In the building materials industry, elevated storage areas are common—and so are the risks that come with them. Whether you’re working on a mezzanine, elevated pallet rack, or loft platform, one misstep can lead to serious injury. To meet OSHA regulations and reduce liability, your company needs a clearly written, enforceable fall protection policy.
Here’s what to include in that policy to ensure it’s effective, compliant, and practical for your facility.
- Scope and Purpose
Start with a brief overview that defines the goal of the policy—protecting employees from fall hazards when working in or around elevated storage areas. Clarify where this policy applies (e.g., warehouses, distribution centers, retail stockrooms) and who is responsible for enforcing it.
- Definitions
Include key definitions to eliminate confusion, such as:
Elevated storage area: Any storage platform, mezzanine, or overhead shelving area above 4 feet in height.
Fall protection system: Guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, safety nets, etc.
Authorized personnel: Trained employees permitted to access elevated areas.
- Regulatory Compliance
Cite applicable standards that the policy is built upon. These typically include:
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.28: Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.29: Fall protection systems criteria
Any relevant state or local regulations
Referencing these standards shows that your policy is grounded in official safety guidelines.
- Required Fall Protection Systems
Clearly outline what types of fall protection are required in each scenario. For example:
Guardrails: Required around all open sides of elevated platforms.
Toe boards: Installed to prevent tools or materials from falling below.
Safety gates: Self-closing gates at ladder access points.
Personal fall arrest systems (PFAS): Required where guardrails cannot be installed.
Specify when and how each system should be used and maintained.
- Safe Access and Egress
Describe how employees should access elevated storage safely. This may include:
Use of approved ladders or stairways only
No climbing on shelving or pallet racking
Prohibition of makeshift platforms or equipment for elevation
This section helps prevent unsafe workarounds that could lead to accidents.
- Training Requirements
Fall protection is only effective if employees know how to use it. Your policy should require:
Initial and annual fall protection training
Hands-on instruction for using harnesses and lanyards
Refresher training when new equipment or systems are introduced
Documentation of all completed training
Make it clear that only trained and authorized personnel may work in elevated storage zones.
- Inspection and Maintenance
Outline procedures for routine checks of:
Guardrails, gates, and anchor points
Fall arrest equipment (e.g., harnesses, lanyards, lifelines)
Structural stability of elevated storage areas
Specify who is responsible for inspections, how frequently they occur, and what to do if hazards are identified.
- Incident Reporting and Corrective Action
Include a process for reporting fall hazards, near misses, or incidents. The policy should explain:
How to report unsafe conditions or faulty equipment
Who to contact immediately in case of an incident
How investigations will be handled
The timeline for corrective actions and follow-up
Encouraging timely reporting helps maintain a proactive safety culture.
- Enforcement and Disciplinary Action
State clearly that failure to follow the fall protection policy will lead to disciplinary action. This reinforces the seriousness of compliance and ensures accountability at all levels.
- Policy Review and Updates
Commit to reviewing and updating the policy regularly—at least annually or whenever regulations change. Continuous improvement keeps your team safer and your operation compliant.
Final Thoughts
An effective fall protection policy is more than paperwork—it’s a critical tool in preventing workplace injuries and maintaining OSHA compliance. By including these key elements, your company can provide clear guidance, reduce risk, and foster a culture of safety around elevated storage areas.
