Why are there two different fall protection height requirements and why does OSHA mandate them?

OSHA mandates two different height requirements, because after 4 feet or 6 feet, injuries from a fall become both disabling and fatal. At a height of 4 feet, injuries can be so great that they can cause severe disability and functional incapacitation.

At 4 feet, the body will tend to fall on its side, whereas, at a height of 6 feet, injuries are often fatal, because the body tends to free fall, causing the worker to land on either the neck or the head.

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