Long awaited walking/working surfaces standard published

Walking-Working Surfaces Standard updated

The long awaiting walking/working surfaces standard was published November 2016.  The effective date was January 17,2017, and all enforcement dates are now in effect, with the lone exception being the final implementation of fall protection on fixed ladders for another 20 years!

The revised walking-working surfaces standard was published in November 2016. It affects primarily general industry. It actually brings a lot of the "construction" requirements to general industry.

Fall Protection Program (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M and 29 CFR 1910.28(b)): Required for all construction related activities as defined in Subpart M of CFR 1926. 

A written plan is required and should include the following key elements;

1) Conduct Fall Hazard Assessment,

2) Establish Policy and Develop Procedures,

3) Determine Appropriate Hazard Control Measures,

4) Elimination/Engineering Controls,

5) Selection and use of Applicable Systems,

6) Orientation and Training,

7) Inspection and Maintenance,

8) Program Audit.

The new General Industry standard published November 2016 requires The employer's fall protection plan and training must meet the requirements of the construction fall protection standard (29 CFR 1926.502(k) and 1926.503(a) and (c)). The plan must be prepared by a “qualified” person.

EHS Network conducted training on the standard changes and invited folks to sign up for Mark Damon's Competent Fall Protection training (to meet that requirement for a qualified person to develop your program). How many of you attended either Mark's class or a similar class? Mark will be holding another class in Kansas City something spring/summer 2018.

Author: Deborah Grow, Safety Specialist

Private Safety Consultant, assistant Damon Fall Protection and Coordinator EHS Network ~ Kansas.   Extensive safety experience in General Industry, Construction, D.O.T. Compliance, and OSHA consultation project.  Contact Deborah if you would like to schedule a consultation

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