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Cal/OSHA fall protection updates, effective July 1, 2025, have lowered the trigger height for fall protection in residential construction and roofing from 15 feet to 6 feet. This update requires employees working at this height or higher to be protected by conventional fall protection methods like guardrails, nets, or personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), or by a site-specific plan that justifies the infeasibility of these methods. An advisory committee has been formed to consider clarifications to the new rules, but they are currently in effect. 

Key updates

• Lowered trigger height: Fall protection is now required for residential construction and roofing when employees are 6 feet or more above a lower level, a change from the previous 15-foot trigger height.
• Shift to 6-foot rule: This update brings California's residential fall protection rules into alignment with federal OSHA standards.
• Fall protection plan requirements: If a conventional fall protection method (e.g., guardrails, nets, or PFAS) is deemed infeasible, a written fall protection plan must be developed by a qualified person.
  • The new rules create a presumption that conventional methods are feasible, placing the burden on the employer to justify exceptions.
  • The plan must be site-specific, include details on the qualified person, and be maintained and updated as work progresses.
• Other updates: There are also separate updates to rules concerning structural steel erection and floor openings, adopted July 15, 2025. 

Updates page coming soon