1910.22(a)(3): Keep Walking-Working Surfaces Free of Hazards
Employers must keep walking-working surfaces free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow and ice. Workers must be able to walk and work on these surfaces without slipping, tripping or getting cut, and the employer must keep them maintained that way.
Key takeaways
- 1910.22(a)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 931 times in the last 3 years, in 930 inspections, with $2,642,955 in current penalties.
- 8 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (71), MI (65), NY (64).
- 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)(3) 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
(3) Walking-working surfaces are maintained free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice. 931 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.22.
Injuries linked to this rule
8 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.22(a)(3).
At 6:45 a.m. on December 6, 2024, two employees were conducting abrasive blasting on a 13,000-pound metal sheet measuring 33 feet long, 10 feet wide, and0.89 inches thick. The metal sheet had been positioned vertically within a blastbooth using an overhead crane and secured onto…
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 | 55 |
| 2024 | 346 |
| 2025 | 297 |
| 2026 | 233 |
Top states: NJ (71), MI (65), NY (64), VA (60), OR (57)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JINDAL TUBULAR USA LLC | BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS | $44,361 |
| OWENS-BROCKWAY GLASS CONTAINER, INC. | MUSKOGEE, OK | $35,400 |
| 68274 - CSX INTERMODAL TERMINALS INC | LOUISVILLE, KY | $35,000 |
| 317743161 - WINCO HOLDINGS INC | OREGON CITY, OR | $29,147 |
| MITRA MIDWEST OPERATION, LLC | MILWAUKEE, WI | $23,501 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.22(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.22(a)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.22(a) Surface conditions 2,648 citations
- 1910.22(a)(1) 1,247 citations
- 1910.22(a)(2) 470 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What hazards must be kept off walking surfaces?
Sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow and ice.
Does this apply to outdoor surfaces?
It applies to walking-working surfaces in general industry, and the rule specifically lists snow and ice.
Who must maintain the surfaces?
The employer must make sure the surfaces are maintained free of these hazards.
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.