U.S.

OSHA CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AND

HEALTH STANDARDS
By
Mumtaz A. Usmen, PhD, PE
Professor of Civil Engineering
Wayne State University, USA
MUSMEN@WAYNE.EDU
Huancayo, Peru

CONTENTS

SAMPLE OSHA SAFETY STANDARDS

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
CRANE SAFETY
STEEL ERECTION SAFETY
CONCRETE AND MASONRY SAFETY
FALL PROTECTION
EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING SAFETY

SAMPLE
CONSTRUCTION
Protective and Life
SAFETY
STANDARD
Saving Equipment
(partial
coverage)
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT 1926
Subpart E

Head Hazard
Assessment
Falling objects
Exposed electrical
conductors
Low-hanging
obstructions

Eye and Face

Assessment
Flying particles
Molten metal
Liquid chemicals
Acid or caustic liquids
Chemical gases
or vapors
Potentially injurious
light radiation
5

Respiratory Protection
Hazard Assessment
Assess for
Inhalation of
airborne
dusts or
particulates
Inhalation of
chemical
vapors or fumes
Lack of adequate
oxygen

Foot Hazard
Assessment
Falling or rolling
objects
Objects piercing the
sole
Exposure to electrical
hazards
Slippery walking
surfaces
Wet or muddy
conditions

Hand Hazard
Assessment
Skin absorption
of
harmful
substances
Severe cuts or
lacerations
Severe abrasions
Punctures
Chemical burns
Thermal burns

General Work Clothing

Hot or cold
materials or objects
Chemicals
Welding hazards
Heavy, sharp, or
rough materials
Moving machinery
9

Who Requires Use of

PPE?
OSHA requires employers to make
employees wear appropriate PPE
Manufacturers require PPE for
their tools
Business owners require PPE in
their facilities

10

Who Requires the Use of

PPE?

11

Who Requires the Use of

PPE?

12

Employee Training
When PPE is
necessary
What PPE is
necessary
How to put on,
remove,
adjust, and wear PPE
Limitations of PPE
Care, maintenance,
useful life, and
disposal
of PPE

13

Hard Hats
Hard hats are required for:

Overhead hazards
Falling objects
Flying objects
Electrical hazards
Scaffold use

14

Wear and Care of Head

Protection
Fit comfortably
Inspection before each use
Cleaned regularly
Used only to protect the head

15

Hard Hats
Hard hats must not be modified
Must be inspected for damage
Should not have items stored
inside
Must be hard hats, not bump caps

16

Hard Hats

17

Hard Hats

18

Selecting Foot
Protection
Steel toes
Metatarsal
protection
Puncture or slipresistant soles
Chemical
resistance
Waterproof boots
Cold weather
foot wear

19

Wear and Care of Foot

Protection
Should be comfortable
Inspected before each use
No cracks or holes in chemical or
waterproof boots
Soles checked for excessive wear
Kept clean

20

Hearing Protection
Wearing earplugs or earmuffs can
help prevent damage to hearing.
Exposure to high noise levels can
cause irreversible hearing loss or
impairment as well as physical and
psychological stress.
21

Selecting Hearing
Protection
Made from foam,
waxed cotton, or
fiberglass wool
Self-forming
Comfortable fit
Plain cotton is not
an acceptable
protective device.
22

Wear and Care of

Hearing Protection
Should be comfortable
Inspect before each use
Check for excessive wear
Clean earplugs regularly
Replace that cannot be cleaned

23

Hearing Protection

24

Hearing Protection

25

Hearing Protection

26

Selecting Eye and Face

Protection
Safety glasses
Goggles
Face shield
Shaded filter
lenses
Prescription
eyewear
27

Wear and Care of Eye

Protection
Fits comfortably
Does not distort or block vision
Put on before exposure to the
hazard
Clean with soap and water
Dispose of when scratched or
damaged
28

Eye and Face Protection

29

Eye and Face Protection

30

Proper Use of PPE?

A face shield would be appropriate with
this saw!

