Annual Fall Protection Inspections: What Building Owners Need to Know
Annual fall protection inspections help building owners identify compliance gaps, meet OSHA requirements, and ensure rooftop safety systems continue to protect workers.
- By Akshay Kumar
- Jan 16, 2026
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatality in the workplace. For building owners and safety managers responsible for rooftops, façades, and elevated work areas, fall protection systems are a critical line of defense. However, installing a compliant fall protection system is only the first step. Ongoing inspection and evaluation are crucial to guarantee that your fall protection equipment continues to perform as intended.
Annual fall protection inspections play a central role in ensuring compliance with applicable standards and protecting workers who rely on these systems every day. Yet, inspection requirements are often misunderstood, inconsistently applied, or confused with recertification or load testing. Understanding what inspections involve and why they matter can help building owners manage risk more effectively.
Why Annual Inspections Matter
Roof anchor recertification involves required load testing of tieback anchors that comprise either a rooftop fall protection system or a window washing system.
Compliance with OSHA 1910.27(b)(1)(i) requires that building owners inform employers, in writing, that they have identified, tested, certified, and maintained each anchorage so that it can support at least 5,000 pounds in any direction, for each worker attached.
Fall protection systems are exposed to environmental conditions, repeated use, and possible misuse over time. Corrosion, structural movement, roof modifications, and undocumented repairs can all affect system performance without being immediately visible to users.
Annual inspections help identify:
- Physical damage or deterioration
- Improper installations or unauthorized modifications
- Missing or illegible system labeling
- Changes to the structure that may affect anchor integrity
By identifying concerns early, inspections reduce the likelihood of system failure and help ensure equipment remains suitable for continued use.
Inspection vs. Recertification: Understanding the Difference
One common source of confusion is the distinction between standard inspections and system recertification.
The tieback anchors on a building’s roof form a fall protection system that keeps workers safe from injury or death in the event of a fall. It’s paramount that these systems are in peak order so there is no risk associated with rooftop maintenance. Additionally, there are specific OSHA requirements for roof anchor testing that must be followed to ensure your fall protection equipment is safe and compliant. Hence, annual inspections and recertification via load testing are needed to ensure the fall protection system is up to code.
Annual inspections typically involve a detailed visual assessment conducted by a qualified individual. The goal is to confirm that the system remains in good condition, has not been altered, and continues to meet applicable safety requirements.
Recertification or load testing, on the other hand, is usually required at longer intervals or after specific triggering events. These events may include:
- Structural modifications to the building
- Replacement or relocation of anchors
- Evidence of impact loading or fall arrest
- Lengthy durations without documented inspections
While both processes support compliance, they serve different purposes and should be planned accordingly.
Who Is Responsible for Inspections?
Responsibility for ensuring inspections are completed ultimately rests with the building owner or employee tasked with property management. Inspections should be conducted by individuals knowledgeable about fall protection systems, applicable standards, and the specific equipment installed.
Inspectors should also be able to:
- Review original design documentation
- Verify system compatibility with intended use
- Identify conditions that may require engineering review
Maintaining proper documentation of inspections is just as important as conducting them. Records provide evidence of proper diligence and may be required during audits or incident investigations.
Common Compliance Gaps
Even well-intentioned building owners can fall out of compliance due to common oversights, including:
- Assuming new systems do not require inspection for several years
- Failing to update inspection records after roof renovations
- Overlooking non-obvious damage caused by weather exposure
- Using only user checks instead of formal inspections
Dealing with these gaps requires an annual inspection program and clear internal responsibility.
Planning for Long-Term Safety
An effective fall protection program goes beyond installation. Periodic inspections, proper documentation, and official procedures for addressing deficiencies all help create safer working conditions.
Building owners who proactively manage inspections not only reduce risk but also extend the service life of their fall protection systems. More importantly, they help ensure that workers returning from elevated tasks do so safely, every time. You can find more information about the annual inspection program here
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