When do workers need to be protected from fall hazards?

Generally, workers must be protected from falls to a lower level of 10 feet or more.

What are the exceptions? Employees must be protected from falls of six feet or more if they're exposed to the following:

• Holes and skylights in walking/working surfaces
• Wall openings and windows where the sill height is less than 39 inches above the floor
• Established floors, mezzanines, balconies, and walkways that have unprotected sides and edges
• Excavations with edges that are not readily seen because of plant growth or other visual barriers
• Wells, pits, shafts, and similar excavations