833 Developing a Construction Safety Management System

Safety Representatives

Prior to the start of a project, a designated project safety representative/manager should be appointed and required to be on site at all times while work is being performed.

Safety Representative: General and subcontractor designated project safety representatives should have completed and documented at least a 30-Hour OSHA Construction Safety Course and have current CPR/First Aid Training. The project safety representative may also concurrently function as a superintendent, foreman or crew leader on the Project.

Safety Manager/Officer: A dedicated, full-time safety manager should be assigned on large or high-risk projects. If a safety manager is required by contract, he or she should not have any other duties. Safety managers should have earned professional credentials (CSP, CIH, CSHM, etc.), completed an OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Course or equivalent, and have additional training and experience necessary to understand the management of a project CSMS.

Safety Representative/Manager Duties

During the construction phase it will be important for safety representatives to do the following:

• Conduct regular scheduled and random worksite safety inspections and incident/accident investigations as needed.
• Identify the impact of changes on the worksite in safety and health of workers involved in the project.
• Provide sufficient information on health and safety on the worksite to supervisors and those who will train workers on safety, so they can conduct the necessary training if needed.
• Cooperate and coordinate safety and health with the subcontractors and others throughout each phase of the project.
• Provide advice and information regarding the general contractor's health and safety plan to everyone involved with the project.
• Make sure the general contractor and all subcontractors continue to carry out their duties and responsibilities to regularly submit activity reports and hold worksite safety meeting.

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