A fall hazard (per OSHA definition) is created whenever workers must climb onto trailers, materials or equipment whose height exceeds what from the lower level or ground?

A fall hazard is defined by OSHA as existing whenever workers must work at heights exceeding 6 feet above the lower level or ground. This standard highlights the significant risk of injury from falls, which are a leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. The 6-foot threshold is grounded in research and accident statistics that indicate the likelihood of serious injury increases substantially at this height.

In construction, scenarios that frequently exceed this height include working on scaffolding, ladders, or roofs, as well as operating on trailers or elevated platforms. Safety measures, such as guardrails, harnesses, and other fall protection systems, are typically required to mitigate these risks. Options that suggest heights lower than 6 feet do not appropriately address the realities of fall hazards, while those above 6 feet may be considered in the context of specific work environments but do not represent the regulatory baseline.