How To Raise Safety Issues in Construction

No matter what size a construction company is, safety issues arise. Employees, supervisors, sub-contractors, or host companies may have questions or issues that deal with safety. Even non-employees, such as the public or outside agencies, may have concerns about some on-going or proposed work.
As stated in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and regulations, someone must be in charge. Whether it be a safety director, job supervisor, or the employer, someone must be able to address and correct safety issues.

Instructions

Concerned Workers

• 1

  Suggestion boxes are usually provided in a break area, or close to a time clock. Workers can write out a complaint or concern, without revealing their identity.
  However, OSHA has a whistle blower protection clause. Even when using a suggestion box, a worker has the right to include her name, if she chooses.

• 2

  Take a concern to the safety committee. A representative from the committee should work in each area of the workplace to assure that each employee is represented by the safety committee. The weekly safety committee meeting serves the purpose of concerns or questions.

• 3

  Go directly to the safety director. If the company doesn't have a safety director, go to the human resource officer. The officer may be in charge of safety as well as human resources, or will be able to direct you to the correct person.

• 4

  Report unsafe or hazardous conditions or equipment to a supervisor. The supervisor in charge of the job site or on-site area of concern should be trained in all areas of safety. The supervisor can help address safety concerns, as he is responsible for the safety of those working under his direction.

• 5

  Contact management or the employer. The company representatives or owners should be alerted to hazardous conditions or other safety concerns. If no one to this point has taken care of the safety issue, go to the top.

• 6

  Report un-addressed safety issues to OSHA. State and/or Federal OSHA contact information is required to be posted on bulletin boards or near time clocks. Every employee should have easy access to OSHA phone numbers.

Concerned Outside Persons

• 7

  Start with the company. Concerned agencies and the general public have the right to be in the non-blocked construction vicinity safely. If a citizen enters the construction area, he is taking a risk. However, unsafe conditions can be a concern to persons who do not enter a construction area. Report concerns to the company.

• 8

  Contact city officials. When a construction project is being performed in the city limits, the company will have had to apply for a permit to do each type of work involved. The city can send officials out to the job site or to the main company to raise safety issues.

• 9

  If the city is not willing or able to correct a safety situation, contact the state OSHA department. Telephone books will have the state OSHA office numbers. The Federal OSHA number is 800-321-OSHA.