OSHA’s new fall protection regulations for the U.S. residential construction industry will be in full effect in September. Are you prepared?
The new instruction (1926.501 subpart M) cancels the original interim instruction issued more than 15 years ago and signals the first major fall protection regulation change in the residential roofing industry. OSHA issued the change in response to unexpected and avoidable worker injury and fatality statistics. With an average of 40 workers per year suffering fatal falls from residential structures, there is no doubt that stricter safety regulations are needed. For workers in the roofing segment of the residential construction industry, this is a positive change that will save the lives of many.