Is it permissible for employees to walk on top plates, joists, rafters, trusses, or beams?

Walking on top plates, joists, rafters, trusses, or beams is prohibited because it poses significant safety risks, such as falls, which are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Proper safety protocols require that workers use proper pathways, scaffolding, or other means of access that provide a secure footing.

The standards emphasize that such structural components are not designed as walkways and can be unstable, especially if they are under construction or not properly secured. This prohibition is in place to maintain a safe working environment and minimize the risk of accidents. It is essential for the safety of all employees that they adhere strictly to these regulations and rely on appropriate safety measures, such as guardrails or other fall protection systems, when working at heights.