31

Selecting Respiratory
Protection
Filtering facepiece
Air purifying respirator
Different types of
cartridges
Air-supplied respirator
Self Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA)
NIOSH approved
32

Wear and Care of

Respiratory Protection
Medical approval
Fit test
Inspection
before each use
Seal check
Cleaned regularly
Stored properly
33

Respiratory Protection

A bandana should not be used as a

respirator!
34

Selecting Hand Protection

Chemicalresistant gloves
Kevlar, metal
mesh,
cut-resistant
gloves
Leather work
gloves
Extreme
temperature
gloves

35

Wear and Care of Hand

Protection
Comfortable fit
Inspect gloves before each use
Keep clean and dry
Discard if damaged or contaminated

36

Selecting General Work

Clothing
Long-sleeve shirts
and long pants
Flame-retardant
clothing
No loose clothing or
jewelry
Chemical-resistant
clothing
37

SAMPLE
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
STANDARD
(partial coverage)

CRANE SAFETY - 1926 SUBPART N

Basics of Crane Safety

ALWAYS CHECK LOAD RATING

Routine Functional Checks

Beginning of each shift

Operate hoist motion up & down to determine if

normal operating speeds available
Raise hook to upper end of travel slowly to test limit
switch
If overhead type operate trolley & bridge travel
Observe drift after power
release to determine brake
adjustment

Routine Functional Checks

(contd)
Competent person shall
inspect all machinery and
equipment

prior to each use, and

during use

Any deficiencies shall be repaired,

or defective parts replaced, before
continued use.

Annual Inspection
Annual inspection of the hoisting
machinery shall be made by a
competent person
The employer shall maintain a
record of the dates and results of
inspections for each hoisting
machine
and piece of
equipment

Daily Inspection

Operation of crane,
controls, movement
Inspect all lines for
leaks
Check limit switch
Check brakes for
coasting
Twisted, broken,
kinked wire rope
Deformed, stretched,
or cracked hooks
Correct spooling

Wire rope shall be taken out of service when

any of the following conditions exist

Kinking, crushing, bird caging, or any other damage

resulting in distortion of the rope structure

Crane Warnings
Equipment operated by properly trained personnel
only.
Do not lift loads over people, warn personnel of
approaching loads
Do not make side pulls, lift all loads vertically
Do not use limit switches as normal stopping devices

Moving Parts

Moving parts or equipment guarded if

exposed to contact by employees, or
otherwise create a hazard.

(a)(9) Accessible areas within the swing radius of the

rear of the rotating superstructure of the crane, either
permanently or temporarily mounted, shall be
barricaded in such a manner as to prevent an
employee from being struck or crushed by the crane.

(a)(14)(i) An accessible
fire extinguisher of 5BC
rating, or higher, available
at all operator stations or
cabs of equipment.

5BC

Overhead Power Line Hazard

Stay away from
power lines while
working
Maintain a safe
distance

OSHAs 10-Foot
Circle of Safety rule
Increase safe
Maintain a safe distance from the
distance near higher
Danger Zone
voltage power lines (10 foot radius from the power line)

Operation Clearances for Energized Overhead Lines

Nominal Voltage

Minimum Required Distance (Feet)

0 to 50,000

10

Over 50,000

10+0.4 inch for each 1,000 volt

In Transit Clearances for Energized Overhead Lines

Nominal Voltage

Minimum Required Distance (Feet)

0 to 50,000

50,000 to 345,000

10

Over 345,000 to
750,000

16

Source: OSHA

In transit with no load and boom lowered, the

equipment clearance shall be a minimum of 4 feet

A person shall be designated to observe clearance

Crawler

Hammerhead Tower Cranes

Adequate clearance shall be maintained
between moving and rotating structures of the
crane and fixed objects to allow the passage of
employees without harm.

Hoisting Employees

Use of a crane or derrick to hoist employees on a personnel

platform is prohibited, except when the erection, use, and
dismantling of conventional means of reaching the worksite,
such as a:

personnel hoist,

ladder,

stairway,

aerial lift,

elevating work platform or scaffold, would be more hazardous or is not

possible because of structural design or worksite conditions.

