Question: What effect will the new fall protection requirements for fixed ladders in the outdoor advertising industry have on the "qualified climber" exception?

Answer:

The final rule phases out OSHA’s 1993 policy that allows "qualified climbers" to climb billboard fixed ladders without any fall protection. Once phase-in deadlines arrive, outdoor advertising employers must ensure that all billboard fixed ladders (over 24 feet) are equipped with fall protection and all workers use those systems during the entire length of the climb.