30-Hour Construction Industry OSHA Outreach Training Program Introduction to OSHA

OSHA’s Mission

The mission of OSHA is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America’s workers. The OSH Act states that workers have the right to a safe workplace and that it is the employer’s responsibility to provide safe and healthy workplaces. OSHA Poster [Handout #1]

OSHA Standards

OSHA standards are rules that describe the methods that employers must use to protect their employees from hazards. There are OSHA standards for Construction work, Agriculture, Maritime operations, and General Industry, which are the standards that apply to most worksites. These standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals workers can be exposed to, require the use of certain safe practices and equipment, and require employers to monitor hazards and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses.

Employer Responsibilities

OSHA standards mandate that employers must:

• Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards and comply with OSHA standards

• Provide training required by OSHA standards

• Keep records of injuries and illnesseso Set up a reporting system; Provide copies of logs (i.e., OSHA 300), upon request; Post the annual

summary; Report within 8 hours any work-related fatalities and within 24 hours, all work-related:inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye.

• Provide medical exams when required by OSHA standards and provide workers access to their exposure andmedical records

• Not discriminate against workers who exercise their rights under the Act

• Post OSHA citations and abatement verification notices

• Provide and pay for most Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) [Handout #2]

Worker Rights and Responsibilities

Workers Rights: Most importantly, the creation of OSHA provided workers the right to a safe and healthful workplace. Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act states: “Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees."

A safe and healthful workplace means that hazards are removed and workers are trained. If a hazard cannot be removed completely, protection (for example, respirators or earplugs) must be provided.

Workers Responsibilities: Workers should know that OSHA holds employers responsible for the safety and health conditions in the workplace and does not cite workers for violations. However, Section 5(b) of the OSH Act states that each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all applicable rules, regulations and orders. Therefore, workers are encouraged to follow all appropriate safety and health rules and wear personal protective equipment while working.

Enforcing Standards

OSHA enforces standards through inspections. The current budget is small —all together nationwide (with our State partners) there are only about 2,400 inspectors for over 7 million workplaces. At this rate, it would take about 100 years for us to inspect every workplace once.

Therefore, OSHA targets the most dangerous workplaces; industries with fatalities and serious injuries (e.g. grain handling in Colorado); construction (i.e., falls).

The OSHA inspection process consists of an opening conference, a walkthrough and a closing conference with the employer. Results can take up to 6 months, after which OSHA may issue citations. These may include fines and will include dates by which hazard must be abated.

When an OSHA inspection is conducted in the workplace, workers have the right to have a worker representative accompany the inspector on the inspection. Workers can talk to the inspector privately. They may point out hazards, describe injuries, illnesses or near misses that resulted from those hazards and describe any concern you have about a safety or health issue. Workers also can find out about inspection results and abatement measures and get involved in any meetings or hearings related to the inspection. Workers may also object to the date set for the violation to be corrected and be notified if the employer files a contest.

Reporting Safety Hazards

Ways to Report Workplace Hazards:

• Contact your team leader, supervisor, manager, safety committee, etc.

• Phone – Call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA

• Fax or Mail – Obtain a complaint form online at www.osha.gov or from the local OSHA office.

• In Person – Visit the local OSHA office. [A current list of OSHA offices is at www.osha.gov]

• Online – File complaint online at the OSHA website at www.osha.gov

Whistleblower Protection

The OSH Act protects workers who complain to their employer, OSHA or other government agencies about unsafe or unhealthful working conditions in the workplace or environmental problems. Workers cannot be transferred, denied a raise, have their hours reduced, be fired, or punished in any other way because they exercised any right given to them under the OSHA Act. Help is available from OSHA for whistleblowers.

If you have been punished or discriminated against for using your rights, you must file a complaint with OSHA within 30 days of the alleged reprisal for most complaints. No form is required, but you must send a letter or call the OSHA Area Office nearest you to report the discrimination within 30 days of the alleged discrimination. Your Rights as a Whistleblower Fact Sheet [Handout #3]

Worker Resources

There are many resources available to workers that want to find out more information about a safety or health issues both inside and outside of their workplace. Because of the rights provided to workers, they can utilize some inside the workplace sources, such as: Employer or supervisor, co-workers and union representatives; Safety Data Sheet (SDS); Labels and warning signs; and/or Employee orientation manuals or other training materials. We Are OSHA We Can Help [Handout #4]

Notes

Handout #1

Handout #2

Handout #3

Handout #4

30-Hour Construction Industry OSHA Outreach Training Program Managing Safety and Health Programs

Accountability

Employer:

• Provide effective safety education and training.

