At what maximum distance should safety nets be installed below a working surface?

Safety nets are a crucial fall protection measure in construction and other industries, designed to catch workers who may fall from elevated surfaces. According to OSHA standards, safety nets must be installed at a maximum distance of 30 feet below the working surface. This distance is established to ensure that the net can adequately absorb the impact of a fall while providing enough space for the worker to land safely without risk of hitting the ground or other hazards.

The determination of this maximum distance takes into account factors such as the net’s design, strength, and ability to efficiently reduce injury during a fall. The 30-foot guideline balances the need for safety with practical considerations regarding the placement and effectiveness of the nets.

This standard helps ensure that when workers are at heights that pose a risk, there’s a reliable and effective fall protection system in place, thereby promoting a safer working environment on construction sites.