- Slips, trips, and falls account for the majority of general industry accidents.
- They cause 15% of all accidental deaths and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.
- Elevated walking-working surfaces are especially hazardous.
(Image: Construction site workers on a dangerous elevated surface)
General Requirements
Housekeeping
Employers must ensure:
- All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces are kept clean, orderly, and sanitary.
- Floors are maintained clean and, as feasible, dry. For wet processes, drainage must be provided, and dry standing places such as false floors, platforms, and mats must be available.
- Walking-working surfaces are kept free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.
(Image: Worker’s shoe slipping into a gap between floorboards) - Regular inspection and maintenance of walking-working surfaces in good condition.
Loads
- Each walking-working surface must be able to support the maximum intended load.
Access and Egress
- Employers must provide, and ensure employees use, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces.
Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair
Employers must ensure:
- Walking-working surfaces are inspected regularly and as necessary and maintained in a safe condition.
- Hazardous conditions are corrected or repaired before employee use. If immediate repair is not possible, the hazard must be guarded to prevent use until fixed.
- Structural repairs must be performed or supervised by a qualified person.