Common Fall Protection Violations and How to Prevent Them

According to the last report of OSHA’s Top 10 Violations, Fall Protection–General Requirements (1926.501) has been the number one most cited violation for over a decade in construction. In general industry, the top two most cited violations pertaining to fall protection were 1910.28 and 1910.30.

Falls remain one of the most cited OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) violations and one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. Whether in construction or general industry, improper fall protection practices can result in serious injury, liability, and penalties. Below are some of the most common violations–and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Lack of Fall Protection Where Required: Many employers fail to provide fall protection when working at heights. OSHA requires fall protection at four feet in general industry and six feet in construction. Elevated platforms, unprotected edges, and open-sided floors are high-risk zones that are often overlooked.
2. Improper Use of Equipment: Just because an employee is given personal protective equipment (PPE) doesn’t mean they know how to use it. Many workers use harnesses incorrectly, attach lanyards to non-certified anchor points, or fail to adjust gear for a proper fit. It is vital to ensure that employees are trained in proper PPE use, storage, and inspection as required by OSHA.
3. Failure to Inspect or Replace Damaged Equipment: Harnesses, lanyards, and connectors degrade over time. Using worn or damaged gear is unsafe and an OSHA violation.
4. Insufficient Training: Employers often neglect to provide proper training on fall hazards, how to use protection systems, or how to inspect equipment. OSHA 1910.30 requires clear, documented training for all exposed employees. This may be the most important violation to prevent because employees who are properly trained can recognize the hazards and take the proper precautions.
5. No Written Fall Protection Plan: While not always mandatory, the absence of a site-specific fall protection plan increases the risk of miscommunication, inconsistent practices, and enforcement issues on-site. Even if your circumstances do not require a written plan, it is always a good idea to have one anyway to keep track of the documentation that is required, such as inspection and training records.

Being Proactive Is Preventative

Preventing fall protection violations starts with identifying hazards through regular site assessments. Employers should evaluate all work areas (especially those with elevated heights) to determine where fall protection is required. Once hazards are identified, the proper type of protection should be selected, whether it’s guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets. Hazard analyses should be reviewed annually and updated as needed.

An equally important preventative measure is training often and training correctly. All employees exposed to fall hazards must be trained on how to properly use and inspect their equipment. This training should be clear, hands-on, and documented, with refresher training provided as needed. Visual equipment inspections should occur before each use, and any damaged gear must be taken out of service and replaced immediately.

Another way to be proactive and avoid non-compliance is to make sure employees are provided with the right equipment for the task they are performing. There are many different types of fall protection systems with varying uses and weight limits, so it is vital to research the equipment before you purchase it to make sure it meets your needs.

Last but not least, employers should maintain a written, site-specific fall protection plan. This plan should outline hazard locations, PPE requirements, and rescue procedures, and be reviewed and updated regularly. A strong plan combined with training, proper equipment, and daily inspections forms the foundation of a compliant and safe fall protection program.