Are Standing Mats Considered An Osha Tripping Hazard

Identify where the hazard is likely to occur and 3.

Are standing mats considered an osha tripping hazard. Housekeeping needed tidy away cables provide safe delivery storage area clear away boxes and. Osha defines a walking working surface as. Where wet processes are used maintain drainage and provide false floors platforms mats or other dry standing places where practicable osha recommends. Do not use thick foam rubber mats.

Cover concrete or metal floors with mats. Mats that are at least 3 8 inch 1 2 inch or closer to 1 inch thick would be best but not too high to create a tripping hazard. Any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks works or gains access to a work area or workplace location in this definition osha clarifies that it is not just floors where workers perform a work duty. The best mats will also have a tapered edge to prevent tripping hazards and the wider the taper the better.

Too much cushioning can cause fatigue and increase the hazard of tripping. When wet processes are used drainage must be maintained and to the extent feasible dry standing places such as false floors platforms and mats must be provided. Specific to healthcare facilities. When considering the use of anti fatigue mats there are other factors that should be considered at the same time such as allowing changes in working standing position footwear and flooring.

In those areas the occupational safety health administration osha recommends using no skid waxes and floor surfaces coated with grit to create non slip. Hazard spotting checklist page 3 of 7 potential issue tick if yes suggested action entrances continued are there any trip hazards in the area eg trailing cables deliveries mats with curled up edges or other objects. Changes in working standing position. Ensure that the floors are level and non slippery.

The final rule updates and revises the outdated general industry walking working surfaces and personal protective equipment fall protection systems standards on slip trip and fall hazards which are a leading cause of worker deaths and lost workday injuries 29 cfr part 1910 subparts d and i. Provide recommendations to reduce or elimi nate the hazard. Recommended for standing work are wooden cork or rubber covered floors. The best standing desk mat so far by nathan edwards the wirecutter on march 4 2014 at 1 a m.

This work book provides guidance on implementing a stf. Explain how the hazard contributes to stfs 2. 1910 22 a 3 walking working surfaces are maintained free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects loose boards corrosion leaks spills snow and ice. Slanted edges on mats help prevent tripping.

This will provide support for your feet and relieve pressure on your heels back legs and shoulders which in turn helps you stand for longer. If you use a standing desk you should also be using an anti fatigue mat.