When is fall protection required in climbing or pole work?

Fall protection is required whenever employees are working at elevations where there is a potential for falling. The key consideration is the standard that mandates fall protection unless it can be demonstrated that such protection is infeasible or that it would create a greater hazard than working without it. This principle encourages employers to evaluate the specific conditions and tasks employees will be undertaking, and to take the necessary precautions to ensure safety without excessively complicating the work process.

The other choices do not accurately define the circumstances under which fall protection is mandated. Fall protection requirements are not solely contingent upon explicit statements from OSHA or specific conditions during work, such as adverse weather. Moreover, the use of ladders alone does not automatically necessitate fall protection unless the elevation poses a risk of falling. Hence, the necessity for fall protection hinges on a broader understanding of the work environment and potential risks associated with climbing or working at height.