What: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a deregulatory action to remove the November 18, 2036, deadline for replacing certain fixed ladders in its 2016 final Walking-Working Surfaces standard.
Why: OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces standard requires that all fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level must be equipped with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems. The proposed rule would allow employers to update their ladders at the end of their service lives and to continue to use ladder cages or wells.
OSHA seeks public comment on its preliminary conclusion that removing the 2036 fixed ladder replacement deadline from the Walking-Working Surfaces rule will provide greater flexibility and reduce the compliance burden on the regulated community, while also continuing to effectuate OSHA employee safety responsibilities.
Action: Review the proposed rule and submit comments to OSHA before the June 5, 2026, deadline.
PROPOSED RULE:
SUBMIT COMMENTS:
CONTACT: Bruce Lundegren
EMAIL: bruce.lundegren@sba.gov
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