Indianapolis, June 17, 2011 -- In late 2010, Federal OSHA issued revised fall-protection guidelines that were to become effective June 16, 2011. However, federal OSHA recently changed the timeline, making full compliance with these new guidelines due Sept. 16, 2011. Please refer to www.osha.gov for additional information on Fall Protection Requirements for Residential Construction.
Indiana OSHA will commence full enforcement of the directive Oct 1, 2011.
During the interim period until that date, construction employers need to be in compliance with the original fall protection guidelines. No citation will be issued for fall protection if the employers are practicing one of the following safety methods:
1. Using conventional fall protection
2. Having a well-developed and working fall-protection plan
3. Are in full compliance with the previously existing fall-protection guidelines
During the interim period, employers are encouraged to work with workplace safety consultants, trade associations, or INSafe to ensure their fall-protection plans are effective and in compliance.
For available resources, please visit www. dol.in.gov or www.OSHA.gov, then click on the link labeled Residential Fall Protection.