# Fall Protection
Falls are the **leading cause of death** in construction — so fall protection is the most important safety system on most sites.
## When it's generally required
In construction, fall protection is generally required at **6 feet** or more above a lower level (and around certain openings and equipment). *Always confirm the trigger height and rules for your situation.*
## The main methods
- **Guardrails** — top rail, mid rail, toe board around edges and openings.
- **Safety nets** — below work areas where guardrails aren't feasible.
- **Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)** — the **ABCs**:
- **A**nchor point (rated and secure)
- **B**ody harness (full-body, worn correctly)
- **C**onnector (shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline)
## Ladders & scaffolds
Inspect before use, maintain **3 points of contact** on ladders, and ensure scaffolds are built/inspected by a competent person.
**Takeaway:** Falls kill — protect at height with guardrails, nets, or a harness system (Anchor, Body harness, Connector), and use ladders/scaffolds correctly.
> ⚠️ *Educational overview — this is **not** official OSHA certification. Get OSHA 10/30 training from an OSHA-authorized trainer, and always follow your employer's safety program and current OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926 for construction).*
