The fall protection industry has been bombarded with regulations and standards. Understanding these requirements is key to ensuring a safe work environment. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR) assures and enforces safe and healthful working conditions for general industry and construction in the United States. Under the Act, employers have the duty of providing their workers with a place of employment free from recognized safety and health hazards. It’s the law. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) are voluntary organizations made up of manufacturers and consumers that establish product performance standards for fall protection safety. Meeting the standards indicates that products pass accepted testing procedures. The standards are not enforceable as law, however many OSHA regulations are adopted from ANSI standards.

Employers should obtain copies of the regulations that apply to their work operations by writing to: