1910.22(b): Walking-Working Surface Load Capacity
Employers must make sure each walking-working surface can support the maximum intended load for that surface.
Key takeaways
- 1910.22(b) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 115 times in the last 3 years, in 115 inspections, with $292,622 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (14), NY (13), TN (9).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.22(b) ("Loads") 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
(b) Loads. The employer must ensure that each walking-working surface can support the maximum intended load for that surface. 115 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.22.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.22(b).
At 5:00 p.m. on February 13, 2024, Employee #1 was working for a residential remodeling contractor. Employee #1 was placing unused insulation into storage on an elevated loft. Employee #1 fell from either a ladder or the loft to the ground suffering serious head trauma.…
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 | 6 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 40 |
| 2026 | 24 |
Top states: VA (14), NY (13), TN (9), NJ (7), MA (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DISTRICT CLEAN, LLC | ARLINGTON, VA | $15,875 |
| LUMINEX HOME DECOR & FRAGRANCE HOLDING CORPORATION | LEESBURG, OH | $14,895 |
| ARC'TERYX | WASHINGTON, DC | $12,413 |
| CITY OF SOCORRO, GAS DEPT | SOCORRO, NM | $12,294 |
| FIRELINE, LLC | STERLING, VA | $11,113 |
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Frequently asked questions
What does 1910.22(b) require?
Each walking-working surface must support its maximum intended load.
Who is responsible?
The employer.
Does this apply to platforms and floors?
It applies to each walking-working surface.
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.