How Cal/OSHA’s New Fall Protection Rule Is Making Scaffold a Must-Have
What Builders Need to Know About §1671.1 and the July 2025 Update.
As of July 1, 2025, 2025, California’s fall protection standards are changing in a big way. If you’re a builder or trades contractor in San Diego, this isn’t just a safety update — it’s a logistical shift that’s going to increase your need for scaffold on site.
At AE Scaffold, we’re helping contractors across the region get ahead of the change.
What’s Changing?
Under the revised §1671.1 Fall Protection Plan, the minimum height requiring fall protection has dropped from 15 feet to 6 feet on residential and roofing construction.
That’s a major shift. It aligns California with federal OSHA standards and expands the scope of work that requires fall protection. Now, even basic operations — like sheathing, exterior plaster, lath, HVAC roof install, or fascia work — will trigger the requirement.
Additionally, the language around when conventional fall protection is not required has changed:
“Impractical” is out.
“Infeasible” is in.
This subtle change raises the bar for contractors to prove that conventional methods can’t be used — and makes scaffold one of the most straightforward paths to compliance.
Why Scaffold Is Now the Default Fall Protection
At AE Scaffold, we’re already seeing the trend: more builders are turning to scaffold for projects that never used it before. Here’s why:
Passive Protection, Fewer Headaches
Scaffold with guardrails meets the definition of conventional fall protection — and it doesn’t rely on workers remembering to tie off. It creates a safe working platform and reduces the need for written Fall Protection Plans in many scenarios.
Covers That 6–15 Foot Gap
Before, many builders didn’t scaffold smaller residential jobs or low-slope roof work because it wasn’t required. Now? Those same areas will require fall protection — and scaffold is often the simplest and safest solution.
Less Paperwork, More Production
Skip the time-consuming task of drafting a §1671.1 plan and proving that conventional methods are “infeasible.” Just install scaffold, get the work done, and stay compliant.
What This Means for San Diego Builders
If you’re operating in the 6-to-15-foot work zone, it’s time to plan for scaffold as part of your standard job setup. This impacts:
- Framing & sheathing
- Roofline details
- Plaster and lath prep
- Window install
- Fascia and trim
AE Scaffold is here to support you with flexible scaffold solutions built for mid-rise infill and residential work. We’re based in San Diego and specialize in fast, professional service that keeps your project on schedule and in compliance.
Let’s Get Ahead of the Change
With July 2025 around the corner, now’s the time to adjust your bid templates, planning protocols, and job safety setup.
If you need help determining which scopes now require scaffold, or if you want a partner that understands how to keep your sites both productive and safe — reach out to AE Scaffold today.
We’re not just a scaffold provider.
We’re part of your crew.
