At what height must employees be protected from falling to lower levels when using scaffolding?

The correct answer indicates that employees must be protected from falling to lower levels when using scaffolding at a height of 10 feet. This requirement is established to enhance safety in construction operations, where falls can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Within OSHA regulations, the 10-foot threshold is significant because it reflects the recognized level of risk associated with work at elevated positions.

Protection methods such as guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets are mandated to prevent falls from scaffolding at this height. Scaffolding operations are inherently risky, and establishing a requirement at this level serves as an effective means to mitigate those risks. Ensuring that fall protection measures are in place at 10 feet helps to safeguard the health and well-being of employees, demonstrating the importance OSHA assigns to fall prevention strategies.