Responsibilities
In accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.16, Controlling employers and contractors assume all obligations under the standards, whether or not they subcontract any of the work.
To the extent that a subcontractor agrees to perform any part of the contract, he assumes responsibility for complying with the standards with respect to that part.
With respect to subcontracted work, the controlling contractor and any subcontractors are deemed to have joint responsibility.
Construction companies should designate a person to coordinate, implement, and administer the construction safety management system (CSMS).
Responsibilities include the below.
- Understanding potential job hazards and how to eliminate them
- Conducting or assisting with Job Safety Analysis
- Assuring compliance with OSHA construction safety and health standard requirements
- Conducting regular job site safety and health inspections
- Establishing safety and health procedures
- Coordinating regular safety and health training
- Conducting or assisting with Tailgate or Tool Box Talks
- Maintaining documentation of training, inspections, injuries and illnesses, and other safety records
- Participating in accident investigations and implementation of corrective actions
- Involving employees in the implementation of the CSMS
- Creating statistical reports that compare severity and frequency rates against prior records
Real-life Scenario
A construction company was fined $135,407 by Oregon OSHA for repeatedly exposing employees to fall hazards.
Description of the Situation: During an inspection at a residential jobsite, it was observed that an employee was installing roofing material without proper fall protection. Although the worker wore a harness, it was not connected to an anchor, exposing them to a potential fall of up to 17 feet. An extension ladder used on-site did not extend at least 3 feet above the roofline, and employees operated pneumatic nail guns without eye protection.
Injuries or Fatalities: No injuries or fatalities were reported in this incident.
Penalties Levied: The company faced penalties for three violations:
- Fall Protection Violation: A third repeat offense for failing to implement fall protection systems.
- Ladder Safety Violation: A first repeat offense for improper ladder use.
- Eye Protection Violation: A first repeat offense for not ensuring the use of eye protection.
Recommendations: To prevent such hazards and penalties, companies should:
- Enforce Fall Protection Measures: Ensure all employees working at heights use properly connected fall protection equipment.
- Adhere to Ladder Safety Standards: Verify that ladders extend appropriately above landing surfaces to provide safe access.
- Implement Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policies: Mandate the use of necessary PPE, such as eye protection, when operating hazardous tools.
Regular training and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential to maintain a safe work environment and comply with OSHA regulations.
source:https://osha.oregon.gov/news/2024/Pages/nr2024-23.aspx
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-8. Which employer category assumes all obligations under the standards, whether or not they subcontract any of the work?
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