Must the leading edge or nose of stairway steps be marked or painted?

OSHA does not require that steps be marked or painted. However, in certain cases a hazard may be presented (e.g., if lighting is such that employees are unable to adequately see the steps to use them safely). In these situations, it would be the employer’s responsibility under The General Duty Clause to abate that hazard. This may be accomplished by various means, including painting the leading edge or nose of each step, providing additional lighting, posting warning signs, etc.