Hoisting of the personnel platform shall be performed in a slow,

controlled, cautious manner with no sudden movements of
crane, derrick, or platform.

Leveling, Outriggers
The crane shall be uniformly level within one
percent of level grade and located on firm
footing
Cranes equipped with outriggers shall have
them all fully deployed following manufacturer's
specifications, insofar as applicable, when
hoisting employees

B30.5 - 5-1.2
Crane to be standing on firm supporting surface
level within 1% grade

Level within
1% of grade

Rigging
Hooks on overhaul ball assemblies, lower load blocks, or other attachment
assemblies shall be of a type that can be closed and locked, eliminating the
hook throat opening.
Alternatively, an alloy anchor type shackle with a bolt, nut and retaining pin
may be used.
All hardware capable of 5 times maximum intended load

Tag Lines
Tag lines shall be used unless their use creates an
unsafe condition
The crane or derrick operator shall remain at the
controls at all times when the crane engine is
running and the platform is occupied
Hoisting of employees shall be promptly
discontinued upon indication of any
dangerous weather conditions or
other impending danger

Prelift Meeting
Pre-lift meeting with operator, supervisor,
signaler if used, and employees to be lifted to
review procedures & requirements
This meeting shall be held prior to the trial lift
at each new work location, and be repeated
for any employees newly assigned to the
operation.

SAMPLE
CONSTRUCTION
SAFETY
STANDARD
Protective and Life
(partial
coverage)
Saving Equipment
STEEL ERECTION SAFETY
1926 Subpart R

Key Provisions of 1926

Subpart R
Site layout, site-specific erection
plan and construction sequence
Hoisting and rigging
Structural steel stability
requirements

Structural steel assembly

Column anchorage

Beams and columns

Key Provisions of 1926

Subpart R (contd)
Systems-engineered metal
buildings
Falling object
protection
Fall protection
Worker training

Site Layout, Site-Specific Erection

Plan and Construction Sequence

1926.752(a)-(b)

Controlling contractor ensures the steel erector

is provided with written notification.

Concrete being used has reached sufficient strength

to support the intended load

Repair, replacements and modification of steel bolts

were conducted in accordance with 1926.755(b)

Steel erection contractor shall not proceed

without ensuring that concrete has
reached
sufficient strength to support
intended load.

Site Layout, Site-Specific Erection

1926.752(c)
Plan and Construction Sequence (contd)

Site layout

Adequate access
roads
Safe delivery of

supplies
Movement of

equipment

Firm, properly
graded, and
drained area

1926.752(e)
Site Layout, Site-Specific Erection
Plan and Construction Sequence (contd)

Site-specific erection plan

See 1926 Subpart R, Appendix A

Provides guidelines for a non-mandatory

site specific erection plan

Hoisting and Rigging

Provides additional
crane safety for steel
erection by requiring a
pre-shift crane
inspection
Minimizes employee
exposure to overhead
loads through preplanning and work
practice requirements

1926.753(c)-(d)

Hoisting and Rigging

(contd)

1926.753(e)

Provides multiple lift rigging

procedures (Christmas-treeing)

Structural Steel Assembly

1926.754

Structural stability
Walking/working surface
Plumbing up
Metal decking

Structural Stability

1926.754(a)

Shall be maintained at all times

during construction

Structural Stability

1926.754(b)

Multi-story structures

Permanent floors installed as erection progresses

Eight stories maximum between erection floor and

upper-most permanent floor

Four floors maximum (or 48 feet) of

unfinished bolting or welding above
foundation or uppermost permanently
secured floor

Fully planked floor or nets maintained

within two stories (or 30 feet) directly
under erection work

1926.754(c)
Walking/Working Surfaces

Shear connectors
and other similar
devices

Field-installed rather
than shop installed

Installed after the

metal decking

Not attached until

after
walking/working

Shear Connectors

Plumbing-Up Equipment
1926.754(d)
Installed in conjunction with steel erection
process to ensure stability of structure
In place and properly installed before structure
is loaded with construction
material
Be removed only with
approval of competent
person

Metal Decking

1926.754(e)(1)

