Job Safety and

’Sth T H E
ITal
He
LAW!
of
U.S. Department
Labor

Employers must:
right to: place free from
All workers have the loyees a work
 Provide emp
 A safe workplace. t is illegal to reta liate
recognized hazards. I
for using any of their
or health concern with against an employee
 Raise a safety ork- i ncluding raising a healt
h
your empl oyer or OSHA, or report a w rights under the law,
you or with OSHA, or
related injury or illnes s, without being and safety concern with
injury or illness.
retaliated against. reporting a work-related
able O S H A standards.
on and training on job Comply with all applic
 Receive informati nces

ding all hazardous substa all work-related
 Report to O S HA
haza rds, inclu
and all inpatie nt
in your workplace. fatalities within 8 hours,

Walking &
ns, amp utatio ns and losses
inspection of your hospitalizatio
 Request an O SHA
ve there are unsafe or of an eye within 24 hours.
workplace if you belie
O S H A will keep your training to all workers
in a
unhealthy conditions. a  Provide required
have the right to have unde rstand.
name confidential. You behalf. language and vocabular
y they can
OSHA on your
representative contact  Prominently display this poster in the workplace.
 Participate (or have your representative
A inspection and
 Post O S H A citations at or near the place of
participate) in an O S H

Working Surfaces
the inspector. the alleged
speak in private to violations.
identify and correct
FREE ASSISTANCE to
days
 File a complaint with O S H A within 30
you have been small and medium-
(by phone, on line or by mail) if hazards is available to
using your rights. rs, with out citation or penalty,
retaliated against for sized employe
ted consultation
through OSHA-suppor
citations issued to your
 See any O S H A programs in e very
emplo yer state.
. s, tests
s of your medical record

Including Fall
 Request copie orkplace , and
in the w
that measure hazards
illness log.
the workplace injury and

from OSHA.
This poster is available free

Contact OSHA. We can

help.
Protection
(Subpart M)
OSHA 3165-04R

• www.osha.gov
• TTY 1-877-889-
1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
2015

562 7

Directorate of Training and Education OSHA Training

Institute 3
Lesson
Overview
Objectives:
1. Explain the definitions of essential terms used for fall
protection
2. Describe the general requirements of fall protection
3. Explain the requirements for guarding floor holes and
openings.
4. Describe the requirements for fall arrest systems.
5. Identify the applicable standards relating too ladders.
6. Locate standards and suggest feasible abatement
methods for fall hazards and violations.
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEDSOYfGPzw
 Construction Fall Statistics
Falls are the leading cause of construction-worker
fatalities.
According to current 2024 construction fall statistics, "falls from a height" remain the leading cause of fatal injuries in the
construction industry, accounting for approximately 36% of all construction fatalities,

2017, there were 366 fall fatalities out of 971 total

fatalities in construction. One-third of on-the-job
deaths in the industry.
2011-2015, 61% of fatal falls in construction occurred
in small businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
Two-thirds of fatal falls were from roofs, scaffolds,
and ladders.
https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/construction-safety-statistics#:~:text=The%20State%20of%20Construction%20

Safety,for%20your%20equipment%20rental%20needs.
points about 2024 construction fall statist

• Dominant cause of fatalities:

• Falls from height are the most common cause of
death among construction workers.
• Male worker prevalence:
• The majority of fatal falls occur among male
construction workers.
• Age demographics:
• Older workers (aged 60 and above) represent a
substantial portion of fall-related fatalities.
Look at:

1. Walking/Working
Surfaces
2. Holes and Openings
3. Ladders
4. Fall arrest Systems
Walking and Working Surfaces

​ What is considered a Walking/Working Surface?

◦Every walking and working surface in the workplace
can be potentially hazardous to workers.
◦Hazardous surfaces include:
• loose material, ramps, stairways, ladders and
scaffolds, and slippery floors resulting from liquid
or other spills
Resulting in:
slips, trips and falls can cause cuts and bruises,
sprains and stains, broken bones and various injuries
to internal organs.
Walking and Working Surfaces
Walking and Working Surfaces
Walking and Working Surfaces
Walking and Working Surfaces
Walking and Working Surfaces

​ Protection for Floor Openings

◦Floor Hole
Guarded by a standard railing on all exposed sides
(except at entrance to stairway).
 Walking and Working Surfaces

