Construction Site Safety Guidelines
Safety should be the first consideration of any contractor; unfortunately, that is not always the case. Sometimes, it’s ignorance of OSHA safety regulations; sometimes, a contractor intentionally ignores safety because it is too troublesome. A qualified and reputable contractor will always follow construction site safety guidelines. Let’s look at seven crucial OSHA safety guidelines that should be followed on construction sites.
Fall Protection
Related Hazards- Falls from elevated heights, slips, and trips.
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. OSHA mandates that fall protection must be provided at elevations of six feet in the construction industry, which can include guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. Failure to adequately implement fall protection can lead to severe injuries or even death.
Scaffolding Safety
Related Hazards- Falls, falling objects, structural collapses.
Scaffolding presents numerous hazards, such as the potential for falls, being struck by falling objects, or scaffold collapse. OSHA requires that all scaffolds be designed and constructed by qualified personnel and must be inspected by a competent person before each work shift. Scaffolds must also have guardrails, midrails, and toeboards to protect workers from falls and falling objects.
Respiratory Protection
Related Hazards- Inhalation of hazardous substances.
Exposure to dust, fumes, and other hazardous materials can lead to respiratory issues, chronic illness, or death. OSHA mandates the use of appropriate respiratory protection when engineering controls are not feasible for limiting exposure to airborne contaminants.
Hazard Communication
Related Hazards- Chemical burns, poisoning, explosions, fires.
Workers have a right to know the hazards associated with the chemicals they are exposed to. Employers must maintain a written hazard communication program, properly label hazardous materials, and train workers on safely handling these materials.
Electrical Safety
Related Hazards- Electrocution, fires, explosions.
Electrical hazards are a significant concern in construction sites. OSHA standards demand that qualified persons design, install, and maintain all electrical systems. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) must be used to protect workers from electrical shock.
Ladder Safety
Related Hazards- Falls, strains, and sprains.
Improper ladder use often leads to severe injuries or fatalities. OSHA standards require that ladders be inspected before each use, be used only on stable surfaces, and that the top and bottom be secured to prevent movement.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Related Hazards- Dependent on the equipment and task.
PPE is the last line of defense against various workplace hazards. Employers are required to provide appropriate PPE, such as helmets, gloves, and safety glasses, and train employees on their proper use and maintenance.
To Sum Up
More hazards can occur at a construction site than those listed above. As you probably have already deduced, a sub-par contractor will disregard safety and likely have the same disregard for quality work.
You Can Trust Us to Put Safety and Quality First
The greater Orlando area has trusted New Horizons Construction Services to adhere to the highest quality and safety standards. We are bonded, licensed, and insured. If you want a general contractor you can trust, reach out today; one of our construction experts will be happy to discuss your project. Call us at 407-574-2164 or complete our easy contact form.