• Comply with state and federal OSHA laws.

• Provide adequate supervision.

• Provide positive and negative consequences.

Worker:

• Comply with company safety policies/rules.

• Report injuries immediately.

• Report hazards as soon as possible.

Key Processes Within an Accountability System: 1. Establish formal standards2. Provide adequate resources3. Evaluate worker performance4. Apply effective consequences5. Evaluate the system

Handout – Exercise 1: Warehouse Rodeo

Management Commitment

Management naturally sets the tone of the safety culture and that has a direct effect on morale and performance. Whatever management gives to the group will be given back. Whatever management expects will be expected of him or her.

Tough-caring leadership is really the only approach that will be successful. Tough-caring leaders insist on safety compliance (they don't just encourage it) because they care about the safety, health, success of their employees. The primary motivation is selfless.

Message Content

Managers know that each and every interaction with an employee not only relays information, but fixes or changes an important working relationship.

The content level communicates the data…actual words. The relation level communicates motivation, attitude, intent…may not be interpreted accurately, yet it is the level that is believed. We react to what we interpret at this level. If you experience someone responding to you in a defensive manner, it means you've probably come across on this level as offensive or threatening in some way. Important to emphasize we mean “tough caring” here: regard for, or attention to the safety and health of a co-worker in a culture of accountability. Not a love, or necessarily even a liking for the person.

Remember, common sense is individual. When someone asks, “Why didn’t you use your common sense?” he or she is really asking, “Why didn’t you do what I would have done?” Using common sense is always doing what makes sense to you…and only you.

Employee Involvement

• Regularly communicate with employees about workplace safety and health matters;

• Provide employees with access to information relevant to the program;

• Provide ways for employees to become involved in hazard identification and assessment, prioritizing hazards,training and program evaluation;

• Establish a way for employees to report job-related fatalities, injuries, illnesses, incidents and hazards promptlyand to make recommendations about appropriate ways to control those hazards; and

• Provide prompt responses to such reports and recommendations.

Supervision

The employer shall see that workers are properly instructed and supervised in the safe operation of any machinery, tools, equipment, process, or practice which they are authorized to use or apply.

Every employer shall be responsible for providing the health hazard control measures necessary to protect the workers’ health from harmful or hazardous conditions and for maintaining such control measures in good working order and in use.

Management must detect and correct hazards before they cause injury or illness to a worker.

5 questions to ask before discipline is administered:

1. Have I set the proper personal example?

2. Have I provided adequate resources?

3. Have I provided adequate training?

4. Have I provided adequate supervision?

5. Have I provided adequate enforcement?

Handout – Exercise 2: Appropriate Application of Discipline

Notes

What safety responsibilities are employees violating?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

What safety responsibilities is the supervisor violating?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Who should be disciplined?

______________________________________________________________________________

Why?

______________________________________________________________________________

Group Exercise 1: Warehouse Rodeo

Instructions. Read the scenario and answer the questions below

As a result of an OSHA investigation of a serious accident, CoolBiz, Inc. was awarded

substantial penalties for violations of safety rules.

During the investigation, the compliance officer learned that the injury occurred while two forklift drivers

were engaging in horseplay. The two employees were playing the usual game of “warehouse rodeo” during

lunch when the accident occurred. When confronted on the matter, the warehouse supervisor complained

that he had “told those guys a number of times over the last year not to play that game,” but stopped when

the plant superintendent told him to lay off and "let the guys have a little fun." Other warehouse employees

stated that the game was a common occurrence, but played only during lunch. The employer was able to

produce related safety rules regarding the use of forklifts and other general work practices. Upon further

research, the employer representative could not locate a written policy statement regarding accountability.

The employer was also unable to produce any written evidence that safety rules were being enforced.

Not knowing why things get better or worse is always a problem for a business. If it gets better “for no reason,” later it

will probably get worse “for no reason.” …The point is, it’s not enough to know that something works. It is vitally

important to know why it works. (Aubrey Daniels, Bringing Out The Best in People, p. 14)

Safety behavior or performance

Is there adequate

knowledge, skills, and

ability?

