When are guardrails required on construction sites?

Guardrails are required on construction sites primarily to protect workers from falls, which are a leading cause of injury and fatalities in the construction industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that guardrails be installed in locations where there is a risk of falling, specifically on elevated surfaces.

The requirement for guardrails is triggered when workers are engaged in activities at a height of more than 6 feet. This height is deemed significant enough to warrant the risk of severe injury from falls, thus requiring protective measures such as guardrails. Guardrails serve as a physical barrier to prevent falls and provide crucial safety for workers at elevated workstations, such as roofs, scaffolding, and platforms.

Regulations are designed to ensure a safe working environment, and the specific height of 6 feet for guardrail requirements reflects the need to proactively address fall hazards before they lead to accidents.