When must workers be provided with fall protection?

Workers must be provided with fall protection when they are working at heights where the potential for a fall exists, and the requirement often varies depending on the context of the work being performed. In the context of construction, federal regulations typically require fall protection at elevations of 6 feet or more. This is particularly relevant in industry standards set by OSHA, which indicate that a fall protection system needs to be in place in scenarios where a worker is exposed to a fall risk greater than this specified height.

The significance of the height of 6 feet is underscored in construction and related occupations, as it represents a critical point where the risk of serious injury from falls becomes more pronounced. At lower heights, while falls can still occur, the likelihood of injury often decreases. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the legal and safety standards necessary to protect workers in higher-risk work environments, ensuring that necessary precautions are taken before reaching that threshold.