Fall protection must be worn when within _____ feet of a leading edge.

Fall protection must be worn when within 6 feet of a leading edge because this distance is established by safety regulations to minimize the risk of falls in construction and other work environments. The leading edge refers to the unprotected side or edge of a work surface where a worker is exposed to a potential fall. By implementing fall protection measures at 6 feet, workers are better safeguarded against accidental slips or loss of balance, which could lead to serious injuries.

The 6-foot rule is a widely recognized standard that acknowledges that falls from even a small height can lead to significant injuries. This distance emphasizes the importance of proactive safety measures in environments where workers are frequently near unprotected edges, ensuring that proper systems, such as guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets, are used effectively.