Worksite Analysis
Improving safety on a construction worksite is one of the most important contractor activities. To do this, we need to analyze the ways to identify the hazards on site. Next, we need to compare those hazards with the control methods we know work best. Once we have this information, we can then make improvements.
In this module, we'll study the general steps in the worksite analysis, evaluation and improvement process. Failing to conduct a comprehensive worksite analysis on each worksite is a costly decision made by the employer.
Let's take a look at OSHA's Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Violations for 2021 to get a better idea where to focus our efforts:
- Respiratory Protection (1926.134)
- Hazard Protection - General Industry (1910.1200)
- Ladders, Construction (1926.1053)
- Scaffolding, Construction (1926.451)
- Fall Protection - Construction (1926.501)
- Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)
- Eye and Face Protection (1926.102)
- Powered Industrial Trucks - General Industry (1910.178)
- Machinery and Machine Guarding - General Requirements (1910.212)
Ergonomics is not covered by OSHA. Ergonomic hazards cause back injuries, strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal disorders. Although there is no OSHA specific rule on ergonomics, it is the cause of most injuries on the worksite: One cause for this is a lack of reporting by injured workers. OSHA may resort to the use of the "General Duty Clause" to cite employers for ergonomics-related violations or issue a ergonomic hazard alert letter.
Check out this short audio clip by Dan Clark of theSafetyBrief.com. Safety managers, ATTENTION! Check hazards, provide safety training, and ensure proper use of PPE.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-1. Although OSHA cites fall protection requirement violations the most, what is the cause of most injuries on a construction worksite?
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