(OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Compliant)
Provider: OpsIntegrity^TM

Purpose:

The purpose of this Walking-Working Surfaces training module is to provide workers with the knowledge and understanding necessary to recognize, prevent, and respond to hazards associated with walking-working surfaces as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D. This training is designed to promote safety awareness across multi-employer worksites and ensure all employees, regardless of their employer, understand their responsibilities in maintaining safe walking-working surfaces.

By completing this module, employees will learn how to identify common hazards, understand safe work practices, comply with fall protection requirements, and utilize available safety resources such as the OpsIntegrity online safety portal. This training supports the goal of reducing workplace injuries and fostering a culture of safety shared by all employers and workers.

Introduction and Summary:

Walking-working surfaces include floors, ladders, stairways, ramps, scaffolds, roofs, and any other horizontal or vertical surface where employees perform work or move about during the workday. Unsafe conditions or improper use of these surfaces can lead to slips, trips, and falls — one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities across all industries.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established Subpart D of 29 CFR 1910 to set forth requirements that protect workers from hazards associated with walking-working surfaces. These rules are designed to minimize risk through safe design, proper maintenance, and appropriate use of personal fall protection where needed.

In a multi-employer work environment, hazards can originate from activities of different employers or subcontractors. It is critical that everyone working on a jobsite understands their responsibilities and follows common safety protocols. This training is built to reflect those shared responsibilities and prepare workers to recognize and address hazards regardless of which employer they work for.

Employers are required to:

• Provide and maintain safe walking-working surfaces
• Install appropriate fall protection systems when required
• Train employees on recognizing and avoiding hazards
• Provide access to safety resources, including site-specific safety policies, procedures, and emergency contacts

Employees are required to:

• Use walking-working surfaces safely and according to procedures
• Recognize hazards and report unsafe conditions immediately
• Use personal fall protection when required
• Stay familiar with the safety procedures and resources provided by their employer

Your employer has made additional safety resources available through the OpsIntegrity online safety portal. This includes safety data sheets, procedures, training, permitting systems, and reporting tools. All safety training records are maintained and available for review through OpsIntegrity.

Before you begin work, take time to review the safety resources available to you. Becoming familiar with these materials can prevent injuries and save lives.

Our Most Important Objective: A Safe and Healthful Workplace

At OpsIntegrity, we believe that maintaining a safe and healthful workplace is the highest priority for every employer and employee. This principle forms the foundation of all training modules and safety resources provided through the OpsIntegrity system.

Employers are responsible for:

• Providing a workplace free from recognized hazards.
• Complying with OSHA standards and other applicable safety regulations.
• Promoting continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Empowering workers to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation.

Employees are responsible for:

• Following safety procedures and practices at all times.
• Reporting safety concerns, hazards, or near misses.
• Actively supporting the safety culture of their workplace.

Through OpsIntegrity’s shared resources, training, and compliance tools, employers and employees work together to identify risks, prevent injuries, and maintain a strong commitment to safety excellence.

Safety is not just a policy. It is a shared responsibility and a daily practice.

Common Walking-Working Surface Hazards

Walking-working surfaces can present a variety of hazards that increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Recognizing these hazards is the first step in preventing injuries. Below are the most common types of hazards found across many worksites:

Slippery or Wet Floors:
Spills, leaks, or environmental conditions can create slippery surfaces. Floors that are wet from cleaning or from rain, snow, or mud tracked indoors are major causes of slip hazards. Even small spills can cause serious injuries if not promptly cleaned or marked. Employers must ensure that wet floors are cleaned promptly and that appropriate warning signs are used to alert workers to slippery conditions.

Uneven Walking Surfaces:
Changes in elevation, cracked or broken flooring, loose mats, or temporary ramps can create uneven surfaces. These hazards are often overlooked but can cause serious trips and falls, especially when workers are carrying materials or working in dimly lit areas. Employers must repair damaged surfaces promptly and provide clear markings where uneven surfaces cannot be immediately corrected.

