OSHA Safety Regulations Overview

OSHA Overview

• OSHA stands for Occupational Safety & Health Administration, which ensures safe working conditions.

Guardrails and Ladders

• Top and middle guardrail heights must be between 39 inches and 45 inches.
• Ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the edge of what is being climbed.

Electrical Safety

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) prevent electric shock by detecting current differences.
• To protect against electrocution, use properly maintained electrical tools, cords, and cables.
• Employers are required to provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for electrical safety.

Fall Protection Regulations

• Fall protection is required for working at elevations of 6 feet or more for unprotected sides and edges, including scaffolds.
• Spoil piles need to be kept at least 2 feet from the edge of an excavation site.
• A stairway or ladder is needed for elevation breaks of 19 inches.

Types of Injuries and Hazards

• Struck-by injuries occur from forcible contact with objects or equipment.
• Example struck-by hazards include flying, falling, swinging, or rolling objects.
• Greatest excavation risk is from cave-ins, classified as caught in or between hazards.

Hard Hat Classes

• Class E hard hats protect against high voltage shocks and falling objects.
• Class G hard hats provide limited voltage protection for general service.
• Class C hard hats offer limited protection, mainly from bumping against fixed objects.

Health Hazards in Construction

• Health hazards include chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic factors.
• Physical hazards encompass noise, temperature extremes, vibration, and radiation.

Accident Prevention Strategies

• To protect employees from falls, implement training, provide proper equipment, and employ prevention methods.
• Personal fall arrest systems consist of anchoring, lifelines, and body harnesses.
• Prevention is the preferred method to address workplace hazards.

OSHA Inspection and Recordkeeping

• OSHA inspections prioritize imminent danger, fatalities, complaints, and programmed inspections.
• Citations must be posted for 3 workdays or until hazards are abated.
• Workers have the right to access current and past injury/illness records for up to 5 years.

Employers' Responsibilities

• Employers must maintain a safe workplace, provide training, keep injury records, and supply necessary PPE (excluding boots and prescription glasses).

High Visibility Requirements

• High visibility vests must be easily seen on the job site to enhance safety.

Filing Complaints

• The best method to submit complaints to OSHA is online.

Avoiding Caught-In Hazards

• Stay clear of being between moving equipment and immovable objects to prevent injuries.

This quiz covers essential OSHA regulations for maintaining safety in the workplace. It includes topics on guardrails, ladders, electrical safety, and fall protection. Understanding these regulations is crucial for ensuring a safe working environment.