Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the workplace, particularly in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that over 990 construction workers died on the job, with 38.7 percent of those fatalities resulting from falls. That’s why OSHA regulations require employers to provide their workers with fall protection training in order to minimize the risks associated with falls.

OSHA’s fall protection training requirements are designed to ensure that workers are informed about the hazards associated with falls and the steps that they can take to minimize these hazards. This training is critical for workers in high-risk industries, as it provides them with the knowledge and skills that they need to stay safe while working at heights.

One of the key benefits of OSHA fall protection training is that it helps workers to identify and mitigate the risks associated with falls. This training provides workers with a comprehensive understanding of the hazards associated with falls, including the risks associated with working at heights, working on ladders, and working on scaffolds. Workers also learn about the personal protective equipment and other fall protection systems that are available to help minimize the risks associated with falls.

Another key benefit of fall protection training is that it helps workers to understand the importance of proper planning and preparation before working at heights. This includes understanding the importance of conducting a job hazard analysis, selecting the appropriate fall protection system, and properly using and maintaining that system. Workers also learn about the importance of using appropriate ladders and scaffolds, as well as how to properly secure and stabilize these structures.

In addition to these benefits, fall protection training also helps employers to comply with OSHA regulations and demonstrate their commitment to worker safety. By providing their workers with fall protection training, employers can demonstrate their commitment to the health and safety of their workers and help to reduce the risks associated with falls from heights.

In conclusion, OSHA fall protection training is necessary for workers in high-risk industries because it provides them with the knowledge and skills that they need to stay safe while working at heights. By providing this training, employers can help to minimize the risks associated with falls and demonstrate their commitment to worker safety. If you are a worker in a high-risk industry, it is important that you take the time to complete OSHA fall protection training so that you can stay safe on the job.

Does your organization require Fall Protection training? Try a free demonstration of our fall protection for construction online safety training course:

Construction Standards and Resources Related to Fall Protection:

Fall protection is addressed in OSHA’s standards for the construction industry. This section highlights some of the OSHA standards, Federal Registers notices (rules and proposed rules), preambles to final rules (background to final rules), directives (instruction to OSHA staff), letters of interpretation (official letters of interpretation of the standards), example cases, and national consensus standards related to fall protection.

OSHA Standards

Most Frequently Cited Standards

Other Highlighted Standards

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

  • 1926.451, General requirements (Scaffolding)
  • 1926.452, Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds
  • 1926.454, Training requirements (Scaffolding)
  • 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection
  • 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
  • 1926.503, Training requirements (Fall protection)
  • 1926.760, Steel erection (Fall protection)
  • 1926.800, Underground construction
  • 1926.1051, General requirements (Stairways and ladders)
  • 1926.1052, Stairways
  • 1926.1053, Ladders
  • 1926.1060, Training requirements (Stairways and ladders)
  • 1926.1423, Cranes and derricks in construction (Fall protection)