At What Height Is Scaffolding Required

If an employee is working on a scaffold, the height requirement for fall protection is 10 feet, and this protection usually is provided by a guardrail. The OSHA standard requires employers to protect each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level from falling to that lower level.

At what height do I need a scaffold?

In the general industry, the height requirement for scaffolding is 4 feet above a lower level. For construction work, the height requirement is 6 feet above a lower level. All workers 10 feet above a lower level must have fall protection.

At what height and above is fall protection required on a scaffold?

Fall protection on scaffolding is required at 10 feet. In addition to falls from heights, workers also can slip or trip on ground surfaces that are uneven or cluttered with debris.