Following safety regulations on the job site isn’t just wise, it’s the law.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that sets and enforces safety standards for construction. As a contractor, you should get very familiar with the regulations of your line of work. These are a few of the key standards you should know to stay safe and pass inspections.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the many ways construction workers can protect themselves and be safe while working. PPE minimizes exposure to hazards like mechanical and electrical equipment, which means it also prevents injuries. Standard PPE includes gloves, safety glasses, proper footwear like work boots, and hard hats.
Employers must train all workers required to wear PPE on when it's necessary, what kind is needed, how to properly put it on, adjust it, and take it off, the limitations of the PPE, proper care and maintenance, and its expected lifespan. Be sure to familiarize yourself with thePPE standards specific to the construction industry.
FALL PROTECTION
Falling on a construction site can lead to serious injury and even death. Toprotect workers from falling, take the precautions required by OSHA. These standards include keeping floors as clean and as dry as possible, training workers about hazards on the job site in a language they understand, and providing guard rails and toe boards around elevated open-sided platforms.
Scaffolding and ladder regulations are also important and relevant to review as you implement ways to prevent falls.
REPORTING
Another key regulation all contractors must know about is recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Employers are mandated toreport work-related injuries and illnesses when they happen and in an annual summary report using certain OSHA forms.
HAZARD COMMUNICATION
The hazard communication requirement ensures that workers are aware of hazardous chemicals like solvents, paint, and adhesives — materials that must be handled carefully. To prevent accidents and have a safe job site, you must keep a record of a writtenHazard Communication Program, label all chemicals, and make sure safety data sheets are accessible.
HOUSEKEEPING
Housekeeping regulations keep the job site clean and safe. OSHA requires that hazards like protruding nails and scrap lumber be kept away from walkways, stairs, and work areas. Not only should materials be placed out of the way, but they need to be in stored properly, too. For example, flammable and oily materials must be kept in covered containers.
Regularly review OSHA regulations and include reminders in yourconstruction safety meetings.
TOOL AND EQUIPMENT SAFETY
OSHA’ssafety regulations about tools and equipment cover proper use, inspection, maintenance, and required safety features like guards. This helps prevent injuries, protects your workers, and ensures you’re following federal safety laws.
An overview of the tool and safety regulations is to keep everything in working condition, conduct routine inspections, make sure functional guards are in place on tools with moving parts, and also bring in other regulations like the use of PPE and electrical safety, which are both critical to working with tools and construction equipment.
Top-of-the-line building materials and high-quality tools are necessary for a safe work environment, and when you shop or place an order at Miller’s Building Supply for what you need on your job site, you can take pride in knowing you’re supporting a local business.Request a quote online or come shop at 1819 East Monroe St in Goshen.