Bundle packaging and strapping cannot be

used for hoisting
Any loose items placed on top of metal decking
bundles must be secured
Support provided so bundles
will not be dislodged when
bands are removed
Metal decking secured at end
of shift

Metal Decking (contd)1926.754(e)(2)

Roof and floor holes and openings shall
be decked over
Holes and openings shall not be cut prior
to its intended use

Metal Decking (contd)1926.754(e)(3)

Covers for roof and floor openings
should support twice the weight of
their intended load
Covers shall be
marked with the word
HOLE or COVER

Metal Decking (contd)1926.754(e)(5)

Installation of metal decking

Laid tightly and immediately secured

to prevent accidental movement or
displacement

Metal decking panels placed to ensure

full support by structural members

Column Anchorage

1926.755(a)

Minimum 4 anchor bolts per column

Set on level finished floor, pre-grouted leveling
plates, leveling nuts, or shim packs
Competent person determines whether guying
or bracing is needed

Column Anchorage (contd)

1926.752(b) and 1926.755(b)

Written notification of proper

curing of concrete in footings,
piers, walls for steel columns
Written notification of
adequacy of anchor bolts
modified,
replaced or repaired in the field

Beams and Columns

Placing and bolting solid web
structural members
Diagonal bracing
Double connections
Column splices
Perimeter columns

1926.756

Beams and Columns

(contd)

1926.756(a)

Two bolts per connection installed

before releasing the hoisting line

Competent person shall determine if

more are needed to ensure the
stability of cantilevered members

Perimeter Columns
Column for
next tier

48 min. from
finished floor
to top of column

1926.756(e)(1)

Perimeter columns

must extend a minimum

of 48 inches (1.2 m)
above the finished floor
to permit installation of
perimeter safety cables
prior to erection of next
tier

Perimeter Columns (contd)

1926.756(e)(2)

Perimeter columns must have holes in/attached

to perimeter columns at 42-45 inches above
finished floor and midpoint between finished
floor and top cable

Open Web Steel Joists

1926.757

Attachment of steel joists and joist

girders
Erection of steel joists
Erection bridging
Landing and placing
loads

Open Web Steel Joists

(contd)

1926.757(a)

Steel joist shall be field-bolted at

column to provide lateral stability
during erection
Where constructability does not
allow it, an alternate means shall be
installed

Designed by qualified person

Shop installed

Attachment of Steel Joists and Girders1926.757(b)

Attachment of K, LH, and DLH series

steel joists and girders
Each steel joist must be attached to support
structure

Immediately upon placement in the final

erection position, and

Before additional joists are placed

Pre-assembled panels attached with bridging

to structure at each corner before hoisting
cables are released

Erection of Steel Joists1926.757(c)(1)-(3)

For joists over 60 feet

Both ends of the joist must be attached, and

Meet provisions of the standard before releasing

hoisting cables

Only one employee is allowed on steel joists that

do not require erection bridging until all bridging
is installed and anchored

Erection Bridging

1926.757(d)

Specific procedures related to span of steel

joists

Bolted diagonal bridging and installation

Releasing of hoisting cables

Number of employees allowed on these spans

during bridging

1926.757(e)

Landing and Placing Loads

Loads not to exceed carrying capacity of steel
joists

Attention paid to weight and placement of load

within the structure
No bundle of decking placed
on joists until bridging is
installed

Systems-Engineered Metal Buildings 1926.758(a)-(c)

Structural columns anchored by a minimum of
four anchor bolts
Rigid frames

Shall have 50% of their bolts or number specified by

manufacturer installed before releasing hoisting
equipment

Systems-Engineered Metal Buildings

(contd)
1926.758(d)-(e)

Construction loads not placed on structural

steel framework unless secured

Systems-Engineered Metal Buildings1926.758(f)-(g)

(contd)
Both ends of steel or cold-formed joists fully
bolted or welded before:

Releasing cables

Allowing employees on the joists

Allowing construction loads on the joists

Purlins and girts not used as anchorage

points for a fall arrest system
Girts

1926.759(a)-(b)

