1910.22(a): Clean, dry and hazard-free walking surfaces
Employers must keep all places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms and walking-working surfaces clean, orderly and sanitary. Workroom floors must be kept clean and, as far as feasible, dry; where wet processes are used, drainage must be maintained and dry standing places such as platforms or mats provided where feasible. Walking-working surfaces must be kept free of hazards like sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow and ice.
Key takeaways
- 1910.22(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 2,648 times in the last 3 years, in 2,436 inspections, with $7,867,881 in current penalties.
- 18 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PR (355), NY (173), VA (171).
- Related part: 1910.22(a)(1) (1,247 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.22(a) ("Surface conditions") is one requirement inside 1910.22 General requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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
(a) Surface conditions. The employer must ensure: 2,648 citations
(1) All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition. Open (a)(1) 1,247 citations
(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. Open (a)(2) 470 citations
(3) Walking-working surfaces are maintained free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice. Open (a)(3) 931 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.22.
Injuries linked to this rule
18 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.22(a).
At 1:50 p.m. on February 4, 2025, Employee #1 was working as a parts inventory clerk for an automobile dealership and was moving two 30-pound cylinders of freon up eight steps to a mezzanine. He made three trips up the stairs reported feeling dizzy and…
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 | 166 |
| 2024 | 1,010 |
| 2025 | 867 |
| 2026 | 605 |
Top states: PR (355), NY (173), VA (171), NJ (142), CT (138)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HORIZON BIOFUELS INC | FREMONT, NE | $107,584 |
| DOLGENCORP OF TEXAS, INC. | GARLAND, TX | $93,436 |
| DOLLAR GENERAL #22557 | SUNAPEE, NH | $93,436 |
| DOLLAR GENERAL #13857 | NEWPORT, NH | $93,436 |
| DOLLAR GENERAL #14774 | CHARLESTOWN, NH | $93,436 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.22(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Evaluating Hazardous Levels of Accumulation Depth for Combustible Dusts (2015-04-21)
- Installation and use of doormats; adhering edges to concrete surfaces. (2005-06-09)
- Interim enforcement procedures for AIDS, Hepatitis B, and other blood-borne infectious diseases. (1987-09-08)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.22(a)(1) 1,247 citations
- 1910.22(a)(3) 931 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
Do wet work areas violate this rule?
Not by themselves. Where wet processes are used, drainage must be maintained and, to the extent feasible, dry standing places such as false floors, platforms or mats must be provided.
What hazards must be kept off walking surfaces?
Sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow and ice.
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.