FALL-PROTECTION<\/a> refers to the systems and methods used to prevent workers from falling or to safely arrest a fall should one occur. According to the OSHA<\/a>, falls are a leading cause of death in the CONSTRUCTION-INDUSTRY<\/a>. Comprehensive safety guidelines can be accessed via the OSHA Fall Protection Page<\/a>. Proper FALL-PROTECTION<\/a> is required whenever employees are working at heights of four feet or more in general industry or six feet in construction.<\/p> Safety solutions are generally categorized into passive and active systems. PASSIVE-FALL-PROTECTION<\/a> includes fixed barriers such as GUARDRAILS<\/a>, COVERS<\/a>, and SAFETY-NETS<\/a> that do not require worker interaction. Conversely, ACTIVE-FALL-PROTECTION<\/a> requires the use of specialized equipment. The most common active system is the PERSONAL-FALL-ARREST-SYSTEM<\/a> (PFAS), which includes an ANCHORAGE<\/a>, a FULL-BODY-HARNESS<\/a>, and a CONNECTOR<\/a> like a SHOCK-ABSORBING-LANYARD<\/a>.<\/p> The AMERICAN-NATIONAL-STANDARDS-INSTITUTE<\/a> (ANSI) provides voluntary consensus standards that often exceed federal requirements. The ANSI-Z359<\/a> series, known as the Fall Protection Code, defines the requirements for equipment performance and system design. More details on these standards are available at the ANSI Official Website<\/a>. Employers must prioritize the HIERARCHY-OF-CONTROLS<\/a>, attempting to eliminate hazards through ENGINEERING-CONTROLS<\/a> before relying on PERSONAL-PROTECTIVE-EQUIPMENT<\/a>.<\/p>Active and Passive Systems<\/h2>
Standards and Compliance<\/h2>