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OSHA to Step Up Job Site Safety Inspections
 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) intends to increase its enforcement inspections, and home building and other construction job sites are a primary target, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis announced on Aug. 20 in response to a new Bureau of Labor Statistics report showing that fatal occupational injuries decreased to 5,071 in 2008, down from 5,657 in 2007.
"While the decrease in the number of fatal work injuries represents change in the right direction, it does not lessen the need for strong enforcement to ensure that safety is a top priority in every workplace,” Solis said. “In fact, today's report prompts us to step up our vigilance, particularly as the economy regains momentum.”
In the residential construction industry, the average fatality rate is 8.35 deaths per 100,000 full-time employees, according to NAHB’s study, “Residential Construction Industry Fatalities 2003-2006.” The rate for all construction is 11.59 deaths per 100,000.
Builders can mitigate the risk of employee injuries or fatalities by recognizing and addressing potential job site hazards, being knowledgeable about applicable requirements and regulations and implementing a comprehensive safety and health plan. The NAHB publication and companion CD, ”Home Builders’ Safety Program,” provide an overview of job-site safety and a model safety program that builders can use to develop their plan.
To help its members understand why OSHA may initiate an inspection and what happens during and following an inspection, including tips on how to respond during an inspection, NAHB has developed a document on “The OSHA Inspection Process.”
Among the many reasons why OSHA may inspect a workplace:
- Complaints by workers, subcontractors, home owners or others who believe there are unsafe conditions on the worksite
- If a fatality occurs on a worksite
- If the agency receives notice or believes there is “imminent danger” that could cause serious injury or death to employees
- As a follow-up to determine if previously cited violations have been corrected
- At random. Because home building is deemed a high risk industry by OSHA, agents can inspect a site for any, or no, reason at all.
NAHB provides resources — including onsite training, videos and publications — to help employers and employees alike educate themselves on proper safety precautions while participating in any potentially dangerous activities both on and off the job.
To see all of NAHB’s safety resources available through BuilderBooks, go to: www.builderbooks.com/safety.
For more information on NAHB safety training programs, e-mail Lindsay Cather at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8163.
 Boost Job Site Safety With Fall Protection Training Products
In an effort to increase job site safety and reduce the chance of job related accidents, NAHB has produced the “Fall Protection Video, English-Spanish” and “NAHB-OSHA Fall Protection Handbook, English-Spanish.”
Both are available through BuilderBooks.com.
The 30-minute “Fall Protection Video, English-Spanish” can be used by builders to train workers to use safe work practices that eliminate fall hazards and comply with OSHA fall-protection standards.
The “NAHB-OSHA Fall Protection Handbook, English-Spanish” provides guidelines for creating a written fall-protection plan and identifying safe work practices that can prevent costly accidents and injuries. Written with clear text, photographs and illustrations, the book serves as a user-friendly resource for promoting safety on any job site.
To purchase the handbook and video online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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