Upcoming OSHA hearing to focus on protection from slips, trips and falls

An estimated 20 deaths and 3,700 injuries requiring days away from work are attributed to fall hazards. OSHA is seeking public comment on a revised rule to prevent them.

The most recent proposal was issued in 1990. However, advancements in technology have rendered it inappropriate, according to OSHA.

The proposed rule revising the Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment standards was initially described in the May 24 Federal Register. OSHA says the goal is to greatly improve worker protection from slip, trip and fall hazards.

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OSHA also notes the revisions would require for general industry workers safer, more effective fall protection devices already in place for construction and maritime workers, such as self-retracting lanyards and ladder safety and rope descent systems.

The informal hearing begins Jan. 18 at the Department of Labor.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

January 3, 2011

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