Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

The common height for guardrails on a construction site is 42 inches. This standard is set primarily to ensure the safety of workers by providing a barrier that is tall enough to prevent falls from elevated surfaces, such as scaffolds or open edges of buildings. The 42-inch height is established in safety regulations, such as those from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which aim to create a consistent safety standard across various work sites.

Maintaining this height helps balance safety with practical considerations for workers’ movement and visibility. Optionally, guardrails can be adjusted in certain conditions, but the specification for a 42-inch height is widely recognized as the effective measure for fall protection. This standard not only helps in preventing falls but also aligns with industry practices, making the work environment safer for everyone involved on the site.