Falling Object Protection

Secure loose items
aloft
Protection from falling
objects other than
materials being
hoisted

Fall Protection
Fall protection requirements
Connectors
Controlled decking zone (CDZ)
Criteria for fall protection
equipment
Custody of fall protection

1926.760

Fall Protection (contd)

1926.760(a)

Employees must be protected by conventional fall

protection

When on walking/working surface with unprotected

edge more than 15 feet above lower level

Perimeter cables required

Must be installed as soon as the metal

decking has been installed

Connectors and employees working in

CDZ shall be protected from fall hazards

Connectors

1926.760(b)

Connectors between 15 and 30

feet/2 stories

Provided all equipment necessary to

be tied off or provided other fall
protection

Completed connector
training

Not required to tie of

Controlled Decking Zone

1926.760(c)
Deckers between 15 and 30 feet/2 stories can
use a CDZ instead of fall protection
Be no more than 90 feet wide and 90 feet deep
from leading edge
Limited access to CDZ
Boundaries designated and
clearly marked
Employees must complete
CDZ training

1926.760(d)
Fall Protection Equipment

Fall protection equipment must conform to

1926.502
Fall arrest system components shall be used in
fall restraint systems
Body belts or body harnesses shall be used in
fall restraint systems
Perimeter safety cables
shall meet criteria for
guardrail systems

1926.760(e)

Custody of Fall Protection

Steel erector may leave fall

protection in place so it may be
used by other trades if the
controlling contractor:

Has directed the steel erector to leave

the fall protection in place, and

Has inspected and accepted

control and responsibility of the
fall protection
before authorizing

Training

1926.761(a)

Training provided by a qualified

person

Fall Hazard Training

(contd)

1926.761(b)

Training shall include the following:

Recognition and identification of fall hazards

Use and operation of guardrail systems

Correct procedures for erecting, maintaining,

disassembling, and inspecting fall protection
systems

Procedures to prevent falls

Fall protection requirements

Special Training

1926.761(c)(1)

Multiple lift rigging

Hazards associated with multiple lifts

Procedures and equipment to perform multiple lifts

1926.761(c)(2)
Special Training (contd)

Connector procedures

Hazards associated with connecting

Establishment, access, proper connecting techniques

and work practices

1926.761(c)(3)
Special Training (contd)

Controlled decking zone procedures

Hazards associated with work within a controlled

decking zone

Establishment, access, proper connecting techniques

and work practices

SAMPLE
CONSTRUCTION
SAFETY
STANDARD
Protective and Life
(partial
coverage)
Saving Equipment
CONCRETE AND MASONRY
SAFETY 1926 Subpart Q

Subpart Q Concrete and Masonry

Construction
1926.700 Scope, application, and definitions
1926.701 General requirements
1926.702 Requirements for equipment and tools
1926.703 Requirements for cast-in-place concrete
1926.704 Requirements for precast concrete
1926.705 Requirements for lift-slab operations
1926.706 Requirements for masonry construction

Construction Loads

1926.701(a)

Structures must be capable of

supporting loads.

Post-Tensioning Operations

1926.701(c)

Method of reinforcing concrete, masonry, and

other structural elements.

Strands diameter are stressed to a force of

33,000 lbs. using a hydraulic jack.

Post-Tensioning
Operations

1926.701(c)(1)-(2)

No non-essential employees allowed

in hazard zone.
Use signs and barriers to limit
employees access to work zone.

Jack

Riding Concrete Buckets1926.701(d)

No riders

Working Under Loads

1926.701(e)(1)

Employees must not be permitted

under concrete buckets while they
are being elevated or lowered into
position

Working Under Loads

1926.701(e)(2)

Elevated concrete bucket routes

1926.701(f)
Personal Protective Equipment

Employees must wear protective

head and face equipment when
applying cement, sand, and water
mixture through a pneumatic hose

Bulk Cement Storage 1926.702(a)(1)-(2)

Bins, containers, and
silos must be equipped
with:

Conical or tapered
bottoms

Mechanical or pneumatic
means to start flow of
material.

