Industrial work platforms are typically governed by OSHA standards related to walking-working surfaces, fall protection, guardrails, and safe access under OSHA 1910 and 1926 regulations.

OSHA generally requires guardrails to have a top rail height of 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, from the walking surface. Although we typically include guardrails on most platforms, regardless of height. OSHA requires guardrails on platforms over 48”.

Steel and aluminum both offer advantages when building a platform, and the best choice depends on the application. Steel provides greater strength, rigidity, and durability for heavy-duty industrial use, while aluminum offers lighter weight, corrosion resistance, and easier mobility. The ideal material comes down to balancing load requirements, environment, maintenance expectations, and whether portability or maximum strength is the higher priority.

Platform load capacity is determined by factors such as intended use, personnel, equipment loads, material selection, and structural engineering calculations. We generally calculate 250 pounds per person with a 2X safety factor when rating our platforms.

We most commonly use Grip Strut Safety Tread for stairs and Diamond Tread Sheet material for platform decking. Bar grating is another option if your application requires a less aggressive open grating step material.

9-1/2” is the maximum step height allowed per OSHA 1910.

This is our specialty! Custom engineering is often needed when standard platforms cannot safely accommodate specific equipment, layouts, elevations, or load requirements.