​ Protection for
Floor Openings
◦Floor Hole
12” or less, but more
than 1” in its least
dimension, in any floor,
platform, pavement , or
yard through which
materials but not
persons may fall
According to OSHA, any floor hole that a person
could accidentally walk into must be covered
with a secure cover that leaves no openings
larger than 1 inch wide.
Walking and Working Surfaces

◦Floor Hole
Examples
Walking and Working Surfaces

​ Protection for
Floor
Openings
◦Floor Opening
12” or more in its
least dimension, in
any floor, platform,
pavement , or yard
through which
persons may fall;
such as a
hatchway, stair or
ladder opening, pit,
or large manhole
Covers
◦Must be able to support twice the weight of any
employee, vehicles, equipment, or materials that
may be imposed on the cover.
◦Must be secured to prevent accidental movement
◦Shall be color-coded or marked with the word “HOLE”
or
“COVER”
 Walking and Working Surfaces

​ Protection for
Floor Openings
◦Standard railing and
toe boards
Top Rail:
Between 39” and 45”
above walking/ working
surface
Withstand 200 lbs of
force
At least 1/4” in
diameter or thickness
 Walking and Working Surfaces

​ Protection for Floor

Openings
◦Standard railing and toe
boards
Midrail:
Installed midway between top
rail & walking/working surface
At least 1/4” in diameter or
thickness
Able to withstand a force of
150 lbs
May also be screens, mesh,
vertical members, or solid
panels
 Walking and Working Surfaces

​ Protection for Floor

Openings
◦Standard railing and
toe boards
Toeboard:
At least 3.5” high
able to withstand a force
of 50 lbs
 Walking and Working Surfaces

​ Protection for Floor

Openings
◦Standard railing and
toe boards
Top Rails and Midrails:
May be pipe, rope, wood,
structural steel, or wire
rope
Wire rope must be flagged at
least every 6ft with high-
visibility material
May not be steel banding or
plastic banding
Walking and Working Surfaces
Walking and Working Surfaces
Walking and Working Surfaces
 Walking and Working Surfaces

​ Open-Sided Floor or
Platform
​ 6’ or more above

adjacent floor
or ground level
shall be
guarded

26
Ladders

​ How many people will be injured in ladder-

related accidents today?
◦2000, and one will be fatally injured.
◦What percentage are workplace related?
20 percent
◦What about in the construction industry?
81 percent
Ladders

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/i3xju46WzP4
Ladders

If you need to use a ladder, what is your first

step?
◦First, consider if a ladder is the best option for
the job.
OSHA suggests asking yourself these 4 questions.
1.Will I have to hold heavy items while on the ladder?
2. Is the elevated area high enough that it would
require a long ladder that can be unstable?
3.Will I be working from this height for a long time?
4.Do I have to stand on the ladder sideways in order to do
this work?
◦If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”,
a ladder might not be a good idea.
Ladders
Ladders
Ladders

​ Selecting the correct ladder

◦Which type?
Non-Self supporting vs.
Self supporting
Extension vs Step ladders
Correct Height
Should not step on the top
rung or top set of the ladder
Extension ladders should extend
3’ beyond the edge that
supports them
Ladders

Safety Features
Do not use the top step
Are the steps safely
connected to the frame?
Are safety treads present
to avoid slipping off?
Does the ladder have
special safety feet that
anchor the ladder?
Is the ladder certified?
Are lock-Bars present?
How about technology?
 Step Smart Stability Sensor for Ladders

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_myqI-okyes
Ladders
Ladders
Ladder
s
Read the Warning Labels they are there for a
reason!
 Ladders

Example of 300lbs
Aluminum
Stepladder/ Platform
ladder Safety &
Duty Rating Labels
Ladders
​ Use the correct ladder Material
◦Fiberglass vs Aluminum
Which should you use for working
on electricity?
Fiberglass

40
Ladders

​ Then follow the following Guidelines (14)

1.Place the ladder on stable ground
2.Inspect the ladder for damage or stability
issues
3. For self-supporting ladders, lock the metal
spreader for security.
• What if your ladder does not have one?
4.Place the ladder at a safe
angle
• 1/4 the working length of the
ladder or 4:1 ratio / 75 degrees
1. A safe angle for a ladder is typically considered to be around 75
degrees, which translates to a "4 to 1" ratio, meaning for every four
feet of height, the base of the ladder should be positioned one foot
away from the wall or structure you are climbing on.