Ejection system must be

shut down, locked and

Concrete
Mixers

1926.702(b)(1)-(2)

Concrete mixers with one cubic yard

or larger loading skips must be
equipped with:

Mechanical device to clear skip of

materials

Guardrails installed on each

side of the skip

Power Concrete Trowels1926.702(c)

Manually guided concrete
troweling machine must be
equipped with

Automatic control switches shut off

power when hands are removed

Power Concrete Trowels

(contd)

Concrete Buggies

1926.702(d)

Concrete buggy handles must not

extend beyond the wheels on
either side of the buggy

Concrete Pumping
System
1926.702(e)(1)-(2)

Discharge pipes must be provided

with pipe supports designed for 100
percent overload
Compressed air hoses must be
provided with positive fail-safe joint
connectors

Concrete Buckets

1926.702(f)(1)-(2)

Concrete buckets equipped with

hydraulic or pneumatic gates

Must have positive safety latches or

similar devices to prevent accidental
dumping

Designed to prevent concrete from

hanging up on top and sides

Tremies
Sections of tremie
and similar concrete
conveyances must
be secured with
wire rope (or
equivalent
materials) in
addition to the
regular couplings or
connections

1926.702(g)

Bull Floats
Bull float handles
must be
constructed of
nonconductive
material or
insulated
When used where

they may contact

energized
electrical
conductors

1926.702(h)

Masonry Saws
Masonry saws
must be guarded
with a semicircular
enclosure over the
blade
Method for
retaining blade
fragments must be
incorporated in the
design of the

1926.702(i)(1)-(2)

Lockout/Tagout Procedures
1926.702(j)(1)

Employees must not be allowed to

perform maintenance or repair
activity on equipment

Unless hazardous energy sources have

locked out or tagged out

General Requirements1926.703(a)(1)
Formwork must be
designed,
fabricated, erected,
supported, braced,
and maintained.

Must support
without failure all
vertical and lateral
loads applied to it

General
Requirements

1926.703(a)(2)

Drawings or plans for the jack

layout, formwork, working decks,
and scaffolds must be available at
the jobsite

Shoring and
Reshoring

1926.703(b)(1)-(3)

Inspected prior to erection

Damaged equipment shall not be
used
Inspected immediately prior to,
during, and immediately after
concrete placement.

Shoring and
Reshoring

1926.703(b)(4)-(5)

Equipment found to be damaged or

weakened must be immediately
reinforced
Sills must be sound,
rigid, and capable of
carrying maximum
intended load

Shoring and Reshoring 1926.703(b)(6)

All base plates, shore heads,
extension devices, and
adjustment screws must be in
firm contact, and secured when
necessary, with the foundation
and form

Shoring and Reshoring1926.703(b)(9)

Adjustment of
single post shores
to raise formwork
must not be made
after the
placement of
concrete

Shoring and Reshoring 1926.703(b)(10)

Reshoring must be
erected

As the original
forms and shores
are removed.

Whenever the
concrete is required
to support loads in
excess of its
capacity

Vertical Slipforms
Form steel rods or
pipes on which
jacks climb must
be:

Designed for that

purpose and
adequately braced
when not encased
in concrete.

Provided with
scaffolds or work
platform where

1926.703(c)(1)-(3)

Vertical
Slipforms

1926.703(c)(5)

Jacks and lifting devices must be

provided with mechanical dogs or
other automatic holding devices.

The Willow Island Disaster

Removal of
Formwork
Forms and
shores must
not be
removed until
employer
determines
concrete has
gained
sufficient
strength.

1926.703(e)(1)

Precast Concrete
Wall units,
structural
framing, and
tilt-up wall
panels must be
adequately
supported to
prevent
overturning.

1926.704(a)

Precast Concrete

1926.704(b)

Tilt-up precast concrete members

Lifting inserts embedded or otherwise

attached must be capable of supporting
at least two times the maximum
intended load

Precast Concrete

1926.704(c)

Precast concrete members

Other than tilt-up members

Lifting inserts capable of supporting at least

four times maximum intended load

Precast Concrete
1926.704(d)

Lifting hardware must be capable of

supporting at least five times maximum
intended load.