Damaged Stairways or Ladders:
Stair treads, handrails, ladder rungs, or supports that are broken, worn, or loose present serious fall hazards. A damaged ladder or stairway should never be used until it is repaired or replaced. Employers are responsible for regularly inspecting ladders and stairs and taking damaged equipment out of service until it meets safety standards. Workers should inspect stairs and ladders before each use and report any damage immediately.

Cluttered Walkways:
Tools, cords, debris, or other materials left in walking areas can create trip hazards. Poor housekeeping is a leading cause of preventable injuries. Walkways should be kept clear at all times. Employers and employees share responsibility for ensuring that materials are stored properly and that walkways are free from obstruction.

Unprotected Edges or Floor Openings:
Work surfaces with unprotected edges, holes, or floor openings can lead to falls from height or into lower levels. These hazards are especially dangerous because they often go unnoticed until an incident occurs. OSHA requires that floor holes and openings be guarded or covered, and that guardrails or other fall protection systems be used at unprotected edges where required. Workers must be trained to recognize these hazards and avoid working near unprotected areas unless proper fall protection is in place.

By staying alert to these common hazards and taking action to correct them or report them, employees can prevent accidents and help maintain a safer workplace for everyone.

Employer Responsibilities
Employers have a duty to ensure the safety of walking-working surfaces under their control. These responsibilities include:

Keep floors clean, dry, and free of hazards:
Employers must ensure that all walking-working surfaces are kept clean, dry, and free of hazards such as water, oil, clutter, or loose materials. When wet processes are used, drainage and slip-resistant surfaces must be provided.

Repair or guard floor openings and holes:
All floor holes and openings must either be covered or guarded to prevent employees from stepping into them or falling through. Covers must be capable of supporting at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may cross over them.

Install and maintain proper railings and guardrails:
Guardrails and handrails must meet OSHA standards and be properly installed along unprotected edges, stairways, ramps, and any other areas where a fall hazard exists. Employers must inspect these systems regularly and maintain them in good condition.

Provide compliant ladders and ensure they are inspected regularly:
Ladders provided by the employer must meet OSHA requirements for design and capacity. Regular inspections must be conducted to ensure ladders are free from defects and safe to use.

Provide fall protection when required by the nature of the work:
Whenever the work requires employees to be near unprotected edges, floor holes, or elevated surfaces, employers must provide appropriate fall protection equipment or systems. This includes guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems.

Employee Responsibilities
Employees play a critical role in maintaining walking-working surface safety:

Use walking-working surfaces as designed:
Employees must use surfaces, stairs, ladders, and fall protection systems according to their intended purpose and design specifications.

Keep walkways clear of tools, cords, and debris:
Each worker is responsible for maintaining clear and orderly walkways. Cords, tools, materials, and waste should not be left where they could pose a trip hazard.

Report damaged or unsafe surfaces immediately:
Employees must report any hazards such as damaged flooring, broken handrails, or defective ladders to their supervisor or safety contact without delay. Prompt reporting allows corrective actions to be taken before an injury occurs.

Use fall protection equipment when required and inspect it before use:
When fall protection is required, employees must use the provided equipment and inspect it for any damage or defects before each use.

Attend training and stay current with employer safety policies:
Employees must participate in all required training and stay informed of any changes or updates to the employer’s safety policies and procedures.

Fall Protection Requirements
OSHA mandates specific fall protection requirements for general industry worksites:

Fall protection is required for unprotected edges 4 feet or more above a lower level:
Whenever employees are working near unprotected sides or edges at or above 4 feet, employers must provide appropriate fall protection systems.

Guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems must meet OSHA standards:
All fall protection equipment and systems must be designed, installed, and maintained to comply with OSHA specifications. This ensures they can safely arrest falls and prevent injuries.

Employers must ensure proper use and maintenance of fall protection systems:
It is the employer’s responsibility to not only provide fall protection but also to train employees in its correct use and to ensure that all equipment is inspected regularly and maintained in good working condition.

