Construction Worksite Safety
The four leading causes of death that make up 90% of all construction fatalities are: Falls from Elevations -- 33%; Struck By -- 22%; Caught In/Between -- 18%; and Electrical Shock -- 17%.
Each year more than 1,000 workers die in construction accidents in North America. Each year, one quarter of a million workers suffer injuries serious enough to result in lost workdays. Each year, construction accidents cost the industry more than $13 billion in workers compensation costs alone. All of these accidents could have prevented with proper precaution and a little common sense. [Construction Safety: Choice or Chance -- Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO and OSHA's Directorate of Construction and Office of Public Affairs; 2000]
Several OSHA standards for the construction industry address safety and health program elements. The following is a list of topics relevant to developing and maintaining a safety program, along with some regulatory citations applicable to each topic.
Despite its high fatality rate, construction can be a safe occupation when workers are aware of the hazards, and use an effective safety and health program. Clas Consulting can assist in developing an effective safety policy for your construction company. We can develop general safety programs, site safety plans, provide evaluation and auditing services and conduct safety training (including both OSHA 10 and 30-hour Construction Outreach training, toolbox talks, etc.) for all your operations. We can provide oversight and onsite expertise. Our consultants have expertise in new construction, turn-arounds, pipeline construction, on and offshore production facilities, mining, etc.
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A. Management Commitment to Safety and Health
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B. Hazard Identification and Determination
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C. Hazard Elimination and Control
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D. Emergency Response Planning
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E. First Aid and Medical
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(1) Provide medical services, first aid treatment, and supplies [29 CFR 1926.50(a), 29 CFR 1926.103, 29 CFR 1926.50(c), 29 CFR 1926.50(d), 29 CFR 1926 Subpart Z].
(2) Ensure availability of emergency rescue for injured employees [29 CFR 1926.50(e), 29 CFR 1926.106(a), 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(6), 29 CFR 1926.802(b)].
(3) Post emergency numbers for physicians, hospitals, or ambulances [29 CFR 1926.50(f)].
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F. Training
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(1) Train employees to recognize hazards [29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2), 29 CFR 1926.65, 29 CFR 1926.302(e), 29 CFR 1926.1060].
(2) Train workers to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions [29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2), 29 CFR 1926.65, 29 CFR 1926.454, 29 CFR 1926.901(c)].
(3) Provide training on safe work practices and applicable standards [29 CFR 1926.21(b)].
(4) Provide training on safe operation of equipment and machinery [29 CFR 1926.20(b)(4), 29 CFR 1926.302(e)].
(5) Provide training on hazards of access ladders and stairways [29 CFR 1926.1060(a), 29 CFR 1926.454, 29 CFR 1926.800(b) and (c)].
(6) Provide training on confined and enclosed space entry hazards and precautions [29 CFR 1926.21(b)(6), 29 CFR 1926.353(b), 29 CFR 1926.801].
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G. Recordkeeping and Abatement Verification
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Does a safety and health program really make a difference?
 Definitely!
The best Safety and Health Programs involve every level of the organization, instilling a safety culture that reduces accidents for workers and improves the bottom line for managers. When Safety and Health are part of the organization and a way of life, everyone wins.
There are four crucial questions you should be asking:
What Return on Investment can S&H programs provide?
• Improved employee morale,
• Decreased lost time,
• Fewer workplace injuries and illnesses,
• Lower insurance costs, and
• Safety culture adoption.
How can safety & health become a part of the way our business runs?
• Combine performance standards with S&H standards,
• Talk the talk and walk the walk,
• Top down support, and
• Bottom up implementation.
What indicators tell me if I'm getting weaker or stronger?
• Statistical reports,
• Opinion surveys,
• Risk analysis,
• Periodic inspections,
• Process improvement initiatives.
What practices are best for assuring lasting success?
• Obtain management buy-in.
• Build trust.
• Conduct self-assessments.
• Develop a site safety vision.
• Develop a system of accountability and measures.
• Implement recognition and rewards.
• Provide awareness training.
• Implement process changes.
• Continually measure, communicate results and celebrate successes.
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For more information, click below:
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Safety Matters
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Only about 30 percent of businesses have established safety and health programs. About half of the 95 million workers who would be covered under an OSHA safety and health program standard don't have that protection today. Establishing a safety and health program to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses is not only the right thing to do, it's the profitable thing to do. Studies have shown a $4 to $6 return for every dollar invested in safety and health.
Clas Consulting can assist your company develop an effective safety policy for your construction company. From top to bottom we can assist in developing safety programs, develop a site safety plan, provide evaluation and auditing services and evaluation services, and conduct safety training (including both OSHA 10 and 30-hour Construction Outreach training, toolbox talks, etc.). We can provide safety personnel for your project start to finish no matter where they might be. We can oversight and onsite expertise. Our consultants have expertise in new construction, turn-arounds, pipeline construction, on and offshore production facilities, mining, etc.
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