Comparison of regulations regarding fall risk prevention on level changes between the United States and Spain

Falls from height during building construction are the leading cause of serious and fatal accidents in the construction sector and industry at large. During the usage and maintenance phases of buildings, this type of accident also results in a high incidence of injuries. The most used system to prevent such risks is the installation of safety guardrails.Focusing on the prevention of fall risks in buildings during their usage and maintenance stages, in order for guardrails to effectively serve their protective function, they must meet a set of geometric and mechanical requirements. These include ensuring that their dimensions prevent individuals from bypassing them and that the systems are sufficiently resistant to withstand the force exerted by leaning or impacting individuals or objects.This study compares the regulatory standards used in the United States (IBC and OSHA) and in Spain (CTE) concerning guardrails intended to prevent falls in buildings during their usage and maintenance phases.The results reveal significant differences in the requirements imposed by each country, showing that for guardrails with a post spacing of less than 2.44 meters, U.S. regulations are more stringent than those of Spain