Situation
The crew is ready to start decking on the second floor, about 20 feet up. The perimeter guardrail isn't up yet and no one is tied off, and we're behind schedule. Do we start now, or hold until fall protection is in place?
Background
What the code says
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1) — Fall Protection
Sections applied: 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.502(d)(1), 1926.502(b)(1), 1926.503(a)(1)
Assessment
The risk reads as: Stop Work.
The crew would be working about 20 feet up with no guardrail and no personal fall arrest — well past the 6-foot trigger for fall protection. Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. This is a stop-work condition, not a schedule call.
High confidenceRecommendation
OkAI's call
Stop Work
Not worth the risk. Make it safe first.
- 1Hold the deck work — no one past the leading edge yet.
- 2Install perimeter guardrails, or set anchors and tie off with harnesses.
- 3Confirm every worker at height is protected and trained.
- 4Resume once fall protection is verified in place.
Outcome
ConfirmedLicensed, never sold