OSHA fall protection to hit residential contractors hard
Compliance begins 6/16/2011
In 1999, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a directive STD 03-00-001 which gave special regulations to the employers engaging in residential construction regarding how to comply with fall protection. These exceptions were much more lenient than the fall protection standard found under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13).
However, starting June 16, 2011, directive STD 03-00-001 is being rescinded and replaced with STD 03-00-002 which will require all employers engaged in residential construction to comply with 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13). This includes all trades, not just carpenters.
Under 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (i.e., guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or other fall protection measures allowed elsewhere in 1926.501(b). However, if an employer can demonstrate that such fall protection is infeasible or presents a greater hazard, it may implement a fall protection plan meeting the requirements of 1926.502(k). The fall protection plan's alternative measures must utilize safe work practices that eliminate or reduce the possibility of a fall. The plan must be written and be site-specific. A written plan developed for repetitive use for a particular style/model home will be considered site-specific with respect to a particular site only if it fully addresses all issues related to fall protection at that site.
This change will have a significant impact on the residential housing workplace. Fortunately OSHA has published a handy pictorial on how to achieve compliance on a residential jobsite. The OSHA Guidance Document – Fall Protection in Residential Construction (http://www.osha.gov/doc/guidance.pdf) is a must have booklet for anyone engaged in these activities.
Read more about OSHA Fall Protection rules and regulations here:
OSHA Fall Protection in Residential Construction Fact Sheet
Got questions? Try this OSHA Residential Construction Q and A’s page
OSHA Directive STD 03-00-002
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13)
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(k)