Hazard Prevention Data SheetConstruction Activities
1.Identification of Workplace Hazard
The Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders generally govern construction work. However, the General Industry Safety Orders and Electrical Safety Orders apply to construction work when no specific construction standard exists. For example, many of the electrical, power tool and ladder safety requirements described in Hazard Prevention Data Sheet Pressure Vessels (Air Compressors) and LPG Tanks apply to construction work. Certain construction activities pose unique hazards which are addressed by the Cal/OSHA standards through a permitting requirement (for example, entries into excavations, certain scaffolding operations and high level work and demolition projects. In addition, the accident prevention and injury and illness prevention program requirements for construction work include additional elements compared to general industry. The reason for the additional permitting and safety program requirements for construction work is warranted by injury statistics which indicate that construction work is significantly more hazardous than general industry.
2.Management and Trainer Information
The following are the specific requirements for construction activities thatshould be incorporated into the Injury and Illness Prevention Program for an employer whose workers are engaged in construction activities. These requirements are in addition to the specific standards that may apply to the work.
Permitted Activities
A permit from Cal/OSHA is required for the following types of construction work:
•Construction of a trench or excavation five feet or more in depth into which a person is required to descend.
•Construction of buildings, structures, scaffolding or falsework more than three stories high (36 feet).
•Demolition of buildings or structures more than three stories high (36 feet).
•Erection and operation of tower cranes.
•Registration is required for work involving employee exposure to asbestos-containing building materials.
Permits can be obtained for a specific project or for a year (annual permit) from any Cal/OSHA district office.
Accident Prevention Program
In addition to all of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program elements required of general industry employers, construction work includes the following Construction Safety Order accident prevention requirements:
•Periodic meetings of supervisory employees are required to discuss the safety program and accidents that have occurred.
•Tailgate or toolbox safety meetings must be conducted at least every 10 days.
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•Adoption and use of Codes of Safe Practices are required. Codes must be posted or readily available from a supervisor at the site.
•Before starting work, the construction employer must survey the job site to determine the hazards and safeguards necessary to ensure that work is performed safely.
•The employer shall permit only qualified or experienced employees to operate equipment or machinery.
Specific Safety Practices
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is more prevalent in construction than general industry due to the nature of the work.
•Respirators, eye and face protection, foot protection, hand protection and body protection are required if there is a potential exposure to hazards.
•Head protection (hard hats) are mandatory for construction sites due to the presence of flying or falling objects.
•Medical and first aid precautions at construction sites include a mandatory first aid kit, a posting with emergency contact numbers and personnel trained in first aid/CPR unless professional providers are immediately available.
3.Employee Safe Work Practices
Employees should be required to comply with the following safe work practices:
(1)Do not construct or enter, or allow others to enter, any excavation five feet or deeper without proper shoring or sloping and a permit from Cal/OSHA.
(2)Do not enter, or allow others to enter, any confined space, tunnel or similar area without proper safety procedures and authorization.
(3)Do not erect scaffolding over three stories (36 feet) without a permit from Cal/OSHA.
(4)Do not disturb any asbestos-containing building materials (or suspect materials) without authorization and registration with Cal/OSHA.
(5)Know and follow Codes of Safe Practices applicable to work tasks performed and equipment operated at the site.
(6)Inspect the work area and tools/equipment for any hazards that may be present. Do not commence work if a hazardous condition is discovered.
(7)Do not operate any equipment unless trained and authorized to do so.
(8)Properly maintain and wear PPE designated by the employer for the job. Always wear hard hats on project sites.
(9)Know the procedures for obtaining emergency assistance and how to contact off-site providers.
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4.Items Subject to Periodic Scheduled Inspections
The employer's periodic scheduled inspections should consider the following items during workplace inspections.
(1)Are personnel working in trenches or excavations greater than five feet in depth without adequate shoring/sloping or without a permit from Cal/OSHA?
(2)Are any other permit-required activities (construction or scaffolding 36 feet high, demolition of a 36 foot high structure, tower crane or asbestos work) being conducted without a permit?
(3)If a permit has been issued, are all conditions being satisfied and compliance with applicable standards in effect?
(4)Are supervisors conducting periodic safety meetings?
(5)Are tailgate or toolbox safety meetings being conducted at least once every 10 days?
(6)Are Codes of Safe Practice posted or otherwise available at the site?
(7)Are periodic inspections of workplaces being conducted to identify potential site hazards? Are identified hazards being effectively addressed?
(8)Are equipment and machine operators qualified and trained?
(9)Is required PPE in good condition and is it being used as required by site employers, including mandatory hard hats?
(10)Is the first aid kit available and stocked as required?
(11)Is the emergency poster completed and posted at the construction site?