Has theemployee

performed task before?

Conductformal

training

Is the taskaccomplished

often?

Conduct

practice Provide

feedback

Are resources

adequate?

Apply Positive

Recognition

Exercise 2: Appropriate Application of Discipline

No

NoNo

Yes Yes

Yes

are tools

equipment &

machinery

safe?

Repair items – Improve policies,

procedures

Purchase safe materials -

Improve Policies, procedures.

No

Yes Yes

Yes

No

Is supervision adequate?

YesNo

Are

materials

safe?

No

No

Yes

Are consequences

expected?

Improve

policies,

procedures

No

Fails to meet

standards

Meets or exceeds

standards

Is unhealthful

stress

present?

Eliminate sources of distress -

Improve policies, procedures

Are safety

inspections

conducted?

Conduct safety inspections -

Improve policies, procedures

Oversee operations more frequently - Improve policies,

procedures

No

Yes Yes

No

Is

oversight

adequate?

No

Are hazards corrected

before injury occurs?

Correct hazards - Improve policies,

procedures

Educate on

consequences

Qu

estio

ns t

o d

ete

rmin

e if

ma

nag

em

ent h

as f

ulfill

ed o

blig

ation

s t

o t

he e

mp

loye

e.

Apply

Discipline

30-Hour Construction Industry OSHA Outreach Training Program Fall Hazards

What is a fall hazard?

A fall hazard is anything at your worksite that could cause you to lose your balance or lose bodily support and result in a fall. Any walking or working surface can be a potential fall hazard.

What are the major types of fall hazards in construction?

A. Unprotected roof edges, roof and floor openings, structural steel and leading edges, etc.

• Falls to a lower level are a major cause of fatalities in construction. Factors such as improperly coveredor protected floor holes and openings are a common fall hazard. It‘s easy to step into a hole or openingwhen carrying something that blocks one’s forward view.

B. Improper scaffold construction

• The majority of the workers injured in scaffold accidents attribute the accident to factors like theplanking or support giving way, or to lack of guardrails or other fall protection.

• OSHA’s most frequently cited serious scaffold violations include lack of fall protection; scaffold access;use of aerial lifts without body belts and lanyards, platform construction and no worker training.

• Guardrails or personal fall arrest systems for fall prevention/protection are required for workers onplatforms 10 feet or higher.

C. Unsafe portable ladders

• Factors that contribute to falls from ladders are ladder slip (top or bottom), overreaching, slipping onrungs/steps, defective equipment and improper ladder selection for a given task.

• Frequently cited OSHA ladder violations include not having a portable ladder extend 3 feet above thelanding, no worker training, and improper use of the top of stepladders.

How can I protect myself from fall hazards?

A. Use fall protection equipment

The three generally acceptable methods of protection for workers on a construction site who are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more are guardrails, safety net systems and personal fall arrest systems.

In general, it is better to use fall prevention systems, such as guardrails, than fall protection systems, such as safety nets/fall arrest devices, because prevention systems provide more positive safety means.

Handouts – Guardrail and Safety Net Systems and Personal Fall Arrest Systems Summaries

B. Safe ladder use

Handout – Preventing Ladder Falls

C. Training

Your employer must provide you with training if you are exposed to fall hazards. The training program must train you to recognize the hazards of falling and explain the procedures to be followed in order to minimize fall hazards. You must also be trained before working on scaffolds and when working with ladders.

Handout – Scaffold Work Can Be Dangerous: Know the Basics of Scaffold Safety

What is my employer required to do to protect workers from falls?

A. Provide fall protection

Employers are required to assess the workplace to determine if the walking/working surfaces on which you are to work have the strength and structural integrity to safely support workers. You are not permitted to work on those surfaces until it has been determined that the surfaces have the strength and structural integrity to support all workers. Once employers have determined that the surface is safe for workers, the employer must select one of the permitted types of fall protection for the work operation if a fall hazard is present.

B. Ensure proper scaffold construction

Employers must construct all scaffolds according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A “competent person” must supervise as scaffolds are erected, moved, taken apart or changed, and must inspect the scaffolding. A guardrail system or a personal fall arrest system is required for scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level. In addition, employers must provide safe access to scaffold platforms.

