OSHA Extends Phase-in Period for Fall Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that it is extending its temporary fall protection enforcement measures through Sept. 15, 2012, at which time the new residential fall protection directive will take effect.

The temporary enforcement measures, which apply to residential construction jobs, include free priority on-site compliance assistance, penalty reductions, extended abatement dates, measures to assure consistency and increased outreach.

The new regulations are designed to reduce fatalities from falls—the number one cause of death in the construction industry.