Construction Site Accidents - Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Construction Site Safe?
Construction accidents are a major cause of accidental injuries and deaths in the United States. Here we have provided some FAQs from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) that will help you stay safe on the construction site. If you have suffered an injury on the job that was someone else's fault, a lawsuit can help you pay your bills and compensate for your pain and suffering. Fill out this simple form today for your free case review.
- What is the OSHA?
- What states have approved OSHA construction plans?
- What are my State's Plan Safety and Health Standards?
- Am I covered under OHSA if I am a state or local government worker?
- What types of hazards cause injuries and illnesses to construction workers?
- I work on a construction site that has an elevator shaft with nothing around the edges – is that OK?
- We have an excavation on the construction site where I work, and we need to constantly cross it. Is using a few planks laid over the trench OK?
- What are the first aid requirements at a construction jobsite?
- I’m a roofer and usually work on construction sites. When am I required to wear fall protection?
- I’m a carpenter and my supervisor says they can’t put guardrails up where I work. Shouldn’t they do something?
What is the OSHA?
The OSHA stands for Occupational Safety & Health Administration. OSHA's mission is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.
The OHSA's website can be found at: http://www.osha.gov
What states have approved OSHA construction plans?
The following states have approved State Plans:
| Alaska | Arizona | California | Connecticut |
| Hawaii | Indiana | Iowa | Kentucky |
| Maryland | Michigan | Minnesota | Nevada |
| New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina |
| Oregon | Puerto Rico | South Carolina | Tennessee |
| Utah | Vermont | Virgin Islands | Virginia |
| Washington | Wyoming |
NOTE: The Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Virgin Islands plans cover public sector (State & local government) employment only.
What are my State's Plan Safety and Health Standards?
You can find out your states OHSA stafty plan and health standards by following this link: http://www.osha.gov/fso/osp/statestandards.html
Am I covered under OHSA if I am a state or local government worker?
State and local government workers are excluded from Federal coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the "OSH Act"). However, states operating their own state workplace safety and health programs under plans approved by the U.S. Department of Labor cover most private sector workers and are also required to extend their coverage to public sector (state and local government) workers in the state. Section 2 (11) of the OSH Act encourages states to develop and operate their own state OSH programs.
OHSA also permit states without approved plans to develop plans that cover only public sector workers. In these states, private sector employment remains under Federal OSHA jurisdiction. Twenty-two states and territories operate plans covering both the public and private sectors and four states - Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and the Virgin Islands - operate public employee only plans.
States without OSHA-approved state job safety and health plans may voluntarily provide safety and health protection to their governmental workers. Many states without approved safety and health programs do provide coverage to public employees, to varying degrees, through programs that do not receive Federal funding and are not subject to Federal OSHA oversight. Some of the resources listed below may assist "non-plan" states in providing better protection to their state and local government employees.
What types of hazards cause injuries and illnesses to construction workers?
The major hazards include excavation cave-ins, falls, electrical hazards and exposure to toxic agents like asbestos and lead.
I work on a construction site that has an elevator shaft with nothing around the edges – is that OK?
If you’re exposed to the danger of falling from a height of 7.5 feet or greater and guardrails can’t be put up, fall protection (a full body harnesses and lanyards) must be provided.
We have an excavation on the construction site where I work, and we need to constantly cross it. Is using a few planks laid over the trench OK?
It depends on the size of the hole. If the excavation is over six feet deep and 30 inches wide, a walkway or bridge with guardrails needs to be installed.
What are the first aid requirements at a construction jobsite?
First aid kits must be provided in a weatherproof container. When more than one employer is involved in a single construction project on a jobsite, each employer is responsible for ensuring the availability of emergency medical services for its employees.
I’m a roofer and usually work on construction sites. When am I required to wear fall protection?
When you are doing roofing work over 20 feet off the ground--other than when connecting--you must wear fall protection such as a full body harness and lanyard.
I’m a carpenter and my supervisor says they can’t put guardrails up where I work. Shouldn’t they do something?
If you’re exposed to the danger of falling from a height of 7.5 feet or greater and guardrails can’t be put up, fall protection (a full body harnesses and lanyards) must be provided.
Act now! It is essential that you inquire about your construction accident case as soon as possible. Your individual state's law may limit your time to bring a legal claim to protect your rights.
see also:
Work Zone Dangers
FREE Work Zone Safety Information: Contact a Work Zone Accident LawyerWork zone safety: For work zone accidents, contact a lawyer
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