Are we required to post load ratings on our floors? And if so, where do we get that information?

The older Walking-Working Surfaces requirement required that load limits for buildings and structures be approved by the local building official and that load plaques be placed in the area indicating those limits. However, under a November 18, 2016, revised rule, effective January 17, 2017, OSHA removed that requirement, replacing it with a more performance-oriented approach. Specifically, 1910.22(b) now says: "Loads. The employer must ensure that each walking-working surface can support the maximum intended load for that surface."

While the revised approach still requires employers not to place loads on flooring and other walking-working surfaces beyond the load limits, the regulation allows employers to obtain and enforce the information for the load limits in a variety of ways. In addition, OSHA no longer requires the ratings be posted.

OSHA does say in the preamble to the November 2016 rule that employers can readily obtain information about the load limits from the plaques that were required to be placed under the older regulation. In other words, for existing structures, employers can rely on what was required in the past. For new buildings and structures, OSHA believes that employers can obtain load limits from building plans, local codes, and third-party certification or conduct their own evaluation.

As far as signage, employers may still, as a best practice, post load limits on floors and similar walking-working surfaces. However, OSHA believes that if employers ensure that all structures are designed and maintained for their intended loads, and they instruct workers on those limits and on how to recognize potential issues, that will be sufficient.