813 Construction Worksite Safety
Glossary
A
- Abrasive Blasting. A process using compressed air or water to clean or prepare surfaces, with OSHA requiring PPE and exposure controls to mitigate hazards like silica dust.
- Abatement. The process of eliminating or reducing workplace hazards identified during an OSHA inspection, often involving corrective measures like repairs, training, or equipment replacement.
- Administrative Controls. Workplace policies and procedures designed to minimize exposure to hazards, such as shift rotations or training, as part of the hierarchy of controls.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). A judge who oversees disputes related to OSHA citations or penalties, providing rulings in occupational safety and health cases.
- Aerial Lifts. Equipment such as scissor lifts or boom lifts used to elevate workers, requiring OSHA-approved safety practices like harness use and equipment inspections.
- Air-Purifying Respirator (APR). A type of respirator that removes contaminants from the air through filters or cartridges, required under OSHA's respiratory protection standard.
- Anchor Points. Secure points used in fall protection systems to anchor lanyards, lifelines, or deceleration devices, requiring specific strength and placement as per OSHA guidelines.
- ANSI Standards. Voluntary consensus standards developed by the American National Standards Institute, often incorporated into OSHA regulations for workplace safety.
- Arc Flash. A sudden release of electrical energy through the air that can cause severe injuries, with OSHA requiring specific personal protective equipment (PPE) and training to prevent incidents.
- Atmospheric Testing. The process of evaluating the air quality in confined spaces to detect hazardous gases, oxygen deficiency, or flammable conditions, as required by OSHA.
B
- Biological Hazards (Biohazards). Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi that pose health risks in workplaces like healthcare or laboratories, with OSHA requiring training and controls.
- Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan. A written document required by OSHA for workplaces with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, outlining protective measures and response protocols.
- Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP). Infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause diseases, with OSHA requiring training, PPE, and exposure control plans in affected workplaces.
- Bolt Tensioning. The process of tightening bolts to specific torque levels in construction and maintenance, regulated by OSHA to ensure structural safety.
C
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Monitoring. The use of devices to detect CO levels in workplaces, particularly in confined spaces or areas with combustion equipment, as required by OSHA.
- Caught-In or -Between Hazards. Injuries caused by workers being caught in or crushed between equipment, structures, or materials, with OSHA outlining prevention measures in construction and manufacturing.
- Chemical Fume Hoods. Ventilated enclosures designed to safely contain and exhaust hazardous fumes, required in laboratories and regulated by OSHA.
- Chemical Hazards. Substances that pose a risk to health or safety through exposure, including toxins, corrosives, and flammables, as regulated under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard.
- Combustible Dust. Fine particles that can ignite under certain conditions, requiring OSHA-compliant controls like dust collection systems and hazard analysis.
- Competent and Qualified Person. OSHA distinguishes between a "competent person," authorized to identify hazards and take corrective action, and a "qualified person," who has the technical knowledge to solve specific safety issues.
- Competent Person. An individual designated by the employer who is capable of identifying hazards in the workplace and has the authority to take corrective actions, as required in various OSHA standards.
- Competent Person Training. Specific training required by OSHA for individuals responsible for identifying hazards and implementing corrective measures in high-risk situations such as excavation or scaffolding.
- Confined Space. An area that is large enough for a worker to enter, has restricted means of entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous occupancy, requiring specific OSHA safety measures in construction.
- Confined Space Entry Permit. A document required before entering a permit-required confined space, detailing hazards, entry procedures, and emergency plans.
- Confined Space Rescue Plan. A detailed plan for safely extracting workers from confined spaces during emergencies, required by OSHA for permit-required confined spaces.
- Crane Load Charts. Documentation specifying the lifting capacity of a crane under various conditions, required to ensure safe operations under OSHA regulations.
- Cranes and Rigging. Equipment and practices used to lift and move heavy materials, with OSHA regulations covering inspection, operation, and hazard prevention.
- Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs). Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, addressed under OSHA’s ergonomics guidelines.
D
- Decibel Levels (dB). A measurement of sound intensity, with OSHA setting permissible exposure limits to protect workers from hearing loss due to excessive noise.
- Doffing and Donning PPE. The correct procedures for putting on (donning) and removing (doffing) personal protective equipment, emphasized in OSHA training to prevent contamination or injury.
E
- Electrical Grounding. A safety measure to prevent electrical shock by directing excess current into the earth, required in accordance with OSHA standards for electrical safety.
- Electrical Safety. Practices and precautions required by OSHA to prevent electrical shock, arc flash, and other electrical hazards in workplaces.
