OSHA issues recommended practices to promote workplace safety and health programs in construction

OSHA just issued Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs in Construction to help industry employers develop proactive programs to keep their workplaces safe. The recommendations may be particularly helpful to small- and medium-sized contractors who lack safety and health specialists on staff.

The recommended practices reflect current conditions in the construction industry, including:

• New construction techniques, materials, and equipment
• Greater diversity in the construction workforce
• An aging workforce
• Increased temporary and contract employment

"The recommendations outlined in this document will help contractors prevent injuries and illnesses on their construction sites and make their companies more profitable," said OSHA head Dr. David Michaels.

Contractors can create a safety and health program using a number of simple steps that include: 

• Training workers how to identify and control hazards
• Inspecting jobsites with workers to identify problems with equipment and materials
• Developing responses to possible emergency scenarios in advance

The recommended practices for a safety and health program are flexible and can be adjusted to fit small and large construction companies handling short-term or multi-year projects. Working with employees to implement a program can offer other benefits including improvements in production and quality; greater employee morale; improved employee recruiting and retention; and a more favorable image and reputation among customers, suppliers and the community.

These recommendations are advisory only and do not create any new legal obligations or alter existing obligations created by OSHA standards or regulations.

OSHA also has created a dedicated Web page to support these practices. The page includes a link to the recommended practices document, plus:

• Articles and information sources related to each core element of the recommended practices, plus other topics discussed in the recommended practices.
• Downloadable templates, worksheets, and reference materials you can use as you develop your own safety and health program. 

OSHA will update the Web page and add resources and tools as they become available.

Learn more:

• Download the guide (pdf).
• Visit the new OSHA resource page.
• Browse Construction Safety Signs and Labels.