Precast Concrete

1926.704(e)

No employees permitted under

precast concrete members being
lifted or tilted into position.

Except employees
required for the
erection of those
members.

Fall Protection

1926.501(b)(12)

Each employee engaged in the

erection of precast concrete
members and related operations
who is 6 feet or more above lower
levels shall be protected from
falling.

Precast Concrete
Precast walls can be installed
quickly
Foundations can be backfilled as
soon as the slab is in placed,
enhancing jobsite safety

Lift-Slab Operations
Designed by a
registered professional
engineer
Plans and designs
implemented by
employer must
include

Detailed instructions

Sketches indicating

1926.705(a)

Jack/Lifting Unit
Marked to indicate rated
capacity
Not loaded beyond
capacity
Synchronized lifting to
ensure uniform lifting
Manual controls located
in central location
attended by competent
person (must be

1926.705(b), (c), (g), (i)

Lift-Slab Operations

1926.705(k)(1)

No employees permitted in the

building or structure while any
jacking operation is taking place.
Except essential

personnel

LAmbiance Plaza,
Bridgeport, Conn.
Lift slab construction project
28 workers killed
Multiple failures in design system
and
construction practices

Limited Access Zone

Established prior to the
start of construction
Equal to the height of the
wall plus four feet
Unscaffolded side of wall
Restricted to entry by
employees constructing
the wall
Remain until adequately
supported

1926.706(a)(1)-(5)

Limited Access Zone

Masonry walls over 8
feet in height must
be adequately
braced
Bracing must remain
in place until
permanent
supporting elements
of the structure are

1926.706(b)

Limited Access Zone

SAMPLE
CONSTRUCTION
SAFETY
STANDARD
Protective and Life
(partial
coverage)
Saving Equipment
FALL PROTECTION 1926
Subpart M

Subpart M Fall Protection

1926.500-503

Covers all fall hazards except specific

requirements found in
Subpart
Subpart
Subpart
Subpart

L Scaffolds
R Steel erection
S Tunneling operations
V Power transmission
and distribution
Subpart X Stairways and ladders
Subpart N Cranes and derricks

Subpart M Fall
Protection

1926.500(a)(1)

Exception

The provisions of this subpart do not

apply when employees are making an
inspection, investigation, or assessment
of workplace conditions prior to the
actual start of construction work or after
all construction work has been
completed.

Fall Protection Requirements

Steel Erection

15
Scaffolds

10
Construction Sites

6
General Industry

Duty to Have Fall Protection

1926.501(a)

Employer required to provide fall

protection systems
Employer shall determine if the
walking/working surfaces on which
its employees are to work have the
strength and structural integrity to
support employees safely

1926.501(b)(1)

Fall Protection Required

Unprotected
sides, edges

1926.501(b)(2)

Fall Protection Required

Leading edges

1926.501(b)(3)

Fall Protection Required

Hoist areas

Fall Protection Required

1926.501(b)(4)
Holes

Includes skylight floor openings

Fall Protection Required1926.501(b)(5)

Formwork and
reinforcing
steel

Fall Protection Required

1926.501(b)(6)
Ramps, runways,
other walkways

Fall Protection Required1926.501(b)(7)

Excavations

1926.501(b)(8)

Fall Protection Required

Dangerous
equipment

Fall Protection Required

1926.501(b)(9)
Overhand

bricklaying

Fall Protection
Required
Low-slope roof

< 4/12 pitch

Steep roof

> 4/12 pitch

1926.501(b)(10) &(11)

Fall Protection Required

1926.501(b)(12)
Pre-cast concrete erection

Fall Protection Required1926.501(b)(13)

Residential
construction

Fall Protection Required

1926.501(b)(14)
Wall openings

Covers for Holes

1926.502(i)

Covers shall:

Withstand two times

weight of expected
load

Secured to prevent
displacement

Marked hole or
cover or colorcoded

Fall Protection Required

1926.501(b)(15)
Other walking / working surfaces

Falling Objects
1926.501(c)

Each exposed employee

shall wear a hardhat.
Employer must take steps
to prevent employees
from being hit by falling
objects.

