The second biggest threat to the construction industry, behind the lack of skilled labor, is the unchecked expansion of regulatory agencies. Recent government expansion has granted the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) the authority it needs to single-handedly put contractors out of business through targeting, and repeat or excessive fines. The purpose of this book is to provide contractors, trades, design professionals, suppliers, manufacturers and others in the industry with an understanding of their rights during an OSHA inspection as well as critical defenses to use after an OSHA citation has been issued. Topics include safety compliance, recordkeeping and reporting, responsible use of social media, constitutional protections, witness statements, settlements with OSHA, willful citations, and a discussion of defenses including unpreventable employee misconduct, multi-employer site defense and the greater hazard defense. Finally, the book discusses some of the recent regulation changes including the new silica standard, the new confined space standards, and the increase in OSHA fines.

A practical guide for eliminating safety and health hazards from construction worksites, the Handbook of OSHA Construction Safety and Health addresses the occupational safety and health issues faced by those working in the construction industry. The book covers a vast range of issues including program development, safety and health program implemen

The Construction Industry safety and health standards contained in this booklet are to aid employers, supervisors, and safety and health personnel in their efforts toward achieving compliance with OSHA standards in the workplace. Although the digest does not contain all OSHA Construction Industry safety and health standards, those presented are (1) standards most frequently overlooked by the employer, and (2) standards covering particularly hazardous situations. The standards are presented alphabetically followed by the reference to the appropriate regulation. With few exceptions, standards in this digest are from Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1926. In addition, this booklet contains (1) a brief discussion of the essential elements of a generally applicable safety and health program, (2) a reminder to the employer of the advisability of regular employee training for job safety and health, and (3) a description of OSHA's voluntary programs such as Onsite Consultation Program and Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) available to the employer. Remember this booklet is only a digest of basic applicable standards and should not be considered as a complete substitute for any provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, or for any standards promulgated under the Act. The requirements contained herein are summarized and abbreviated. The actual source standards are referenced at the end of each topic discussed; the CFR should be consulted for a more complete explanation of the specific standards listed.

Contains construction industry safety and health standards. Provides guidance to employers, supervisors, and safety and health personnel for compliance with OSHA standards in the construction worksite.