OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet 1. Introduction to OSHA Relevant Regulations Reasons to Study/Hazards The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issues regulations to assist employers in reducing the number of hazards in the work place. Employers who implement these regulations may significantly decrease the number of injuries and deaths caused by work-related accidents. An increased awareness of common hazards in the workplace helps employees and employers ensure a safe and healthy workplace for American workers. OSHA Regulations and compliance information is widely available, and can be acquired in written format and online. To view them online, go to:http://www.osha.gov/law-regs.html For an employer, a good safety program results in: Federal regulations are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs). A different volume number is given for each government agency’s regulations. OSHA regulations, and other Department of Labor regulations, are found in 29 CFR. 29 CFR Part 1926 contains the OSHA Safety and Health Regulations for Construction. OSHA also relies on other organizations and agencies to identify hazards and publish standards (e.g. ANSI, DOT, NFPA, etc.). OSHA calls these Consensus Standards and they are often referred to in the CFRs, which makes them enforceable by OSHA. Many individual states have a state safety and health plan, which is required to be at least as effective and may be more stringent that the OSHA regulations. RESOURCES Rights and Responsibilities Employer The OSH Act makes employers responsible for providing a safe workplace. This is specified in the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act), which A good safety program protects employees from states: injury and death. • • • • • • Reduction of workplace injuries Fewer workers’ compensation claims Fewer lawsuits brought about by injured workers Lowered workers’ compensation insurance premiums Fewer or no OSHA citations and/or fines Increased productivity. Guardrail systems OSHA Regulation Construction 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(1) Subpart M, Fall protection Top height 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches Each employer shall furnish to each employee a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Employers have certain rights. These include the right to require OSHA inspectors to get a warrant, to know the reason for inspections, to be informed of inspection findings, and to contest penalties. They also have the right to maintain confidentiality regarding trade secrets, products, and employee information. Employees The OSH Act makes employees responsible for complying with the OSHA rules, regulations, and orders. Employees have the right to review OSHA standards and requirements, and to see posted OSHA citations. They are protected from discrimination based on a safety complaint against their employer. They have the right to participate in OSHA inspections and be informed of inspection outcomes. Above all, they have the right to a safe and healthful workplace. OSHA Online - www.osha.gov NFPA Online - www.nfpa.org CFRs Online - www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html OSHA Hotline - 800-321-OSHA ANSI Online - www.ansi.org DOT Online - www.dot.gov Introduction to OSHA OSHA 30-Hour Construction Fact Sheet Related Regulations Subpart C – General Safety Rules for Construction Worksites You can find OSHA’s construction rules in 29 CFR 1926. The general safety and health provisions for all construction worksites are listed in Subpart C of the regulations. All of these rules can be found on the OSHA website: www.osha.gov. Keep the worksite clean. Wear PPE as needed. Here are some general rules to help keep the construction worksite free of hazards. Dangers at Construction Worksites Construction worksites are full of dangers. OSHA inspects all types of worksites, but the most commonly cited and highest penalty violations come from construction sites. Here are the construction safety violations that made the top ten lists for 2007. Most Frequently Cited Violations Scaffolding Fall Protection Ladders Highest Penalty Violations Scaffolding Fall Protection Excavations Aerial Lifts Safety at Construction Worksites By writing safety rules, requiring training of workers, and inspecting worksites, OSHA has dramatically improved worker safety and decreased occupational hazards. OSHA’s mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of America’s workers. You can contact OSHA at any time for workplace safety and health questions, to report accidents or unsafe working conditions, for help during an emergency, and more. (800) 321-OSHA (6742) The Competent Person is the person with the knowledge to detect hazards at the worksite and the authorization to eliminate the hazards. Look for this person to help you stay safe at work. General Duty Clause Employers have to keep the workplace free from recognized hazards and employees have to follow the safety rules set up by their employer. Employees who see willful safety violations by their employer are encouraged to contact OSHA. The Whistleblower Protection rules prevent the employer from retaliating against an employee. Make sure you know how and where to get medical attention, including knowing the location of the first aid kit and eye wash station and how to get medical help in an emergency. Review the emergency action plan to make sure you know the exit route, who to call, and what to do in case there is a fire or other emergency at the worksite. You should also know where the fire extinguishing equipment is kept. 4 Ways to Prevent Accidents 1. A safety and accident prevent program 2. Frequent and regular inspections of the worksite by a competent person 3. Prohibit use of non-compliant machinery, tools, materials, and equipment 4. Training, including specialized training, as needed Inspections OSHA uses inspections as a tool to help keep workplaces safe. Workplaces are inspected in this order: 1. Imminent Danger 2. Fatalities and Catastrophes 3. Worker Complaints and Referrals 4. Programmed High-Hazard Inspections. Here are some of the rights employees have during an inspection. • Employees have a right to review copies of appropriate OSHA standards, rules, regulations, and requirements. The OSHA citations must be posted. • Employees have the right to be represented by an authorized representative during the inspection. This authorized representative could be the union safety officer or steward. • Employees are protected by federal law from any discrimination that may result from filing a safety complaint against the employer. If an employee is discriminated against, he or she should contact the local OSHA office. • Employees have a right to be informed of the outcome of the inspection. Employees may choose to speak with the inspector alone, confidentially, with management present, and/or with an authorized representative present. Employees do not have to talk to the OSHA inspector.
