Tay Rail Bridge staff have had accidents on dangerous rotten wooden platforms while working on the structure.
The bridge is facing major repairs after Network Rail revealed staff had accidents using walkways on the Dundee side of the bridge.
The rail firm admitted the timbers are dangerous and need to be replaced to prevent further incidents taking place.
Plans have been lodged with both Dundee City Council and Fife Council to carry out maintenance and repair works.
The repairs will also include replacing corroded parts of the structure and repainting part of the bridge.
Network Rail town planner Pam Butler said: “The timber is rotten and maintenance staff have had accidents using the walkway. The timbers are dangerous and need to be replaced.
“We wish to upgrade the material used on the platform surface to one with a longer life, less affected by the prevailing elements.
“This area is not in general public use but is needed to allow maintenance and other staff access to the bridge and signalling cabinet.
“This area is only fleetingly visible to train passengers.
“We would like to remove the weathered and rotten timber and provide a new timber or GRP panel/boards for both sides.”
A Network Rail spokesman said: “There have been a couple of incidents where staff members have lost their footing due to the condition of the timbers and while no injuries have been caused, they are no longer fit for purpose.”
The repair proposals also include replacing “seriously eroded” parts of the wind fence at the sides of the bridge with a different material.
The existing wind fence ballast boards are located just outside the running rail on both the upper and lower spans for the entire length of the bridge.
The eroded steel is to be replaced by GRP panels, which it is hoped will prove more robust in the marine environment.
Network Rail also wants to repaint parts of the wind fence dark grey.
Mrs Butler explained: “Once painted, the GRP will look the same as the original steel and it is better at holding any stray ballast in place.
“The works will not adversely affect the structure as they look very similar to the existing building fabric.”
The Network Rail spokesperson added: “We remain on course to complete the £80m refurbishment of the bridge in 2017.”