Slip, Trip, & Fall Hazards - Regulations

To prevent injuries and deaths caused by slipping, tripping, and falling, the OSHA General Industry standards (29 CFR 1910) require employers to take certain actions, which include the following:

• Require workers to wear personal protective equipment, such as slip-resistant shoes, hard hats, work gloves, and eye protection.
• Clear tools and debris from walkways and work areas to allow employees to move more freely and safely (29 CFR 1910.22).
• Keep walking and working surfaces oil-free, clean, and dry.
• Prevent entry into wet or slippery areas, wherever possible, and use non-slip mats in areas where employees may routinely encounter wet or slippery flooring.
• Provide fall safety equipment (such as body belts, chest harnesses, and rail systems) when the danger of falling exists at elevations of four feet or more for operations subject to the OSHA General Industry standards and six feet or more for operations subject to the OSHA Construction Industry standards.

OSHA also requires employers to establish and implement an effective training program. The program should cover the following components:

• Train workers about the hazards and prevention strategies associated with slipping, tripping, and falling.
• Train employees on the proper use of ladders, handrails, and guardrails.
• Train workers to remain alert and aware of their surroundings while working on the drilling floor, the rig floors, or other platforms.

To learn more about Oil & Gas Extraction visit our Oil & Gas Extraction Safety Online Training web page.