or descending. Employers must assess each jobsite and provide personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), such as harnesses, lanyards, SRLs, and anchors, where necessary to ensure worker safety.

The three primary approaches are fall prevention, fall restraint, and fall arrest. Fall prevention removes the hazard or isolates the edge so a fall cannot occur. Fall restraint limits a worker’s travel so they cannot reach the hazard. Fall arrest allows work near the edge but stops a fall in progress within safe forces and distances.

Common systems include full-body harnesses, lanyards, self-retracting lifelines, vertical lifelines with rope grabs, and certified anchors. Guardrails and safety nets are used where personal systems are impractical. Connectors like carabiners, D-rings, and anchor straps tie the system together. Selection depends on the task, height, mobility needs, and site conditions.

Store gear clean and dry in a cool, ventilated area away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and sharp objects. Hang harnesses by the dorsal D-ring to avoid creasing, and keep lanyards and SRLs in protective bags or cases to prevent abrasion. Do not stack heavy items on top of soft goods or compress energy absorbers. Inspect before storage and again before each use to catch damage early.