5.Wear proper footwear with

treads
Ladders
​ Then follow the following Guidelines continued:
6.Always have 3 points of contact with the ladder
2 hands and 1 foot; 2 feet and 1 hand
7.Face the ladder when ascending, descending or
working
8.Use both hands to climb a ladder
9.Don’t lean outside the ladder’s rails
10.Use a spotter for extra safety
11.Don’t carry tools in your hands. Use a tool belt.
12.When using a stepladder avoid using the top 2
steps
13.Other ladders avoid using the top 4 rungs
14.Don’t lean a stepladder
Support leg can contact the ground causing the step leg to
Ladder
s

NO!
Ladder
s

NO!
Ladder
s

NO!
NO!
NO!
NO!
Ladders

Set Feet
Properly

Firm Base Soft Base

Set both feet level and Set on the spikes and
on the pads seat the ladder in the
ground.
 Ladders

Proper Access
Ladders
• Ladders should be set
at 1 horizontal to 4
vertical
• Ladders must be
secured
• Ladder access
ways must be
guarded
• Ladders must extend
3' above the landing
surface, or an
adequate grabrail
must be provided
Controlled Access Zones
​ An area in which certain work can
be performed without:
◦Guardrail system
◦Personal Fall Arrest System
◦Safety Net System

◦Access to this work

area is restricted to
those performing the
work.
 Controlled Access Zones
OSHA’s definition of a controlled access zone is “an area in which certain work may take
place without the use of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety net
systems, and access to the zone is controlled.”

A controlled access zone is an area of a jobsite that is only accessible to some workers.
Workers who are not approved to be in that area are prohibited from entering, with any
exceptions to the rule depending on the worksite’s unique fall protection plan. A safety
monitor must be present to monitor the area and the people going in and out and to
ensure that proper safety precautions are being followed.

One type of controlled access zone would be a guardrail system that has a gate. The
guardrail is used to cordon off the area and block non-essential workers from entering. A
safety monitor supervises the area and controls who is allowed through the gate.

A controlled access zone is most typically used for jobs requiring workers to be on a
leading edge. Examples of this might include some types of masonry and bricklaying. In
overhand bricklaying, for example, the leading-edge shifts as the job progresses and there
is often nowhere to install an anchor-point. Because of the increased degree of danger
posed to workers, a controlled access zone is only used as a last resort on very specific
types of job sites.
Controlled Access Zones
​ Defined by control lines, which shall be:
◦Between 39” and 45” above the
walking/working surface(including sag)
Exception: overhand bricklaying
◦Between 6’ and 25’ from the unprotected
edge
Exception: overhand bricklaying and CMUs
◦Marked at least every 6’
◦Made out of materials that have a minimum
breaking strength of 200lbs
◦Connected on each side to a guardrail system
or a wall
Safety Nets
​ Install safety nets as close as practicable
under the walking/working surface, but never
more than 30’ below the working level.
◦Safety nets shall extend outward from the work
surface according to the following table:
Safety Nets
​ Strength
◦Border ropes must have
a breaking strength of
at least 5,000 lbs.
◦The connections must be
as strong as the net and
must not be spaced more
than 6 inches apart.
◦Openings in the net
must not be larger than
6 inches on any side, or
36 square inches total.
Safety Nets
🞂 ​ Drop Test
◦Drop a 400 pound sandbag from the highest
surface that employees are exposed to fall
hazards.
◦Make sure the net has enough space underneath.
◦Safety nets must be tested:
🞄 after installation

🞄 after relocation

🞄 after repair, and

🞄 every 6 months, if left in place.

◦Safety nets shall be inspected:
🞄 at least once per week; and
Safety Nets

◦Any objects that fall onto the net shall be removed

as soon as possible and before the next work shift
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFASs)
​ PFASs must:
◦limit the maximum arresting force of 1,800 lbs
◦limit the employees’ fall to no more than 6’ and not
contact any lower level
◦limit maximum deceleration distance of 3.5’; and
◦withstand twice the potential impact energy of an
employee free falling a distance of 6’
◦be inspected prior to each use
◦used for fall protection only, not used to hoist
materials
◦always follow manufacturer’s instructions
◦What about a body belt, is it considered a PFAS?
NO, it is prohibited
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFASs)
​ Three main components to PFASs
Anchorage
Connectors
Body Harness
Personal Fall
Arrest Systems
(PFASs)

