Last updated: April 2026
Last updated: April 2026
The most common question in fall protection is also the most commonly answered wrong: "At what height is fall protection required?" The answer depends on your country, your province or state, your industry, and the specific hazard. In the United States, OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet (1.8 m) in construction and 4 feet (1.2 m) in general industry. In Canada, most provinces set the trigger at 3 metres (10 feet), with Alberta requiring protection at 1.2 m for permanent work areas. This guide covers the specific trigger heights for every major jurisdiction in both countries.
⚡ Quick Answer
- US Construction: 6 feet (OSHA 1926.501)
- US General Industry: 4 feet (OSHA 1910.28)
- Canada (most provinces): 3 metres (10 feet)
- Alberta exception: 1.2 m for permanent work areas
- Key rule: Height thresholds do NOT apply near holes, skylights, or dangerous equipment. Fall protection is required at ANY height in those situations.
For the full fall protection guide including equipment, training, and penalties, read our complete fall protection guide.
US: OSHA Fall Protection Height Requirements
OSHA has different trigger heights depending on the industry. Most contractors work in construction, where the general trigger is 6 feet. But general industry, shipyards, and specific situations within construction each have their own rules.
Construction (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M)
The general construction trigger under 1926.501 is 6 feet above a lower level. This applies to unprotected sides, edges, leading edges, formwork, ramps, runways, excavations, overhand bricklaying, and roofing.
But there are critical exceptions where height does not matter:
| Situation |
Trigger |
Section |
| Holes (including skylights) |
Any height |
1926.501(b)(4) |
| Dangerous equipment below |
Any height |
1926.501(b)(8) |
| Impalement hazards |
Any height |
1926.701(b) |
General Industry (29 CFR 1910.28)
For general industry (manufacturing, warehousing, maintenance), OSHA requires fall protection at 4 feet above a lower level under 1910.28, updated by the 2017 Walking-Working Surfaces final rule.
State-Plan States
Twenty-two states run their own OSHA-approved plans. Some have different trigger heights or additional requirements. Always check the state standard if you operate in a state-plan state. See OSHA's State Plans page for the complete list.
Not sure where your fall protection program is exposed?
See missing training, inspections, and corrective actions before they become stop-work or audit issues.
Start Your 30-Day Free Trial →Canada: Provincial Fall Protection Height Requirements
In Canada, workplace safety is regulated provincially. While most provinces set the general trigger at 3 metres (10 feet), the exceptions and additional requirements differ significantly.
| Province |
General Trigger |
Regulation |
Key Exceptions |
| Alberta |
3 m (10 ft) |
OHS Code Part 9, s.139 |
1.2 m for permanent work areas; any height if hazardous surface below |
| British Columbia |
3 m (10 ft) |
OHS Reg Part 11, s.11.2 |
Any height if risk of injury greater than from a fall on the same level |
| Ontario |
3 m (10 ft) |
Reg 213/91, s.26 |
Mandatory WAH training since 2015; CPO-approved provider required |
| Saskatchewan |
3 m (10 ft) |
OHS Regulations, Part 9 |
|
| Manitoba |
3 m (10 ft) |
WSH Reg, Part 14, s.14.1 |
1.2 m for wheelbarrow paths |
| Nova Scotia |
3 m (10 ft) |
WP Safety Regs, s.59 |
|
| Federal (Canada) |
3 m |
COHSR, s.12.07 |
Federal workplaces; references CSA Z259.16 and Z259.17 |
The critical rule across all Canadian provinces: if there is a hazardous condition below the worker (machinery, impalement hazard, water, chemicals), fall protection is required regardless of height. This mirrors the OSHA "any height" exceptions.
Why the Height Thresholds Are Not the Whole Story
Contractors who focus only on the trigger height miss the bigger picture. Here is why:
- A 4-foot fall can be fatal. The trigger height is a regulatory minimum, not a safety guarantee. A worker who falls 5 feet and hits their head on concrete may not survive.
- Skylights are hidden traps. Uncovered or inadequately covered skylights cause fatalities every year, often at heights well below the general trigger.
- The hierarchy still applies. Even if the trigger height is 6 feet, if you can install a guardrail at 4 feet, you should. The regulation is the floor, not the ceiling.
Still chasing fall protection evidence across files and inboxes?
Centralize corrective actions and proof so your next review is predictable.
Start Your 30-Day Free Trial →Frequently Asked Questions
Is fall protection required at 4 feet or 6 feet?
It depends on the industry. OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet in construction (1926.501) and 4 feet in general industry (1910.28). In Canada, most provinces require fall protection at 3 metres (about 10 feet).
Does Alberta require fall protection below 3 metres?
Yes. Alberta's OHS Code requires fall protection at 1.2 metres for permanent work areas and at any height if there is a hazardous condition below the worker. The 3-metre general trigger applies to temporary construction situations.
Are there situations where fall protection is required at any height?
Yes. Under both OSHA and Canadian regulations, fall protection is required regardless of height when workers are near floor holes (including skylights), above dangerous equipment, or above impalement hazards like exposed rebar.
Get Weekly Safety Insights
Regulation updates, toolbox talk ideas, and compliance tips. One email per week.