Walking and Working

Surfaces, including Fall

Protection
OSHA 10-hour Outreach Training
General Industry

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Fatal Ladder Incident

A worker was cleaning

windows when he fell
onto a tiled floor and hit
his head. It is believed
that the worker had
positioned the step
ladder with the rungs
facing towards the
windows, and that he
stood backwards on the
step ladder. NIOSH In-house FACE Report 2009-01

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Introduction

Slips, trips, and falls:

• make up the majority of general
industry accidents; and
• cause 15% of all accidental
deaths, second only to motor
vehicle crashes.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Introduction

Lesson objectives:
1. Identify hazards in the workplace
associated with walking and working
surfaces.
2. Identify best practices for eliminating
or controlling hazards associated with
walking and working surfaces in the
workplace.
3. Recognize employer requirements to
protect workers from walking and
working surface hazards.
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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Slip hazards:
• Grease, oil, water, ice, snow, liquid
spills, or polished floors
• Improper footwear

Source: Photos WVU Susan Harwood

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

Controlling slip hazards:

• Keep walking/working surfaces as
clean and dry as possible.
• Make sure your footwear is as slip
resistant as possible.
• Require drainage for wet operations.
• Clean up or mark and report spills.
• Remove ice and snow frequently and
regularly.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Trip hazards:
• Poor housekeeping
• Loose flooring, carpeting, or uneven
surfaces

Source: Photos WVU Susan Harwood

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

• Cords, hoses, open draws or

other protruding items

Source: Photos WVU Susan Harwood

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Controlling trip hazards:
• Aisles and passageways should be
well-lit, clean, and marked.
• Material storage and work-related
scraps shouldn’t create trip hazards.
• Trip hazards, such as loose flooring,
carpeting, uneven surfaces, and
protrusion hazards, should be
repaired or reported.
• Hoses and cables should be routed
away from active work zones and
walkways.
PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17
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Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Fall hazards:
• Elevated surfaces – top of
tanks, towers, machines,
platforms, runways, or other
elevated surfaces
• Lower-level surfaces – open
pits, tanks, vats, or ditches

Source of photos: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

• Structural collapse Photo: example of a sidewalk

grate system failure
– structurally unsound
surfaces, and/or
– exceeding load
limits.

Source of photos: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Controlling fall hazards
• Tanks, towers, machines, and other
elevated surfaces:
– It is best to engineer out
the need to go up in the
first place.
– Guardrails are often used,
whether temporary
or permanent.
Source: OSHA
– As a last resort, use a
Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Know the ABCs of
Personal Fall Arrest
Systems
• Anchorages
• Body harness
• Components
(connectors like
snaphooks or Dee-rings,
connection points,
lanyards, deceleration
Source: Honeywell/Miller, used with
permission.

Installed, used, and maintaineddevices,

according lifelines,
to the etc.)
manufacturer.
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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

• Open-sided platforms
and runways:
– Use proper guardrail
system at all times.
– Platforms and
runways next to
dangerous operations
require standard
railings, regardless of
Source: OSHA
height.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Structural collapse:
– Ensure walking/working
surfaces are structurally
sound.
– Surfaces must be able to
support
intended/potential load, Source: OSHA

including people,
equipment, and stored
materials
– Load limits must be
posted

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Conditions leading to falls:
• Ladders
• Scaffolds and scissor lifts
• Stairways
• Floor and wall openings
• Other elevated surfaces

Source: WVU Susan Harwood Source: www.elcosh/org Source: OSHA Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Basic types of ladders:

Source of photos: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

Controlling fall hazards –

ladders:
• One of the leading
causes of fatalities and
injuries.
• Ladder safety
– Use the right ladder.
– Use ladder that is free
from defects.
Source: OSHA – Use the ladder properly.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• The right ladder:
– Use the right type,
length, and rating
for the job.
– Never use the top
two steps of a step
ladder.
– Tell your supervisor
if you need a longer
ladder.
Wrong Ladder-too short!
Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Free from defects
– Regardless of
ladder type, inspect
the ladder before
use.
– Do not use the
ladder if it is bent or
there are missing
parts.
– Tell your supervisor
about the defective
ladder.
Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Proper use
– Ladders must be
used according to
the manufacturer.
– Take the time to
read the
information.
– Read and follow all
informational
stickers and
warning labels.
Source: Wernerco shares page

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Maintain 3 points of contact

Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
– Maintain proper
positioning.
– Do not lean away
from the ladder to
carry out your task.
– Always keep your
weight centered
between the side
rails.
– Move the ladder as
necessary.
Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
– When using ladders to
3 feet access another level,
secure and extend the
ladder at least 3 feet
above the landing
point.
– Angle ladder so the
horizontal distance of
bottom is ¼ the
working length of the
ladder.

Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Fixed industrial ladders
– Must be equipped with a
• Personal fall arrest system,
ladder safety system (if
installed on/after 12/19/18)
• Personal fall arrest system,
ladder safety system, cage,
or well (if installed before
12/19/18)
– PFAS or ladder safety
system must provide
protection throughout
Source: OSHA entire vertical distance of
ladder
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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Controlling fall hazards
– scaffolds:
• Scaffold-related
incidents can also
lead to injury and
death.
• Scaffold safety
– free from defects
– proper set-up
Source: OSHA – proper use

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Free from defects
– Take the time to
look the scaffold
over before you use
it.
– Report damage if
you identify
defective
components.
– Damaged
components must
Source: OSHA be replaced before
use.
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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Proper set-up
– Scaffolds must be
assembled and used
according to the
manufacturer.
– All components such
as braces and pins
must be present.
– If you don’t have a
copy of instructions,
most can be
Source: Wernerco shares page
downloaded.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

– Each platform must

be fully planked or
decked between the
front uprights and
the guardrail
supports.
– You should not be
exposed to a fall
hazard due to partial
decking.
Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
– Fall protection consists
of either a guardrail
system or a personal
fall-arrest systems
(PFAS).
– It must be provided on
any scaffold 10 feet or
more above a lower
level.
Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Safe access
– Preventing falls
begins with safe
access.
– You are most
vulnerable to fall
hazards when
climbing on or off a
scaffold.
Source: OSHA – Your employer is
required to provide
safe scaffold access.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

• Proper use
– Make sure you are a properly trained
scaffold user.
– Use scaffolds according to the
manufacturer.
– Follow your company’s scaffold safety
policy.
– Report scaffold-related safety issues to
your employer.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

– Never climb the bracing.

– Never climb the frame unless designed
to be a ladder.
– Don’t carry tools or materials while
climbing.
– Never use a ladder or other device to
increase your reach from platform.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
– Make sure the scaffold
system, your tools, and
the materials your are
working with stay at
least 10 feet away from
powerlines.
– 3 feet from insulated
lines.

Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Mobile scaffolds -
additional
concerns:
– All casters must be
locked when
occupied.
– They can not be
moved while
occupied.
Source: OSHA – All casters must
have retainer pins.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

– The height of the

platform must never
exceed 4 times the
minimum base
dimension.
– Outriggers may be
necessary to increase
Source: Wernerco shares page
the minimum base
dimension.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Controlling fall hazards –
scissor lifts:
• OSHA’s investigations
found that most injuries
and fatalities involving
scissor lifts were the
result of employers not
addressing:
– Fall Protection
– Stabilization
Source: OSHA

– Positioning

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Fall protection
– Check to see that a
guardrail system is in
place before working on
the scissor lift.
– Only stand on the work
platform; never stand on
the guardrails.
Source: OSHA

– Keep work within easy

reach to avoid leaning
away from the scissor
lift.
Note: Some manufacturers require a PFAS in addition to the unit’s guardrails.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Stabilization and positioning

Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Controlling fall
hazards – stairs:
• Often stair-related
hazards can be
overlooked.
• Stair safety comes
down to proper
Source: WVU Susan Harwood
– Design &
Construction
– Condition
– Use
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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Proper design/construction
– Fixed industrial stairs must be:
• strong enough to handle a minimum 1,000 lb. live
load;
• at least 22 inches wide;
• installed at angles between 30-50 degrees; and
• no more than ¼ inch variation.

Source: OSHA Source: WVU Susan Harwood

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

– Handrails are
required when there
is 4 or more risers.
– Mainly to be used on
the right side as you
descend.
– Allows you to
maintain three points
of contact.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

– Stair rails prevent

falls from open
sides.
– Stair rail system
must be present on
the unprotected
sides and edges
(open stairs).
– Stair rails are
required when there
is 4 or more risers.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
• Condition
– Fixed industrial stairs
must be maintained
in good shape
– These stairs are
uneven and
unpredictable.
– Report stair-related
defects
– What else is wrong?

