WASHINGTON – A notice of proposed rulemaking to require improved worker protection from trip, slip and fall hazards on walking and working surfaces has been announced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (O.S.H.A.). The notice appeared in the May 24 Federal Register, according to the American Meat Institute (A.M.I.).

This proposal overhauls current general industry standards at 29CFR1910, sub-part D, “Walking-Working Surfaces.” O.S.H.A. said that most of its existing standards for walking-working surfaces are more than 30 years old and inconsistent with both national consensus standards and more-recently promulgated O.S.H.A. standards addressing fall protection.


Clickhere to read a summary of the proposed changes.

Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until Aug. 23. The A.M.I. Worker Safety Committee plans to draft comments regarding this proposal. O.S.H.A. has promised a public hearing on the revised changes to be held after the public comment period. Clickhereto read the complete proposed rulemaking notice.