OSHA 10 Hour Construction Program Practice Test

What must a worker on a scaffold do if they can fall more than 10 feet?

1. Wear a hard hat

2. Use a safety harness

3. They must be protected by guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)

4. Complete a safety training course

The correct answer is: They must be protected by guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)

A worker on a scaffold who can fall more than 10 feet is required to be protected by guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). This requirement is established to ensure worker safety in high-risk environments where falls may occur. Guardrails serve as a physical barrier that prevents workers from accidentally falling off the edge of a scaffold. They are typically installed at various heights to provide adequate protection. Personal fall arrest systems, such as harnesses and lanyards, provide an additional layer of safety by minimizing the distance and impact force of a fall. The regulations emphasize that fall protection must be provided when there is a potential for falls greater than the specified height, which aligns with the requirements set by OSHA. By implementing these safety measures, workers are significantly less likely to experience serious injuries or fatalities from falls while working at heights. Other options do enhance safety in different contexts, such as wearing hard hats to protect against falling objects, using safety harnesses, and obtaining safety training, but they do not replace the specific requirement for fall protection when working on scaffolds at elevated heights.