OSHA's New Slip-and-Fall Rule to Take Effect in 2017

Slip-and-falls are one of the most common types of work-related injuries in the Unites States. Typically classified as either same-level or elevated-surface falls, they are responsible for thousands of worker injuries each year. In an effort to curb these numbers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced a new rule governing slip-and-falls in the workplace.

So, what's included in the new rule? Among other things, it will include new requirements for all general industries in which walking-working surfaces like floors, ladders, roofs, scaffolds and elevated platforms are used. The agency claims that some 112 million workers in the U.S. at some 7 million different worksites will be covered by the new rule. Up until now, OSHA had only been enforcing the slip-and-fall rule primarily in the construction industry, which is where the majority of slip-and-fall injuries occur. However, the fact remains that slip-and-fall injuries occur in all industries, which is why OSHA is seeking to expand its reach with the new rule.

OSHA says the new rule will increase the consistency between general and construction industries, while also reducing the total number of slip-and-fall injuries sustained by workers.

“The final rule will increase workplace protection from those hazards, especially fall hazards, which are a leading cause of worker deaths and injuries,” says OSHA chief Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary for occupational safety and health. “OSHA believes advances in technology and greater flexibility will reduce worker deaths and injuries from falls.”

As an employer, you might be wondering what steps you can take to improve compliance with OSHA's new slip-and-fall rule. Well, since 1994 OSHA has allowed employers to choose and implement their own fall protection systems, depending on which system works best for their needs. The new rule follows suit, continuing to allow employers to choose and implement their own fall protection systems.

However, there are a few changes worth noting in the new slip-and-fall rule. For instance, employers are now allowed to use rope descent systems of 300 feet or less; workers must also train on the correct use of fall protection systems; but they are not allowed to use body belts in their fall protection system.