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Safety shoes are not considered a type of fall protection because they are designed primarily to protect the feet from impact, punctures, and other hazards that may occur on a construction site, rather than to prevent falls from heights. Fall protection systems are specifically engineered to prevent a worker from falling, or to arrest a fall once it has occurred.

Guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems are all recognized methods that provide protection against falls. Guardrails serve as a barrier to prevent a person from falling off edges, safety nets catch individuals who may fall, and personal fall arrest systems are harnesses and lanyards that arrest a fall if it occurs. These systems are part of a comprehensive safety strategy aimed at minimizing the risk of fall-related injuries and fatalities in construction environments.

Understanding the distinction between general protective equipment like safety shoes and specialized fall protection systems is crucial for safety supervisors in recognizing and implementing effective safety measures on job sites.