NO!
Personal Fall Arrest Systems
(PFASs)
​PFASs must continued:
◦Three main components to PFAS
1. Anchorage
must be independent of any anchorage used to
support or suspend platforms
support 5,000 lbs per employee attached or safety
factor of at least 2
must not be anchored to guardrails or hoists
2. Harnesses
attachment point of a body harness should be located
in the center of the wearer’s back near shoulder
level, or above the worker’s head.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems
(PFASs)
​PFASs must continued:
◦Three main components to PFAS
3.Connectors
• dee-rings and snaphooks:
• minimum tensile strength of 5,000 lbs
• proof tested to 3,600 lbs
• dee-rings compatible with the PFAS
• only locking type snaphooks allowed
• lanyards and lifelines: minimum breaking strength of
5,000 lbs
• ropes and straps: synthetic fibers
• lifelines: protected against being cut or abraded
• self-retracting lifelines without 2 foot limit: capable of
sustaining a minimum tensile load of 5,000 lbs
• Applies to ripstitch lanyards and tearing and
deforming lanyards
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFASs)
​PFASs must continued:
◦ There shall be a prompt rescue after a fall
Why must there be a prompt rescue after a
fall?
Suspension Trauma (orthostatic
intolerance)
occurs when an accumulation of blood in the legs
reduces the amount of blood in circulation
This may lead to death
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFASs)

Handout PFAS
​

Checklist
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFASs)
​ Positioning Device Systems
◦2’ fall limit
◦anchorage: must be support the greater of twice the
expected weight or 5,000 lbs
◦same requirements as PFASs for snaphooks, dee-
rings, and other connectors
◦inspect before each use; remove defective
components
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFASs)
​ Warning Line System
◦mainly used for roof work
◦alert workers to an unprotected edge
◦erect no less than 6’ from the unprotected edge
◦flagged every 6’ with high-visibility material
◦minimum tensile strength of 500 lbs
◦erected between 34 and 39 inches from the
walking/working surface (including sag)
◦able to withstand a force or 16 lbs applied
horizontally
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFASs)
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFASs)
​ Safety Monitoring Systems
◦employer appoints a competent person to monitor
the safety of the workers
◦can recognize fall hazards
◦can warn workers
◦can operate on the same surfaces as the
workers
◦is close enough to work operations to
communicate orally, and
◦has no other duties
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFASs)
​ Struck by Falling Objects
◦keep guardrail openings small
◦do not store materials or equipment within 4’ of a
working edge (except masonry and mortar)
◦keep materials and debris clear of the work area
◦during roofing work materials at least 6’ from
edge
Hazards of Scaffolds
​ Avoiding Slipping and Tripping
◦Employees may not work on scaffolds covered in ice,
snow, or any other slippery material unless they are
removing the slippery material
◦Debris shall not be allowed to build up on platforms
◦Employees may not work on scaffolds during storms or
high winds unless:
◦approved by competent person
◦protected by PFAS or a wind screen
◦PFASs used on scaffolds must be attached to
vertical/ horizontal lifeline or structural
member.
Hazards of Scaffolds
​ Climbing On and Off a Scaffold
◦Appropriate means of entry must be provided when
scaffold platforms are more than 2’ above or below
the point of access
◦Workers may not enter a scaffold by climbing the
crossbraces
◦Workers may enter a scaffold by:
◦ladders (portable, hook-on, attachable, and stairway
◦stair towers
◦ramps and walkways
◦integral prefabricated frames, or
◦another scaffold, structure, or hoist
Hazards of Scaffolds
​ Proper Scaffold Construction
◦Must be erected, moved, dismantled, or
altered under the supervision and
direction of a competent person
◦Competent person must inspect all
scaffolds and scaffold parts before
each…
◦work shift, and
◦also after any event that could
affect the structural integrity of the
scaffold

