The General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act requires hazard-free workplaces. For fall protection, guardrails are preferred, guided by building codes. Federal OSHA mandates 4-foot high rails, with a 42-inch top rail, capable of withstanding a 200-pound force. In California, Cal/OSHA requires guardrails for 30-inch elevation differences, with 42-45-inch top rails, able to handle a 20-pound load, and 8-foot max post spacing. Both require toeboards, with slight measurement differences, and Cal/OSHA may add industry-specific rules.
