Fall Protection Plan

The regulation that requires it in California

California runs an approved state plan. The requirement for a written fall protection plan when conventional methods are infeasible is found in §1671.1(a)(1) and §1716.2(e)(1).

Enforcing agency

Cal/OSHA (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) is the enforcing agency. They inspect workplaces in California and issue citations under state standards. As an approved state plan, Cal/OSHA operates in place of federal OSHA for most private-sector employers.

State-specific requirements beyond the federal baseline

• A fall protection plan must be prepared by a qualified person per §1671.1(a)(1).
• The plan must be maintained up to date per §1671.1(a)(1).
• The plan must identify each location where conventional fall protection methods cannot be used per §1671.1(a)(7).
• Employees working at the leading edge must use fall protection as specified in Article 24, a fall protection plan, or parapets at least 24 inches high per Cal/OSHA T8 CCR §1716.1(c)(1)(A).

Penalties for non-compliance in California

Penalties follow the standard Cal/OSHA (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) schedule; refer to the agency for current amounts.

How to comply

• Have a qualified person prepare the plan before work begins.
• Identify all locations where conventional fall protection is infeasible.
• Train workers on the plan and keep it current.
• Review and update the plan whenever site conditions change.
• Keep the plan available at the worksite for review.