Full definition
A comprehensive system of equipment, procedures, and training designed to prevent falls from height or arrest falls before the worker strikes a lower level. Falls are the leading cause of death in construction and a major cause of serious injury in general industry. Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 (construction, trigger height 6 ft/1.8 m) and 29 CFR 1910.28 (general industry, 4 ft/1.2 m). In Mexico: NOM-009-STPS-2011 (work at height, trigger >1.8 m). Fall protection methods (preferred order): (1) Elimination — perform work at ground level when possible. (2) Passive fall prevention — guardrails (top rail 1.0-1.1 m, mid-rail, toe board), hole covers, safety nets. (3) Fall restraint — lanyard and anchor that prevents the worker from reaching the fall edge (cannot fall). (4) Fall arrest — full-body harness with shock-absorbing lanyard or SRL connected to rated anchor point (5,000 lb/22 kN); arrests the fall after it begins. (5) Positioning — work-positioning systems for hands-free work (e.g., utility pole climbing belt). Fall arrest system must limit fall distance to minimize free fall (max 6 ft per OSHA) and arrest forces (<8 kN per ANSI Z359.13). Critical: adequate clearance below the worker (total fall distance = free fall + deceleration distance + harness stretch + D-ring shift — can be 5-6 m). Training required annually per OSHA and NOM-009-STPS.