OSHA Focuses on Construction Issues

As the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues to press forward on its ambitious agenda, here's a look at several decisions that will directly impact the construction industry this year.

Crane and Compliance Space Standards

Currently, final rules are anticipated in 2010 for two proposed construction standards. The first proposed rule is OSHA's cranes and derricks standard, which includes a series of new updates and requirements.

The second proposed rule is OSHA's compliance space and construction standard, a more extensive rule that will replace the general industry compliance space standard and provide a separate standard only for construction.

High-Visibility Garments

On Aug. 5, 2009, OSHA issued a new letter of interpretation that requires construction employees to wear high-visibility warning garments when involved in highway construction.

Fall Protection During Steel Erection

On Oct. 1, 2009, OSHA announced its revised enforcement policy for fall protection during steel erection. Its compliance directive changed two enforcement policies related to trip hazards and installation of nets or floors during steel erection.

This article appeared in the April 2010 issue of Construction Executive.