September 8, 2011

Fowler & Peth Hosts in-service with OSHA inspectors to assist contractors in understanding OSHA's upcoming enforcement changes to Residential Fall Protection.

In an effort to assist our customer and roofing contractors in general understand the changes in enforcement that will take place, Fowler & Peth invited local OSHA Inspectors and contractors to participate in an in-service last week. We will be holding several more sessions over the next three weeks. The session include a detailed look at the regulations in 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13) and what companies large and small will need to do to be in compliance. Additionally, these sessions provide an informal venue for employers to ask direct questions to OSHA Compliance Officers about issues they are facing on jobsites and get answers directly from the source.

On December 16, 2010, OSHA issued STD 03-11-002, Compliance Guidance for Residential Construction, which rescinds STD 03-00-001, Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction. STD 03-11-002 simply stated – Residential Construction work is now required to comply with the full scope of 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13).

Beginning June 16th 2011, workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (in other words, guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or other fall protection measures allowed elsewhere in 1926.501(b). This is a significant change. Prior to this standard, OSHA allowed contractors on residential jobs to use alternative methods of fall protection (i.e. slide guards), rather than the more rigorous standard (safety nets, guardrails, etc). Additionally, If a contractor feels that conventional systems pose a greater hazard or are infeasible, they now must demonstrate the hazard or infeasibility and fully document an alternative fall protection plan.

To learn more about our upcoming sessions, please contact your local branch for information and dates.