North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What is the maximum distance safety nets must be positioned below the work surface?

1. 5ft

2. 10ft

3. 15ft

4. 20ft

The correct answer is: 10ft

Safety nets are a critical safety feature in construction and other industries where there is a risk of falls from heights. According to the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the maximum distance that safety nets must be positioned below the working surface is indeed 10 feet. This distance is determined to provide adequate protection to workers who might fall while working above the net. When safety nets are installed at this distance, they are designed to effectively catch a falling worker, minimizing the risk of injury. The purpose of safety nets is to be a last line of defense against falls, and positioning them too far below the working surface could increase the risk of injury due to the distance a worker would fall before being caught. Therefore, maintaining the correct height—no more than 10 feet—ensures that the nets can perform their function effectively. This standard was established based on assessments of fall dynamics and the effectiveness of safety nets in preventing serious injuries, ensuring a balance between safety and practicality on job sites.