- Emergency Action Plan (EAP). A written plan required by OSHA to outline procedures for evacuations and emergency response in the workplace.
- Emergency Escape Respirators. Devices designed to provide breathable air in emergencies involving toxic fumes, often mandated in areas with chemical hazards.
- Emergency Shower and Eyewash Stations. Facilities required by OSHA to provide immediate decontamination for workers exposed to hazardous chemicals.
- Engineering Controls. Physical modifications to the workplace or equipment to reduce hazards, such as ventilation systems or noise dampening, as prioritized in OSHA’s hierarchy of controls.
- Ergonomics. The science of designing tasks and workplaces to fit workers, aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disorders, as encouraged by OSHA's guidelines.
- Exit Routes. Clearly marked, unobstructed pathways to evacuate a building during emergencies, with OSHA requiring specific dimensions and signage.
- Excavation and Trenching. Practices to protect workers from cave-ins, falls, and hazardous atmospheres, as outlined in OSHA's standards for excavation safety.
F
- Fall Arrest System. A safety system, including harnesses and lifelines, designed to stop a worker from hitting the ground or other surfaces in the event of a fall.
- Fall Clearance Distance. The minimum vertical distance required to safely arrest a fall, considering factors like lanyard length and deceleration device deployment, as defined by OSHA.
- Fall Restraint System. A system designed to prevent workers from reaching hazardous fall areas, such as guardrails or body harnesses tethered to secure points.
- Fire Prevention Plan (FPP). A workplace document required by OSHA to identify fire hazards, outline prevention measures, and designate emergency roles.
- Fit Testing. A process required by OSHA to ensure that respirators fit an individual worker’s face properly, providing an adequate seal against contaminants.
- Flammable Liquids. Liquids with a flash point below 100°F, regulated by OSHA to ensure proper storage, labeling, and handling to prevent fire hazards.
G
- GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). A safety device required by OSHA to protect workers from electrical shock by interrupting electrical circuits when an imbalance occurs.
- Guardrails. Physical barriers installed to prevent falls from elevated work surfaces, required by OSHA in various settings.
H
- Hazard Communication (HazCom). An OSHA standard requiring employers to inform workers about chemical hazards through labels, safety data sheets, and training.
- Hazard Assessment. A systematic evaluation of potential risks in the workplace, required by OSHA to identify and control hazards before work begins.
- Hierarchy of Controls. A framework for hazard mitigation that prioritizes elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Housekeeping. Practices to maintain a clean and organized work environment, critical for preventing slips, trips, and falls, as emphasized by OSHA.
I
- Incident Energy Analysis. A calculation of the potential energy released during an arc flash event, used to select appropriate PPE as per OSHA standards.
- Imminent Danger. A situation where an immediate risk to worker health or safety exists, requiring OSHA intervention or employer corrective action.
J
- Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). A process of identifying potential hazards associated with a specific job task and determining the safest way to perform it, as encouraged by OSHA.
- Just-in-Time Training. OSHA-recommended safety training provided immediately before performing a task or using specific equipment to ensure hazard awareness and compliance.
K
- Kinetic Lifting. A lifting method that uses proper body mechanics, such as bending at the knees and keeping loads close to the body, to reduce injury risks, as recommended by OSHA.
- Kickbacks. Sudden forceful movements of tools like saws or grinders, requiring guards and proper use practices under OSHA safety standards.
L
- Ladders and Stairways. Tools and structures requiring OSHA-compliant use, inspection, and design to prevent falls and other injuries.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). Procedures to control hazardous energy during equipment maintenance, ensuring safety by locking or tagging energy sources.
M
- Machine Guarding. Physical barriers or devices installed on machinery to protect workers from moving parts and other hazards.
- Machine-Specific Energy Control Procedures. Detailed instructions tailored to specific equipment for safely isolating and locking out hazardous energy, required by OSHA’s LOTO standards.
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). A document that provides information on the properties, hazards, and safe handling of chemicals, replaced by Safety Data Sheets (SDS) under OSHA's HazCom Standard.
- Medical Surveillance Programs. Employer-provided programs to monitor workers’ health over time for occupational illnesses or injuries, required by OSHA in industries with high-risk exposures.
- Millwright Safety. Safety practices specific to workers installing, repairing, or maintaining heavy industrial machinery, as regulated by OSHA.
N
- Near Miss Reporting. The documentation of events that could have resulted in injury or damage but did not, used as a proactive safety measure to prevent future incidents.
