When shall safety nets be provided in workplaces?

Safety nets are a crucial component of fall protection in construction and other workplaces where employees may be exposed to fall hazards. According to OSHA regulations, safety nets must be employed when workers are working at heights greater than 30 feet above ground.

This requirement is based on the understanding that the risk of serious injury increases significantly at higher elevations. Safety nets are designed to catch falling workers or objects, thereby providing a layer of security in environments where other fall protection measures may not be feasible. By mandating the use of safety nets at this height, OSHA establishes a standard aimed at minimizing the risks associated with falls, which are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace.

The other proposed heights—15 feet, 20 feet, and 25 feet—do not align with OSHA’s established guidelines for safety net installation. Therefore, the regulation specifically emphasizes the importance of fall protection measures at and above the 30-foot mark to enhance worker safety effectively.