Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

What safety measure is required when working at heights of 6 feet or higher?

1. Fall protection

2. Two people working together

3. Ladder

4. Lockout tagout

The correct answer is: Fall protection

When working at heights of 6 feet or higher, implementing fall protection is a critical safety measure. Fall protection systems are designed to prevent workers from falling off elevated work surfaces, safeguarding their well-being and minimizing the risk of serious accidents. This requirement is governed by safety regulations and standards put in place by organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The rationale behind requiring fall protection is rooted in the statistics showing that falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. By utilizing fall protection systems—such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems—employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls and enhance overall safety for workers engaged in tasks at elevated heights. Other measures, such as working in teams, using a ladder safely, or lockout/tagout procedures, while important in their respective contexts, do not specifically address the inherent risks associated with working at heights and, therefore, are not the primary safety requirement in this scenario.