OSHA’s rule on walking/working surfaces under OMB review

Washington – After more than two decades in development, OSHA’s final rule on walking/working surfaces to address slips, trips and falls is under White House review.

The rule, which would establish requirements for personal fall protection systems, was submitted July 2 for review to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. OIRA is overseen by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget.

OSHA first began publicly working on the rule after issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking in 1990. A second NPRM was issued in 2010.

The rule would revise existing walking/working surfaces standards by including new technology and methods intended to help reduce fall-related deaths and injuries.

According to the spring regulatory agenda, OSHA intends to issue the final rule in August. OIRA reviews are limited to 90 days but can be extended.