The focus of this safety and health page is limited to the hazards associated with walking-working surfaces in general industry. Included under this heading are the requirements for fall protection as it pertains to general industry applications. For a discussion of fall protection in construction, go to the fall protection safety and health topic page. 

A walking-working surface is defined as any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area or workplace location.

Walking-Working Surfaces

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What are the hazards associated with walking-working surfaces?

Employees accessing or working from walking-working surfaces that are not properly maintained or constructed can suffer sprains, strains and broken bones. Where employees must work from elevated platforms or open-sided floors, falls from unprotected areas can also result in death.

What can I do to protect myself?

Employees should always examine any walking or working surface for the presence of slippery conditions, non-intact surfaces, or unguarded openings or open sides before stepping onto it. Workers working from elevated platforms should be sure to wear and properly use any required fall arrest or position restraint systems. Any fall arrest or position restraint devices worn by employees must be examined for defects prior to using it.

What resources are available to assist employers?

Training and Outreach Services

These presentations on walking and working surfaces, scaffolds and fall protection are available for workplaces to assist in training their staff. The presentation should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time. 

In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. 

Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).

Safety and Health Programs

This fall protection plan (Residential) guidance document is available for the employer when developing a fall protection plan. Example workplace inspection forms (short and long) can also assist the employer in finding slip, trip and fall hazards. 

Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. 

Safety and Health Topics

More information related to fall protection and scaffolds can be found on the safety and health topic pages for fall protection, recording and reporting and scaffolds. 

Consultation Services

The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.

 

What standards apply?

OSH has adopted the following standards which are applicable to walking working surfaces in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic. 

General Industry

Recordkeeping

Other Applicable Standards

Additionally, the Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.

Where can I learn more?

Industry Guides

Compliance Documents

  • CFR 186 - Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) provides the promulgation of the rule.

Technical Assistance

  • Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH online or by phone at 919-707-7876.