Ladder and Stairway Safety
Proper use and maintenance of ladders and stairways are critical for walking-working surface safety:

Ladders must be stable, properly maintained, and used according to manufacturer guidelines:
Only ladders that meet design requirements and are free from damage should be used. Employees must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.

Portable ladders must have secure footing and proper load capacity:
Before using portable ladders, ensure they are placed on a stable, level surface. Ladders must be rated for the weight they will support, including the user and any tools or materials carried.

Stairways must have uniform riser height and tread depth:
Uneven stairways increase the risk of trips and falls. Employers must ensure that stairs meet OSHA’s dimensional requirements.

Handrails and guardrails are required for stairways with four or more risers:
To prevent falls, stairways must be equipped with handrails and, where necessary, guardrails that meet OSHA’s design and strength standards.

Housekeeping and Maintenance
Good housekeeping is essential to prevent slips, trips, and falls:

Walkways must be kept clear and in good condition:
Obstructions should never be left in walking paths. Regular inspections should be conducted to identify and correct any hazards.

Wet or slippery areas must be promptly cleaned and marked:
Any spills or wet areas must be cleaned up immediately. If the area cannot be dried promptly, it should be clearly marked with warning signs or cones.

Damaged flooring, ladders, or stair components must be repaired or replaced:
Employers must act promptly to repair or replace damaged walking-working surfaces and related equipment. Employees should report any damage as soon as it is identified.

Multi-Employer Worksite Considerations
Many worksites involve multiple employers and contractors working together. OSHA holds all employers responsible for ensuring safety.

All employers must coordinate to ensure safe walking-working surfaces:
Primary contractors, subcontractors, and host employers must communicate and coordinate efforts to maintain safe walking-working surfaces throughout the worksite.

Prime contractors and host employers often have additional oversight responsibilities:
The controlling employer usually has the responsibility to correct hazards or ensure that they are corrected by the responsible party. However, all employers are responsible for the safety of their own employees.

Employees should report any safety concerns immediately, regardless of which employer’s area the hazard is found in:
Workers must not hesitate to report unsafe conditions even if they are outside their immediate employer’s responsibility. All hazards must be addressed promptly for the safety of everyone on site.

Reporting and Resources
Prompt reporting and access to safety resources are key to preventing injuries.

Report unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor or designated safety contact:
All employees should know who to contact when they observe a hazard or unsafe condition. Timely reporting can prevent accidents.

Utilize the OpsIntegrity Safety Portal to access safety procedures, hazard reporting tools, and training materials:
The OpsIntegrity online safety portal provides centralized access to safety policies, procedures, and forms. Employees should familiarize themselves with the portal’s features and know how to use them.

Keep records of any reported hazards or incidents as required by your employer’s policies and OSHA standards:
Proper documentation of hazards, corrective actions, and training is essential for compliance and for improving workplace safety over time.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Walking-working surface safety is a shared responsibility between employers and employees. Understanding and following OSHA’s requirements for walking-working surfaces is essential to protect yourself and others from injury. Always be aware of your surroundings, use surfaces and equipment properly, and report hazards promptly.

Remember, your employer provides critical safety resources and training through the OpsIntegrity online safety portal. Take time to review available procedures, training, and tools so you can actively participate in maintaining a safe workplace.

By working together and staying informed, we can prevent slips, trips, and falls and create a safer work environment for everyone.

Acknowledgment of Completion

By completing this training module on Walking-Working Surfaces (1910 Subpart D), I acknowledge that:

• I have received training in accordance with OSHA’s General Industry standards.
• I understand the hazards associated with walking-working surfaces and how to recognize and prevent them.
• I understand both my employer’s responsibilities and my own responsibilities for maintaining safe walking-working surfaces.
• I am aware of the requirement to report unsafe conditions immediately.
• I know how to access safety procedures, training, and resources through the OpsIntegrity Safety Portal.
• I understand that this training is part of a broader safety program and that additional training may be provided by my employer.

I commit to using the knowledge gained in this training to help maintain a safe and compliant workplace.