73
 Hazards of Scaffolds
​ Proper Scaffold Construction continued
◦4:1 Ratio:
◦Supported scaffolds
may only be 4x as tall
as its shortest base
dimension
◦Scaffolds exceeding
this height ration
must be connected
by guys, ties, or
braces The load capacity of scaffolding is determined by a height
to base ratio of 4:1, Meaning the scaffold can be up to four
times the minimal base width. For example, a scaffolding
structure with a base width of 3 meters (9.84 ft 0r 10 ft)
can have a height of up to 12 meters; 9.84 x 4 = 12
meters (39.36 or 40 ft) (Based on the ratio of 4:1).
Hazards of Scaffolds
​ Proper Scaffold Construction continued
◦Support:
◦Poles, legs posts,
frames, and uprights
must be supported on
base plates and mud
sills or other adequate
firm foundation
◦Scaffolds must be
erected on stable and
level footing
Hazards of Scaffolds
​ Proper Scaffold Construction continued
◦ Planks:
◦ gap in between planks may be no wider than 1”
◦ Each abutted end of plank must rest and a separate support surface
◦ planks that overlap must:
◦ extend 12” of support, and
◦ be restrained
Hazards of Scaffolds
​ Proper Scaffold Construction continued
◦Platforms:
◦at least 18” wide
◦able to support their own weight plus 4x intended
load
◦gaps larger than 14” not permitted
◦wooden platforms:
◦not painted
◦constructed for scaffold grade wood
◦component pieces of same type
◦platform ends extend at least 6” over support
(unless restrained by hooks)
◦if shorter than 10’, no more than 12”
extended beyond support
Scaffolds
Scaffolds
Hazards of Scaffolds
🞂 Proper Scaffold
​

Construction
continued
◦Suspension Scaffolds:
◦each suspension rope used
on a scaffold must be able
to support 6x the intended
load
◦repaired wire rope is
prohibited from use as a
suspension rope
◦suspension scaffolds must
be secured to prevent
swaying
Hazards of Scaffolds
​ Proper Scaffold Construction continued
◦Suspension Scaffolds Accident Example:
◦3 Dead, 1 injured: March 2015
Hazards of Scaffolds
​ Proper Scaffold Construction continued
◦Aerial Lifts
◦Employees must be:
◦trained
◦authorized
◦setting brakes and using outriggers
◦not exceeding boom and basket load limits
◦using personal fall protection when
required, and
◦not using any device to raise the employee
above the basket
Hazards of Scaffolds
​ Proper Scaffold Construction continued
◦Aerial Lifts continued
◦Manufacturers must certify, in writing, any
and all modifications to arial lifts
◦Lift controls must be tested daily
◦Controls must be clearly marked on articulating
boom & extensible boom platforms primarily
designed as personnel carriers
 Walking and Working Surfaces, What’s
Wrong?
Debris presents a
tripping hazard, Wood used may not be
workers could trip strong enough to support
over it and fall into workers/ materials
the hole

Gaps in the floor hole

present a hazard

Boards do not appear to

be secured
There is no warning
“HOLE” or
“COVER”
Walking and Working Surfaces, What’s
Wrong?
Edge needs guardrails;
nylon rope is not
sufficient fall protection

Workers may also

use PFASs in
addition to the
guardrails
Walking and Working Surfaces, What’s
Wrong?
◦Workers are climbing on the shoring structure during
setup and removal.
Ladders/lifts are needed
and must be provided for
safe access to the shoring
structure or in general.

Ladders
and lifts
must be
provided.

Workers could fall while

climbing on the shoring
structure to set it up and
remove it.
 Walking and Working Surfaces, What’s
Wrong?
Workers working on
balcony of structure
exposed to fall hazard due
to unprotected side/edge.

Guardrails, PFASs, or safety

net systems should be used
on the leading edges of
construction
Walking and Working Surfaces, What’s
Wrong?
Planks appear to
be overloaded and
Lack of fall there is no safe
protection for access for
workers on workers.
fabricated frame
scaffolds.

The workers are

exposed to a 35-foot
fall hazard from a
scaffold while
stacking blocks prior
to overhand
bricklaying
operations.
Walking and Working Surfaces, What’s
Wrong?

Worker is working
off of the top of a
step ladder.
The top of a
stepladder
shall not be
used as a
step.
Walking and Working Surfaces, What’s
Wrong?
Scaffold was not erected with
guardrails in areas where
workers were working at
heights greater than 10 feet.
 Walking and Working Surfaces, What’s
Wrong?
A worker is working from a
carpenters' scaffold that
has no guardrail, extends
The worker inside of the
too far beyond either end,
window is not provided with
and is not wide enough.
fall protection as there is no
standard guardrail for the
window.

The worker working below

is exposed to the struck-by
hazards of tools and
The worker also equipment falling from the
does not have employees working above.
proper access to
the scaffold.

Tripping
Hazard
QUESTIONS