OSHA requires that you address hazards found during walking-working surface inspections under 1910.22(d)(2) by:
- Promptly correcting or repairing the hazardous condition(s) of the walking-working surfaces (e.g., clutter in aisles, loose handrail on a stairway, etc.).
- Guarding (e.g., erecting barricades, demarcating no-entry zones) or removing hazards if they cannot be repaired immediately.
- Utilizing a qualified person to perform or supervise the maintenance or repair if it affects the structural integrity of the walking-working surface. If the correction or repair does not rise to this level, a qualified person does not have to be utilized. For example, a qualified person would not be necessary to sand rust off of stair treads, but a qualified person may be necessary to supervise welding a broken rung on a metal ladder.
OSHA says these steps are intended to prevent employees from using equipment, a walking-working surface, etc. until the appropriate hazards are addressed.