Is fall protection mandated by OSHA for working on portable ladders?

The correct answer indicates that fall protection is not mandated by OSHA specifically for portable ladders in all scenarios. OSHA standards do require employers to provide fall protection for their employees in certain circumstances where the risk of falling exists. However, when it comes to working on portable ladders, there is no blanket requirement for fall protection in every situation.

OSHA has general guidelines that allow for some flexibility, depending on the height and the specific task being performed. For example, OSHA has specific regulations for fixed ladders and provides guidance on when fall protection should be used, primarily focusing on circumstances that present significant risk factors.

In the case of portable ladders, fall protection is not always required, but safe ladder practices must still be followed to minimize the risk of slips, trips, or falls. This includes ensuring that the ladder is positioned correctly and stable during use. Therefore, while it is essential to uphold safety standards when using ladders, the absence of a universal OSHA mandate for fall protection when using portable ladders leads to the conclusion that fall protection is not mandated in those situations.