How is "fall protection" defined?

Fall protection is defined as safety measures designed to prevent workers from falling from heights. This definition encompasses a broad range of strategies and equipment aimed at minimizing the risk of falls, which are a significant hazard in construction and other industries where work is performed at elevated levels. These measures can include guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems, and proper training on how to use such equipment safely.

While training programs for workers and specific equipment like harnesses are vital components of an overall fall protection strategy, the essence of fall protection lies in its preventative measures. This encompasses various systems and strategies to ensure that falls do not occur in the first place, rather than solely focusing on training or equipment usage in isolation. Similarly, barriers around construction sites can enhance safety but do not encompass the full scope of fall protection measures, which explicitly aim to protect workers from falling during their tasks.