C. Ensure safe ladder use and condition

Employers are required to provide ladders where necessary and maintain the ladders in proper condition. Employers must also train workers to recognize ladder and stairway hazards.

D. Conduct worksite maintenance Poor worksite maintenance can lead to clutter and debris on a construction site, creating additional slip, trip and fall hazards. Poor maintenance of ladders, scaffolds and fall protection equipment can also lead to serious injuries. Employers are required to keep worksites free of form and scrap lumber with protruding nails and other waste and trash, including combustible debris.

E. Provide training Employers must provide you with training on fall hazards and the required personal protective equipment. OSHA also has specific standards that require your employer to train you when you work with scaffolds and ladders.

Notes

30-Hour Construction Industry OSHA Outreach Training Program Electrocution Hazards

What is an electrocution hazard?

Electrocution results when a person is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy.

An electrical hazard can be defined as a serious workplace hazard that exposes workers to the following:

• Burns: A burn is the most common shock-related injury. Burns from electricity are one of three types:Electrical, Arc/Flash or Thermal Contact.

• Electrocution: Electrocution is fatal; it means to kill with electricity. Electrocution results when a human isexposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy

• Shock: Shock results when the body becomes part of the electrical circuit; current enters the body at one pointand leaves at another. Electrical shock is defined as a reflex response to the passage of electric current throughthe body.

• Arc Flash/Arc Blast: An arc flash is the sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high-voltagegap exists and there is a breakdown between conductors. An arc flash gives off thermal radiation (heat) andbright, intense light that can cause burns. Temperatures have been recorded as high as 35,000 °F. High-voltagearcs can also produce considerable pressure waves by rapidly heating the air and creating a blast.

• Fire: Most electrical distribution fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outletsand old wiring. Problems with cords (such as extension and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switchesalso cause electrical fires.

• Explosions: An explosion can occur when electricity ignites an explosive mixture of material in the air.

What are the major types of electrocution hazards in construction?

Handout – Focus Four [Electrocution] Toolbox Talk 1 A. Contact with overhead power lines

Overhead and buried power lines are especially hazardous because they carry extremely high voltage. Fatalities are possible as electrocution is the main risk; however, burns and falls from elevations are also hazards that workers are exposed to while working in the vicinity of high voltage power lines. Workers may not realize that cranes are not the only equipment that reaches overhead power lines. Working on a ladder or in a man-basket suspended under or near power lines also poses a risk of electrocution.

B. Contact with energized sources (e.g., live parts, damaged or bare wires, defective equipment or tools)

The major hazards regarding contact with energized sources are electrical shock and burns. Electrical shock occurs when the body becomes part of the electric circuit, either when an individual comes in contact with both wires of an electrical circuit, one wire of an energized circuit and the ground, or a metallic part that has become energized by contact with an electrical conductor.

Handout – Construction Focus Four: Electrocution, Safety Tips for Workers

The severity and effects of an electrical shock depend on a number of factors, such as the pathway through the body, the amount of current, the length of time of the exposure, and whether the skin is wet or dry.

C. Improper use of extension and flexible cords

The normal wear and tear on extension and flexible cords can loosen or expose wires, creating a hazardous condition. Cords that are not 3-wire type, not designed for hard-usage, or that have been modified, increase the risk of contacting electrical current.

How can I protect myself from electrocution hazards?

A. Maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines

Voltage (nominal, kV, alternating current) Minimum clearance distance (feet)

Up to 50 10

Over 50 to 200 15

Over 200 to 350 20

Over 350 to 500 25

Over 500 to 750 35

Over 750 to 1000 45

Over 1000 (As established by the power line owner/operator or registered professional

engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and

distribution)

B. Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)

A "GFCI" is a ground fault circuit interrupter that is designed to protect people from severe and sometimes fatal electrical shock. A GFCI detects ground faults and interrupts the flow of electric current and is designed to protect the worker by limiting the duration of an electrical shock.

