Walking-Working Surfaces Safety Program

The Walking-Working Surfaces Safety Program establishes requirements for maintaining safe walking and working surfaces and protecting employees from slips, trips, falls, and other hazards while moving through or working in the workplace. Walking-working surfaces include floors, aisles, passageways, stairs, ladders, ramps, platforms, roofs, elevated surfaces, and other areas employees access while performing their duties. The program emphasizes routine inspections, good housekeeping, prompt correction of unsafe conditions, and appropriate fall protection where employees may be exposed to falls from elevation. The program addresses walking-working surface safety, slip and fall prevention, trip hazards, floor openings and holes, stairs, ladders, ramps, platforms, guardrails, handrails, covers, personal fall protection systems, and safe access and egress. Walking-working surfaces must be maintained in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition and kept free from hazards such as spills, debris, damaged flooring, cords, hoses, and unstable materials. Employees must use designated walkways, stairs, ladders, and access points and promptly report unsafe conditions. Where fall hazards exist, appropriate guardrails, covers, personal fall protection, or other protective systems must be provided as required. Inspections, hazard correction, employee responsibilities, and training help prevent slips, trips, falls, and walking-working surface injuries.