Blog | CTR Payroll Services

OSHA Fall Protection Violations: A Costly Mistake for Employers

Written by Anne Lavelle | Feb 26, 2025 1:00:00 PM

Falls from elevation remain the leading cause of fatal and serious workplace injuries in the construction industry, making fall protection a critical compliance area for employers. One Illinois construction company is now facing more than $250,000 in OSHA fines after repeatedly failing to provide legally required fall protection measures such as safety harnesses and railings.

Understanding OSHA’s Fall Protection Standards

OSHA’s fall protection standards require that employers implement safety measures, including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems, for employees working at heights of six feet or more in construction. Employers must also provide proper training on fall hazards and safety equipment usage.

Consequences of Noncompliance

In this case, the construction company was cited twice in 2024 and five times in the last three years for failing to meet fall protection requirements. The initial penalty was around $20,000, but the company’s continued noncompliance led OSHA to categorize the violations as willful and repeated, dramatically increasing the fine.

Steps Employers Should Take

  • Conduct Regular Safety Audits: Identify and rectify fall hazards before OSHA does.
  • Provide Proper Equipment: Ensure employees have and use safety harnesses, guardrails, and other fall protection gear.
  • Train Your Workforce: Conduct mandatory safety training on fall hazards and protection measures.
  • Respond Promptly to OSHA Citations: Address any citations immediately to avoid escalated fines.

⭐Learn more about OSHA’s fall protection requirements here.

Stay compliant to protect your employees and your business.

✴️Need help with OSHA Tracking & Reporting? Contact us

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