Managers of construction sites are in charge of arranging a safe and healthy working environment for the employees. All their actions must align with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health act of 1970. That means that when a security check happens the site immaculately corresponds to all the OSHA 30 hour construction standards and no violations are spotted. However, there is always something that is overlooked: the issues with PPE, no respiratory protection being used, fall protection violations, not complete professional training of employees, etc. Therefore, let’s review what is supposed to be followed unswervingly according to the standards established.
OSHA requirements
Construction standards are written in Title 29 of the code of Federal Regulations. They are supposed to inform with all the specifications about maintaining a secure and health-friendly environment at the site. This does not only pertain to the people in charge. Employees as well are supposed to watch things being done properly and have to be equipped with a full stack of required certifications. Since only being properly trained with the required total hours of courses completed will serve as a prerequisite for permission to work at the construction site.
Certification to obtain
In order to follow the OSHA standards, employers expect their employees to come to work with proof of attending training in construction. Local Law, 196 (NYC DOB requirements) workers are required to pass 30 hours of training; supervisors are supposed to have 62 starting from September the 1st, 2020 people involved in construction must have a total of 40 educational hours ( 8- Hour Fall Prevention course and a 2- Hour Drug and Alcohol Awareness course included). The presence of an SST ( site safety training) card proves that the person is valid for performing a construction activity.
Also, it should be mentioned that if there is a need for repair, painting jobs, and renovation in any housing or educational institution older than 1978, a worker is expected to have EPA Lead Renovator certificate. Employers and employees have to watch for the expiration date of the certificates. The idea is not only to avoid pretty decent fines but also to maintain the lives of all involved in the construction process out of danger.
OSHA’s bigger picture
Having the proof of attendance and completion of the CEU ( Continuing Education Units) provides construction laborers and those who are in charge with a clear comprehension of why OSHA is crucial in terms of performing construction jobs and how to stay away from any potential jeopardy. It is possible to achieve this by following the rules of proper fall protection gear, PPE, respiratory protection, etc. Having enough expertise on these matters assures the construction site to be safe and fruitful.
To sum up
OSHA rules for no means are a formality. Everything that is in theory is supposed to be responsibly implemented in practice. Construction work is not only about the result, but also about keeping people’s lives safe and free from damage. Knowledge of the requirements and a serious approach to their application exactly guarantees safety, health, and a productive working process.
