OSHA is changing the requirements for protecting employees from falls on residential construction sites. This change goes into effect June 16, 2011.

Previously, OSHA allowed contractors engaged in certain residential construction activities to use alternative means of fall protection. Now, all construction employers will be required to use conventional means of fall protection.

Falls in residential construction are deadly and common. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL), an average of 40 workers are killed each year as a result of falls from residential roofs – the number one cause of workplace deaths in construction. These injuries and deaths are not only costly to your company due to claims and elevated insurance premiums, they are preventable.

Who is Involved?

All employers engaged in residential construction work will be required to provide fall protection for workers working more than 6 feet above ground. Residential construction includes the following elements:

• The end use of the structure being built is a home or a dwelling.
• The structure is built using traditional wood frame construction materials and methods. Limited use of structural steel does not disqualify a structure from being considered residential construction.

While before this directive these employers could bypass fall protection requirements, now they will be required to comply with OSHA regulations regarding fall protection systems. This means employees working 6 feet or more above lower levels must use:

• Guardrails,
• Safety nets, or
• Personal fall arrest systems, an example of which being a full body harness, a deceleration device, a lanyard and an anchor point.

Certain types of work specified under other OSHA provisions warrant alternative fall protection measures.

What if Fall Protection is Infeasible?

When the use of conventional fall protection methods is infeasible or creates a greater hazard, employers must create a written, site-specific fall protection plan that documents why these methods are infeasible and why they would create a greater hazard.

When Will it be Enforced?

Construction and roofing companies have up to six months to comply with the new directive. OSHA has begun to develop training and compliance assistance materials for small employers and will host a webinar for those who are interested in learning more about complying with the standard.

Contact Us

At Neckerman Insurance Services, we have a variety of materials for you to ensure compliance and promote a safe workplace, which are essential components of any construction risk management program.

Free Residential Construction Fall Protection Workshops

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