Web Site Provides OSHA Compliance Information

A wealth of construction worker safety information is available on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Web site, and good places to start tracking things down are the site index and search function.

Another good starting point is the residential construction page, a collaborative effort between NAHB and OSHA that includes the "Jobsite Safety Handbook" for home builders and links to information relevant to the residential construction industry.

An alphabetical site index listing the key tools on the site — including eTools, Safety and Health Topics pages and other resources — can be found at the top of  the OSHA home page and most other OSHA Web pages. For example, if you’re looking for information on complying with OSHA’s fall protection standard, scroll down to links to fall protection and from there you can link to material specifically related to the construction industry.

Also, by using OSHA’s recently enhanced search function, you can search the entire site or selected potions, such as OSHA standards or fact sheets.

Here are some other OSHA Web pages and tools that may be helpful for small businesses:

• Small Business Page. A collection of the most popular OSHA resources for small businesses, including information on OSHA’s free on-site Consultation Program and links to Web pages and publications such as the OSHA Small Business Handbook.
  
  
• Compliance Assistance Page. A portal to resources to help employers comply with OSHA’s requirements.
  
  
• Compliance Assistance Quick Start. A tool to introduce employers, especially those in new or small businesses, to the compliance assistance resources on OSHA’s Web site. Included are modules for general industry, construction and Hispanic outreach.
  
  
• Compliance Assistance: Hispanic Employers and Workers Page. Designed for English-speaking or bilingual employers with Spanish-speaking employees, this page includes a collection of OSHA compliance assistance resources for Hispanic employers and employees. OSHA also has a Spanish-language site.
  
  
• eTools. Stand-alone, highly illustrated training tools on a variety of safety and health topics.
  
  
• Safety and Health Topics Pages. More than 200 pages on various industries and hazards, such as ergonomics, emergency preparedness and workplace violence.

If you have questions after completing your Web search, there are several ways that you can contact OSHA:

• Call OSHA’s toll-free number at 800-321-OSHA (6742).
• Submit an e-mail question through OSHA’s electronic mail form.
• Contact your local OSHA area office.

For an official OSHA response, you’ll need to submit your question in writing to:  U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington D.C. 20210.

For information on NAHB resources on construction safety and health, e-mail Rob Matuga at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8507.

Protect Your Workers and Your Profits

The “Jobsite Safety Video,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides an overview of the key safety issues residential builders and workers need to focus on to reduce accidents and injuries. Based on the “NAHB-OSHA Jobsite Safety Handbook,” this DVD is intended to be used as part of an essential residential construction safety-training program and includes two 20-minute videos.

To view or purchase this DVD online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.

NBN Tools Print This Article Subscribe to NBN E-mail Editor Print ALL Articles Manage Your Subscription