With recently released Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing that falls from height continue to be one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has recently announced the release of the newest version of ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code Version 3.0.

A benchmark standard that has been incorporated into many industrial fall protection programs around the world, the code establishes requirements for an effective and comprehensive fall protection management system. It then addresses technical issues and concepts with a series of coordinated standard and reference documents.

“The release of version 3.0 of the Fall Protection Code marks yet another milestone for the Z359 Committee and ASSE in their endeavor to provide the most comprehensive and technical standards to protect workers at height. Although compliance to the standards is voluntary, we continue to see them being referenced, not only at State and Federal levels but also gaining International recognition,” said Z359 Standard Committee Chair, Randall Wingfield.

Standards included in Z359 V3.0 are:

Z359.0-2012: Definitions & Nomenclature Used for Fall Protection and Fall Arrest

Z359/1-2007: Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components

Z359.3-2007: Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program

Z359.4-2-13: Safety Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and Components.

(Click here for a complete list of standards and documents included in the code)