OSHA proposes revisions to the walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment standards for General Industry

Sunny Corona, CSP
Custom Safety Services

The proposal describes revisions to the current Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment ( Fall Protection Systems) standards for General Industry. For example, the current Walking-Working Surfaces standard, for General Industry, allows employers to provide outdated and dangerous fall protection equipment such as lanyards and body belts. Use of this type of equipment can result in workers suffering greater injury from falls from elevations. Among other revisions, body belts will be strictly prohibited.

The current Walking-Working Surfaces standards also do not allow OSHA to fine employers who let workers climb on certain ladders without fall protection. Under the revised standards, this restriction would be lifted, allowing OSHA inspectors to fine employers who jeopardize their workersʼ safety by allowing them to climb these ladders without fall protection.

In summary: OSHA believes that the proper use of personal fall protection systems can protect employees from injury and death due to falls to different elevations. The proposal increases consistency among construction, maritime and general industry standards and eliminates duplication.

About the Author
Sunny Corona is a Managing Member of Custom Safety Services, LLC and is a Certified Safety Professional with 30 years in the safety field. Custom Safety Services LLC is a safety consulting / training firm specializing in OSHA compliance, fleet safety, office/industrial ergonomics, anti-harassment and workplace violence awareness training.