Fall Protection Plan Template — OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(k) Compliant
The umbrella fall-protection program for any construction site with work above 6 feet. Covers conventional fall protection (guardrails, nets, harnesses) and the alternative-methods documentation required when conventional FP is infeasible.
When this template is required
Required under 29 CFR 1926.502(k) when conventional fall protection (guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest) is infeasible or creates a greater hazard. Required as a general matter on all construction sites with fall hazards 6 ft or greater.
Why this template
Top-3 OSHA citation in construction every year
Fall Protection has been #1 on OSHA's Top 10 list since 2011. Having a written plan is the foundation defense against citation.
Covers both conventional and alternative protection
Most templates only cover one approach. This one documents conventional protection (the default) AND the alternative-methods justification required when conventional FP is infeasible (1926.502(k)).
Per-zone hazard assessment
The plan's hazard assessment worksheet lets you document each fall-hazard zone separately — required when work areas have different anchor, height, or access conditions.
Equipment inspection records included
29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21) requires inspection of fall protection equipment before each use. The pack includes the inspection log and checklist.
What you receive
- Editable fall protection plan (Word .docx)
- Hazard assessment worksheet (per work zone)
- Anchor point inspection log
- Fall protection equipment inspection checklist (pre-use)
- Competent Person and Qualified Person designation forms
- Training record template for authorized users
- Inspection log for harnesses, lanyards, SRLs
- Reference: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M compliance crosswalk
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- GCs and subcontractors on any site with work above 6 feet
- Roofing contractors (residential and commercial)
- Steel erection and structural-trade crews
- Mast climber, scissor lift, and aerial-work-platform operators
- Window installation and glazing crews
Frequently asked
When is a fall protection plan required?
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M requires fall protection for work at 6 feet or greater on construction sites. A written fall protection plan is required under 1926.502(k) when conventional fall protection (guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest) is infeasible or creates a greater hazard. In practice, GCs require a written plan for any project with substantial fall exposure.
What height triggers OSHA fall protection?
Construction: 6 feet (29 CFR 1926.501). General industry: 4 feet (29 CFR 1910.28). Shipyards: 5 feet. Longshoring: 8 feet. The construction trigger of 6 feet applies to walking-working surfaces; specific tasks (steel erection, etc.) have their own triggers.
What should a fall protection plan include?
A site-specific hazard assessment; the fall protection systems to be used in each work zone; the procedures for inspecting and maintaining equipment; the designation of Competent Person(s); training and re-training requirements; and the rescue plan (see our separate Fall Protection Rescue Plan template).
Do I need a separate fall protection plan for each project?
OSHA requires the plan to be site-specific. Most contractors maintain a master umbrella program and produce a site-specific addendum for each project. This template includes both: the master program AND a site-specific addendum worksheet you can complete per project.
Does this template cover residential construction?
Yes. The template is suitable for both commercial and residential construction. For residential roofing specifically, additional considerations under STD 03-11-002 may apply — the template's alternative-methods documentation covers the residential roofing scenarios where conventional FP is infeasible.