94 CommerCial ConstruCtion & renovation — January : February 2014
Among the most frequently cited
OSHA violations are the "Fatal Form" –
falls, electrocutions, struck by an object
and caught in between machinery. OSHA
requires that employers maintain a safe
work environment, free of hazards and
known dangers. For a construction compa-
ny, this means making sure that workers
are sent to job sites that are safe, free
from hazards, and include protec-
tion from accidental falls. Hand
tools and automated equipment
must be in safe operating condi-
tion, safety equipment must be available
and all employees must be properly trained
to avoid dangerous situations.
Many employers make the mistake
of not developing, maintaining and com-
municating written safety standards and
rules. But having discovered potential
hazards, employers would disregard such
problems at their own peril. OSHA expects
that employers not only address hazardous
conditions promptly, but also follow up on
their corrective actions to be sure that these
situations have been remediated.
are you prepared?
Editor's note: Tis article is for
informational purposes only and
is not necessarily representative
of the current state of the law. It
is not intended as legal advice
and the reader is encouraged to
consult an attorney before
taking any action.
T
he Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
issues more than 40,000 citations a year – many related to
the construction industry. With its state partners, OSHA has
some 2,200 inspectors responsible for the safety of more than 130 million
workers employed at more than 8 million work sites around the country.
surviving
osHa
an
inspection
By Alex Barthet
CCR-JanFeb.14_48-.indd 94 2/7/14 2:27 PM