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

• Proper use
– Maintain at least
three (3) points of
contact.
– Do not run up or
down stairs.
– Do not carry heavy
objects, only light
Source: WVU Susan Harwood
loads.
– Do not jump the
last few steps.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls

– Items should never

be placed or stored
on stairs.
– Stairs should be
inspected on a
regular basis.
– Remove items to
ensure no one gets
hurt.
Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Common fall hazards:
• Floor and wall openings
• Open-sided platforms and runways

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Controlling fall hazards
– floor openings:
• Unguarded openings
like this must never
exist.
• They require a proper
cover or guardrail
system at all times.
Source: OSHA

• Posting a “guard” to
monitor an opening
like this for temporary
access is permitted.
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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Controlling fall
hazards – wall
openings
• Wall openings from
which there is a drop
of more than 4 feet
must be guarded.
• They require a
Source: OSHA
proper guardrail
system, like this
one, at all times.
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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazards and Controls
Guardrail systems:
• Standard railing:
consists of top rail, mid-
rail, and posts. Height
from the upper surface
of top rail to floor level is
42” (+/− 3”).
Mid-rail height is 21
inches.
Source: OSHA
• Standard toeboard:
3.5” high, with not more
than ¼” clearance
above the floor. 51
Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17
 Employer Requirements

To prevent employees from being

injured from falls, employers must:
• Guard every floor hole into which a
worker can accidentally walk.
• Provide a guardrail and toeboard
around every open-sided platform,
floor or runway that is 4 feet or
higher off the ground or next level.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Employer Requirements

• Regardless of height, if a worker can

fall into or onto dangerous machines
or equipment, employers must
provide guardrails and toeboards.
• Other means of fall protection that
may be required on certain jobs
include safety harness and line,
safety nets, stair railings and
handrails.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Employer Requirements
• Provide working conditions that are
free of known dangers.
• Keep floors in work areas in a clean
and sanitary condition.
• Select and provide required
personal protective equipment at
no cost to workers.
• Train workers about job hazards in a
language that they can understand.

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazard Recognition
Identify hazards and what should be
done to control them.

Source of photos: WVU

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazard Recognition
Identify hazards and what should be
done to control them.

Source : WVU Source: OSHA

Source: WVU

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazard Recognition
Identify hazards and what should be
done to control them.

Source of photos: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazard Recognition
Identify hazards and what should be
done to control them.

Source of photos: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazard Recognition
Identify hazards and what should be
done to control them.

Source: OSHA Source: WVU

Source: OSHA

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Hazard Recognition
Identify hazards and what should be
done to control them.

Source of photos: OSHA

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 Knowledge Check

1. Slips, trips, and falls make up

what percent of all accidental
deaths?
a. 2%
b. 15%
c. 36%
d. 50%
Answer: b. 15%

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Knowledge Check
2. What is the easiest and most accurate
way to use a portable ladder according
to the manufacturer?
a. Contact the manufacturer via cell phone
b. Download the material from the internet.
c. Read and follow all warning labels and
stickers.
d. Ask a fellow worker.

Answer: c. Read and follow all

warning
labels and stickers.
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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Knowledge Check
3. When using a portable ladder to access
another level, which statement is true?
a. A step ladder may be used if long enough.
b. Portable ladders may never be used.
c. The ladder should be secured and extend 3
feet above the level you are accessing.
d. Carrying tools and materials is permitted.

Answer: c. The ladder should be secured

and extend 3 feet above the level
you are accessing.

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 Knowledge Check
4. The maximum work level height of a
free-standing scaffold’s platform
should never exceed ___ times the
minimum base dimension.
a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. 5
Answer: c. 4

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 Knowledge Check
5. Which best describes a safe scaffold?
a. Placed on a firm foundation and
is plumb and level
b. Has proper access and is fully
decked
c. Has proper guardrail system
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Knowledge Check

6. Scissor lifts rated for outdoor use

are generally limited to wind
speeds below __.
a. 28 MPH
b. 50 MPH
c. 60 MPH
d. 75 MPH
Answer: a. 28 MPH

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Knowledge Check

7. The height of a proper guardrail

system is __ (+/− 3”) from the
walking/working surface.
a. 30 inches
b. 42 inches
c. 60 inches
d. None of the above
Answer: b. 42 inches

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Walking/Working Surfaces v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup