Construction Site Regulations

Heavy equipment poses a big danger on construction sites.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency responsible for safety on construction sites. In addition, each state has its own version of the federal enforcement agency, such as the California OSHA (CAL-OSHA), and can add safety codes which are even more stringent than federal regulations.

Fire Protection

There are thousands of construction site regulations, but one of the first that must be satisfied on any project is the ability to fight fires. The first contractors on any job are those that trench for water and sewer. High-pressure water lines and hydrants are installed, tested and pressurized before any buildings are allowed to be constructed. Along with the water system comes fire roads that provide firefighting equipment access to all areas of the job site.

Protecting the Workers

Federal and state OSHA regulations are very strict when it comes to preventing injury to construction workers. Company owners face stiff fines if they are caught cutting corners. The wearing of personal protection equipment, including hard hats, eye protection, work boots and harnesses to protect against falls, is mandatory, and anyone caught not conforming will likely be sent home for the remainder of the day.

Trenching Safety

Whether it's a residential custom home site or a large commercial job, trenches have to be dug. Trenches for utilities such as gas and telephone lines all must be dug, usually by backhoes to depths sometimes approaching six to eight feet. OSHA regulations require any trench deeper than four feet either be supported by vertical trench plates designed to prevent collapse or benched for safety. Benching involves digging out to the sides of the trench. The result is the trench looks something like stadium bleachers. The technique is meant to prevent dirt from breaking loose and trapping a worker.

Heavy Equipment

Construction workers on foot working around heavy equipment find themselves in dangerous situations. All operators of heavy equipment have to meet minimum qualifications and practice safe operation at all times. Each piece of equipment must also have a working audible backup signaling device to warn everyone in the immediate area.

Accident Reporting

Every time anyone is injured on a construction site, an OSHA accident report must be filled out as soon after the incident as is practical. If the injured worker is unable to complete the form, his immediate supervisor bears the responsibility. All injuries are reported to OSHA, usually beginning at the state level.

References

• OSHA construction regulations
• CAL-OSHA
• The Construction Safety Council