According to OSHA standards, what is the maximum allowable impact force of a fall?

The maximum allowable impact force of a fall according to OSHA standards is 1,800 pounds. This limit is in place to ensure a higher level of safety and to minimize the risk of serious injury or fatality in the event of a fall. OSHA requires that personal fall arrest systems are designed to limit the arresting forces on a falling worker to this 1,800-pound threshold to prevent excessive forces that could lead to injuries such as trauma to internal organs, spinal injury, or other severe outcomes.

Following this standard helps in the effective design and implementation of fall protection systems, ensuring that they are not only effective in preventing falls but also in protecting workers from the potential injurious forces that could result from a fall. Understanding this limit is crucial for those working in environments where falls might occur, as it guides the selection and use of appropriate safety equipment, like harnesses and lanyards, that comply with these safety regulations.