C. Inspect portable tools and extension cords

Workers need to inspect extension cords prior to their use for any cuts or abrasion. Extension cords may have damaged insulation. Sometimes the insulation inside an electrical tool or appliance is damaged. When the insulation is damaged, exposed metal parts may become energized if a live wire inside touches them. Electric hand tools that are old, damaged, or misused may have damaged insulation inside. Handouts – Focus Four [Electrocution] Toolbox Talks 2 and 3

D. Use power tools and equipment as designed

• Use only equipment that is approved [29 CFR 1926.403(a)]

• Use all equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions [29 CFR 1926.403(b)(2)]

E. Follow lockout/tagout procedures

To protect against being electrocuted, workers need to follow lockout/tagout procedures. When performing lockout/tagout on circuits and equipment, the following list can be used:

• Identify all sources of electrical energy for the equipment or circuits in question

• Disable backup energy sources such as generators and batteries

• Identify all shut-offs for each energy source

• Notify all personnel that equipment and circuitry must be shut off, locked out, and tagged out (Simplyturning a switch off is not enough)

• Shut off energy sources and lock switch gear in the OFF position. Each worker should apply his/her individuallock and keys kept with the worker

• Test equipment and circuitry to ensure they are de-energized. This must be done by a qualified person

• Deplete stored energy (for example, in capacitors) by bleeding, blocking, grounding, etc.

• Apply a lock or tag to alert other workers that an energy source or piece of equipment has been locked ortagged out

• Make sure all workers are safe and accounted for before equipment and circuits are unlocked and turnedback on. Only a qualified person may determine when it is safe to re-energize circuits

What is my employer required to do to protect workers from electrocutions?

A. Ensure overhead power line safety

There are three major ways employers should control power line hazards: 1. Maintaining a safe distance from lines;2. Having the power company de-energize and ground the power line(s). Have a power company

representative at the site; and3. Having the power company install insulated sleeves (also known as “eels”) over power lines.

B. Isolate electrical parts

Electrical parts, conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall be protected from abrasion, and openings through which conductors enter and shall be effectively closed. Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall also be effectively closed.

C. Supply ground-fault circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

OSHA ground-fault protection rules and regulations have been determined necessary and appropriate for worker safety and health. Therefore, it is the employer's responsibility to provide either:

• ground-fault circuit interrupters on construction sites for receptacle outlets in use and not part of thepermanent wiring of the building or structure; or

• a scheduled and recorded assured equipment grounding conductor program on construction sites,covering all cord sets, receptacles which are not part of the permanent wiring of the building orstructure, and equipment connected by cord and plug which are available for use or used by workers.

D. Ensure proper grounding

The assured equipment grounding conductor program covers all cord sets, receptacles which are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure, and equipment connected by cord and plug which are available for use or used by employees. OSHA requires that a written description of the employer's assured equipment grounding conductor program, including the specific procedures adopted, be kept at the jobsite. This program should outline the employer's specific procedures for the required equipment inspections, tests, and test schedule.

E. Ensure power tools are maintained in a safe condition

The employer needs to ensure that all power tools and equipment are maintained in a safe condition to:

• Ground power supply systems, electrical circuits, and electrical equipment

• Frequently inspect electrical systems to ensure path to ground is continuous

• Ensure workers understand to inspect electrical equipment prior to use

• Ensure ground prongs are not removed from tools or extension cords

• Ground exposed metal parts of equipment

F. Ensure proper guarding

• Guarding involves locating or enclosing electrical equipment to ensure workers do not accidentally comeinto contact with its live parts

• Effective guarding requires equipment with exposed parts operating at 50 volts or more to be placed wherethey are accessible only to authorized people qualified to work with/on the equipment

• Recommended locations are a room, vault, or similar enclosure; a balcony, gallery, or elevated platform; ora site elevated 8 feet or more above the floor. Sturdy, permanent screens can also serve as effective guards

G. Provide training

Workers need be trained in and familiar with the safety-related work practices that pertain to their respective job assignments.

H. Enforce a LOTO safety-related work practices

• Controls that are to be deactivated during the course of work on energized or de-energized equipment orcircuits shall be locked out, tagged or both

• Equipment or circuits that are deenergized shall be rendered inoperative and post tags attached at all pointswhere such equipment or circuits can be energized

• Tags shall be placed to plainly identify the equipment or circuits being worked on

• While any worker is exposed to contact with parts of fixed electric equipment or circuits which have been de-energized, the circuits energizing the parts shall be locked out, tagged out or both

I. Ensure Proper Use of Flexible Cords

The OSHA construction standard requires flexible cords to be rated for hard or extra-hard usage. These ratings are derived from the National Electrical Code and are required to be indelibly marked approximately every foot along the length of the cord.

Notes