At what height is fall protection required when working near an edge?

Fall protection is typically required at a height of 6 feet when working near an unprotected edge in general industry settings. This requirement is established to help ensure the safety of workers by minimizing the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. The 6-foot rule is a critical standard in occupational safety, particularly when dealing with elevated work areas such as rooftops, scaffolding, or any elevated platforms where the risk of falling is present.

This specific height has been chosen because falls from this height can result in significant impacts, highlighting the need for effective safety measures such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. By implementing fall protection at this level, the goal is to create a safer working environment and reduce the likelihood of accidents.