Question: What are the major changes in this rule?

Answer: Final Rule to Update General Industry Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection Standards / Effective Jan. 17, 2017 The rule updates the general industry standards related to hazards from slips, trips and falls, and falls from heights. Among other features, it provides greater flexibility in choosing a fall-protection system, brings general industry scaffold requirements in line with those for construction, adds protections for fixed ladders taller than 24 feet, requires regular inspection of walking-working surfaces, and requires training for employees who use personal fall protection equipment.