Walking–Working Surfaces

Abstract

1. Purpose / Background To minimize the risk of injuries due to falls from changes in elevation, from walking on level surfaces, from floor openings, and from fixed stairs. Per the MIT Environmental, Health and Safety Policy “achieving and maintaining compliance with federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and good practices in all of our departments, laboratories, research centers, facilities and operations” and the Guiding Principles, in particular, #11 “standard operating procedures” and #14 “primary responsibility for EHS compliance”. Slips trips and falls (stf) constitute the majority of occupational accidents. They cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.