Slips, trips and falls constitute the majority of what are termed “general industry” accidents. According to OSHA, “they cause 15 percent of all accidental deaths and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.” Further, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2012 a total of 4,383 fatal work injuries occurred — 668 of these were associated with slips and falls. Further, of the 1.2 million nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work in 2012, more than 230,000 cases were associated with slip and fall accidents.
It is because of these staggering figures that the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) says OSHA has released a new ruling, Subpart D of 29 CFR part 1910. This new ruling is designed to promote worker safety in all locations, including industrial-type locations, as well as establish standards and levels of responsibility that supersede past OSHA regulations. Industrial facility administrators will note some changes to the terms and terminology used to discuss floor safety.