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Safety Practices in Construction

Construction is a high-hazard industry. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), construction-industry deaths account for 22 percent of U.S. workplace fatalities. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) enforces a comprehensive set of laws which outline mandatory safety practices for the construction sector.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment

    • Per OSHA standards, contractors must provide every construction worker with personal protective equipment, such as hard-hats or respirators, suitable for the hazards presented by that worker's tasks.

    Training

    • OSHA requires that employers in the construction industry who operate job sites in which workers handle machinery or other potentially hazardous materials have certain safety training programs in place. These training programs must ensure that workers are adequately informed about job site dangers and how to avoid them.

    Fire Prevention

    • OSHA holds employers responsible for the development and maintenance of an effective fire protection and prevention program, including fire protection and suppression equipment, on the job site throughout all phases of construction, demolition or repair.

    First Aid

    • Federal construction industry regulations require employers to provide first-aid services and provisions for medical care for all employees.

    Accident Reports

    • Construction industry employers are responsible for keeping records of all job-site injuries, illnesses and fatalities, per OSHA regulations.

    Other Safety Practices

    • Other types of mandatory U.S. construction safety practices include housekeeping, sanitation and illumination. Specific safety statutes regulate the operation or handling of heavy equipment, explosives and hazardous substances. The NIOSH conducts research to develop up-to-date safety standards for the construction industry.

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