- Noise Dosimeter. A device used to measure a worker’s cumulative noise exposure over a work shift, ensuring compliance with OSHA's permissible exposure limits.
- Noise Monitoring. The practice of measuring workplace noise levels to ensure compliance with OSHA's noise exposure standards.
O
- Overhead Power Lines. A common electrical hazard in construction, requiring OSHA-compliant clearance distances and protective measures.
P
- Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). The maximum amount or concentration of a substance that workers can be exposed to during a specified time frame, set by OSHA to ensure safety.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Safety gear, such as helmets, gloves, and goggles, required by OSHA to protect workers from specific hazards.
- Powered Hand Tools. Tools powered by electricity, air, or fuel, requiring guards, proper maintenance, and safe handling under OSHA standards.
- Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts). Motorized equipment used to lift, stack, and move materials, with OSHA regulations governing operator training and equipment maintenance.
Q
- Qualified Electrical Worker. An employee trained and authorized to work on or near energized electrical systems, meeting OSHA training and competency requirements.
- Qualified Person. An individual who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems related to a specific subject, operation, or project. For example, a qualified person may be required to evaluate and certify scaffolding or design fall protection systems.
- Quantitative Fit Testing (QNFT). A precise method of determining the fit of a respirator using specialized equipment, required under OSHA’s respiratory protection standards.
- Quartz Dust. A respirable hazard present in industries like mining and construction, with OSHA requiring exposure controls to prevent silicosis and other health risks.
R
- Respirable Crystalline Silica. Fine particles generated from cutting, drilling, or grinding silica-containing materials, with OSHA setting strict exposure limits to prevent lung disease.
- Respiratory Fit Factors. A quantitative measure of how well a respirator fits, used during OSHA-mandated fit testing to ensure worker protection.
- Respiratory Protection. Equipment and procedures required by OSHA to protect workers from inhaling hazardous substances.
S
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Documents required by OSHA to provide information on the hazards, handling, and emergency procedures for chemicals.
- Safety Observation Programs. Programs that encourage employees to report unsafe conditions or behaviors, promoting a culture of safety in compliance with OSHA standards.
- Scaffolding. Temporary structures used to support workers and materials during construction or maintenance, with OSHA requiring specific design and use standards.
- Shoring. A safety system used in excavation to prevent soil collapse, required by OSHA to protect workers in trenches.
- Silica Exposure. A health hazard caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica, with OSHA regulations requiring control measures in construction and other industries.
- Slip-Resistant Footwear. Shoes with specialized soles designed to prevent slips, often required in workplaces with wet or oily surfaces.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls. Incidents that can cause serious injury, with OSHA requiring measures such as maintaining clean work surfaces and using guardrails to prevent hazards.
- Static Electricity Hazards. Risks caused by static charge buildup, particularly in flammable environments, requiring OSHA-compliant grounding and bonding practices.
T
- Taglines. Ropes or lines used to guide and stabilize suspended loads during crane or hoist operations, required by OSHA for safe material handling.
- Temporary Worker Initiative (TWI). An OSHA program focused on ensuring staffing agencies and host employers meet their responsibilities to protect temporary workers.
- Toolbox Talks. Short, informal safety meetings held on worksites to discuss hazards and safe work practices, encouraged by OSHA as part of ongoing training.
- Trench Box. A protective system used in trenches to shield workers from soil cave-ins, meeting OSHA's excavation safety requirements.
U
- Universal Precautions. OSHA-mandated practices in healthcare to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens by treating all human blood and body fluids as infectious.
V
- Ventilation Systems. Engineering controls used to maintain air quality and remove hazardous substances from the workplace, required by OSHA in specific environments.
W
- Whistleblower Protection. OSHA-enforced rights protecting employees who report workplace safety violations or refuse unsafe work from retaliation.
- Workplace Health Surveillance. Ongoing monitoring of employee health to identify and prevent work-related illnesses, often required in industries with high hazard exposure.
- Work Zone Safety. Protective measures for construction or roadwork areas, including barriers, traffic controls, and PPE, as mandated by OSHA.
X
- X-Ray Radiation Safety. OSHA regulations to minimize worker exposure to ionizing radiation during activities like medical imaging or industrial testing.
Y
- Yield Point. The stress level at which a material begins to deform plastically, critical in crane, rigging, and structural safety evaluations under OSHA.
- Yoke Load Lifting Points. Safe lifting attachments used in heavy machinery rigging, requiring OSHA compliance for weight ratings and proper use.