The OSHA 4-Foot Rule

priority_high Why it matters

In general industry the fall-protection trigger is just 4 feet — not the 6 feet most people assume from construction. OSHA §1910.28 requires protection for any worker on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge 4 feet or more above a lower level. Mezzanines, loading docks, roof access, pits and elevated walkways all qualify.

event_repeat How often it's checked

The duty is continuous — there is no inspection interval; protection simply has to be in place whenever the exposure exists. It's a core target of OSHA's fall-protection emphasis program, so an inspector can cite an unprotected 4-foot edge the moment they see it.

construction How we fix it (with La Gala Construction)

We assess every surface against the 4-foot rule and install the right protection — compliant guardrail, hole covers, designated-area systems, or certified anchors and tie-offs — then document it for your compliance file.

Got this on a citation — or want to get ahead of it?

Our PE partner certifies it, our field team inspects it, and La Gala Construction fixes it — under one contract. Start with a comprehensive, no-obligation assessment, or build a custom compliance plan in two minutes.

Get a comprehensive assessment schoolSchedule Certified Training Build a plan

Window-washing or swing-stage crews on your facade? Start with tie-back anchor inspection & load testing.