Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13): "Residential construction." Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of 1926.502. a. On or before December 15, 2018, where an employee was moving material adjacent to a window opening on the third floor stairwell landing, the employee was not protected from falls by an adequate guardrail system to include a mid and top rail, resulting in the employee falling 20 feet to the ground below. b. On or before December 15, 2018, where employees used a stairwell to gain access to the floors of a 4 story apartment building, the employees were not protected by an adequate guardrail system to include a mid and top rail, thereby exposing employees to fall hazards of up to 30 feet.