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OSHA Focusing on Home Builders in Many Locations
Under its Local Emphasis Programs (LEPs), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is focusing on the residential construction industry in several areas across the country.
Implemented by OSHA’s regional or area offices, the LEPs are aimed at addressing hazards of industries posing particular risk to workers.
The LEPs are often accompanied by an outreach effort intended to make employers in the area aware of the program, as well as the hazards that it is designed to reduce or eliminate. This outreach can be in the form of informational mailings, training at local tradeshows or speeches at meetings of industry groups.
"It is of the utmost importance for builders to understand OSHA's requirements," advised Rob Matuga, director of NAHB's Labor, Safety and Health Department. "Your focus should be on key safety issues such as fall protection, scaffolding, ladders, trenching operations, electrical and housekeeping," he said, "and the right time to take proactive steps in these areas is well before OSHA shows up."
In place since last July, the LEPs are currently looking at home builders in the following locations:
- Hartford, Conn.
- Philadelphia
- Wilmington, Del.
- Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio
- The states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico
- Kansas City and St. Louis
- Wichita, Kan.
- Boise, Idaho.
A local program is also focusing on residential scaffold fall hazards and residential landscaping operations in Englewood, Colo.
For information on "Recognizing the 'Big Four' Safety Hazards for the Home Building Industry," a course being offered by the NAHB University of Housing, click here.
For information on NAHB resources related to construction safety and health, e-mail Rob Matuga, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8507.
 Protect Your Job Site Against OSHA Violations
Delays in construction due to poor safety procedures will cost you money. To protect your job site against OSHA violations, go to www.builderbooks.com/Safety.
BuilderBooks.com has the resources you need to create a safety program that protects your workers and your profits. Bulk prices are available.
To view these publications online click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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