The intent of the OSU Fall Protection Safety Program is to ensure that all fall hazards are properly identified and addressed to protect workers from injury. This includes working at elevations where there are unprotected sides and edges; holes and excavations; working above dangerous equipment; utilizing scaffolding, aerial lifts, and ladders; and/or building rooftops. Where fall hazards exist, all employees must be protected by a fall protection system.
Fall protection systems incorporated into building or facility design shall meet all applicable standards including, but not limited to, ANSI A10.32-2004 Fall protection systems for construction and demolition operations; ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code; OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart D-Walking and working surfaces; OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I-Personal protective equipment; OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M-Fall protection; The Ohio State University Building Design Standards for Associate Architects and Engineers.
Choosing fall protection systems. The hierarchy of controls, or preferred order of controls, shall be used to choose methods to eliminate or control fall hazards.
Supervisors must ensure there is both a competent person(s) involved in the fall protection program; and authorized fall protection users. Training must be completed prior to introducing and employee to a fall hazard and includes identification of fall hazards; use of fall protection systems; fall protection PPE use, care and inspection; rescue operations; and limitations.
