On a recent site visit, one of our clients asked if OSHA’s 1910 four foot rule applies to loading docks. The short answer is usually, yes. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. By strict letter of the law, a 46” dock does not require fall protection under the provisions of OSHA 1910. That said, even docks coming in under 4 feet should utilize some sort of fall protection system…
OSHA’s Revised Walking Working Surfaces Implementation Timeline
OSHA’s recent updates to its General Industry Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection Standards will impact 112 million workers at 7 million workplaces. According to OSHA estimates, the new Slips, Trips, and Falls regulations will prevent 29 fatalities and 5,842 lost-workday injuries every year. If you are wondering about the timeline for implementing the new standards, we have a new post that may help…..
Do OSHA Regulations Require Fall Protection for 46″ Loading Docks?
On a recent site visit, one of our clients asked if OSHA’s 1910 four foot rule applies to loading docks. The short answer is usually, yes. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. By strict letter of the law, a 46” dock does not require fall protection under the provisions of OSHA 1910. That said, even docks coming in under 4 feet should utilize some sort of fall protection system and here is why…
