1910.22(a)(2): Clean and Dry Workroom Floors
Employers must keep each workroom floor clean and, as far as feasible, dry. Where wet processes are used, they must keep drainage working and, where feasible, provide dry places to stand, such as false floors, platforms and mats. This helps prevent slips and falls on the same level.
Key takeaways
- 1910.22(a)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 470 times in the last 3 years, in 470 inspections, with $1,401,835 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PR (144), NY (36), OR (28).
- Related part: 1910.22(a) Surface conditions (2,648 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2) is one requirement inside 1910.22 General requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) The floor of each workroom is maintained in a clean and, to the extent feasible, in a dry condition. 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. 470 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.22.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.22(a)(2).
At 3:20 p.m. on December 27, 2024, an employee returned from lunch and entered the water purifying system room (utility room) inside the establishment. Minuteslater, the employee was found unresponsive on the floor by a coworker. The medical examiner determined the cause of death as…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 191 |
| 2025 | 166 |
| 2026 | 87 |
Top states: PR (144), NY (36), OR (28), PA (19), NJ (19)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GREASE MONKEY INTERNATIONAL, LLC | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $80,661 |
| HANOVER FOODS CORPORATION | CENTRE HALL, PA | $50,000 |
| AUNT KITTY'S FOODS INC. | VINELAND, NJ | $49,000 |
| DE ESCUELA LINO PADR?N RIVERA | VEGA BAJA, PR | $25,000 |
| DE | TOA ALTA, PR | $25,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.22(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.22(a) Surface conditions 2,648 citations
- 1910.22(a)(1) 1,247 citations
- 1910.22(a)(3) 931 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Must workroom floors always be dry?
They must be kept clean and dry to the extent feasible.
What is required in wet process areas?
Drainage must be maintained and, where feasible, dry standing places such as false floors, platforms and mats must be provided.
Who is responsible for floor conditions?
The employer must ensure workroom floors are maintained clean and as dry as feasible.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.22 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.