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On a construction site, what height triggers fall protection for an unprotected side or edge?

6 feet is the construction fall protection trigger.

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  1. 4 feet
  2. 6 feet ✔
  3. 10 feet

Why: 1926.501 requires fall protection at 6 feet in construction. General industry uses 4 feet, so the work setting matters.

Huh, didn't know that: OSHA lets employers choose guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems at the 6 foot threshold.

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References

Answer: 6 feet. 1926.501 requires fall protection at 6 feet in construction. General industry uses 4 feet, so the work setting matters.

  1. 29 CFR 1926.501 Duty to have fall protection (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.501
    6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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