Erect toe boards, screens, or

guardrail systems

Erect a canopy structure

Protection from Falling Objects1926.502(j)

Toeboards

When used as falling object protection,

shall be erected along the edge of the
overhead walking/working surface

Withstand force of at least 50 pounds

Toeboards shall be a minimum of 3

inches in vertical height

1926.502(a)(1)
Methods of Fall Protection

Conventional methods

Safety nets

Guardrails

Personal fall
arrest systems (PFAS)

Guardrail System
1926.502(b)

Guardrail System

Top rail: 42 +3

Midrail: 21 +3
Note: Toe boards are not part of a
guardrail system for fall protection

1926.502(b)

Guardrails
Job well done

Personal Fall Arrest System

No slack

Personal Fall Arrest System

Lots of slack!

Only one attachment point!

Personal Fall Arrest System

1926.502(d)

Anchorage

Harness

Connectors

Personal Fall Arrest System

1926.502(d)

D-Rings, snaphooks, lanyards,

lifelines, anchorages rated @ 5,000
pounds
No free fall more than 6; nor
contact any lower level; 3.5 max
deceleration
Provide for prompt rescue
Inspect prior to each use

Personal Fall Arrest System

Personal Fall Arrest System

Body belts not
allowed for fall
arrest but may be
used as a
positioning device
Only locking type of
snaphook can be
used

Positioning Device System

1926.502(e)

Allows an employee to
be supported on an
elevated vertical
surface
No more than 2 freefall
Inspected before each
use
Safety belts okay for
use

Methods of Fall Protection

1926.502(f)
Other acceptable
methods

Used under certain

circumstances
Warning lines
Control access zones (CAZ)
Safety monitor
Fall protection plan

Warning Lines
1926.501(b)(10)

Used on low-sloped roofs

< 4/12
Erect 6 from all edges
Need fall protection for
last 6
Used in combination with
other systems
Developed by competent
person

1926.502(f),

Controlled Access Zones

1926.502(g)

Used in:

Leading edge work

Overhand bricklaying

Pre-cast concrete

Only authorized persons

Fall Protection Plan

1926.502(k)

Only for specific area or jobs

Leading edge work

Precast concrete erection work

Residential construction work

Used when conventional fall protection

equipment is infeasible or creates a greater
hazard
Designed by qualified person
Supervised by competent person

Fall Protection Plan Controlled Access

Zone
Shall identify each location where conventional
fall protection systems cannot be used and
designate them Controlled Access Zones
(CAZ).
Implement a safety monitoring system in
conformance with 1926.502(h) where no other
alternative measure has been implemented
Shall identify all workers designated to work in
the CAZ
Shall be reviewed and updated
as appropriate if a fall, or near
miss, occurs
188

Fall Protection Plan

Safety Monitor Duties
For a safety monitoring system under
1926.502(h) the monitor must
Be a competent person
Warn workers of fall dangers
Be on same working level
and within visual sighting
Be close enough to communicate orally
Not have responsibilities which take
attention away from monitoring
189

Training Requirements
1926.503

The employer shall:

Provide training program

Assure each employee has been

trained

Provide written certification

Retrain where necessary

SAMPLE
CONSTRUCTION
Protective and Life
SAFETY
STANDARD
Saving Equipment
(partial
coverage)
EXCAVATION AND
TRENCHING SAFETY
1926 Subpart P

Trench Cave - In

Mechanics of a Cave-In
Stress cracks form back

from edge due to ground

surface tension and
shear forces.
Cracks occur from about
1/3 to 2/3 of the depth of
the excavation back from
its edges.
Cracks take away the
soils ability to maintain a
strong vertical face.
The weight of the earth
above is transferred to
the lower portions of the
excavation wall.

Mechanics of a Cave-In
Excavation bottoms are the first to fail.
Support for the upper part of excavation
is left hanging only by shear and reduced
tension forces.
The uppermost portion of the vertical wall
collapses into the excavation.
Soil, like concrete, is normally strong in
compression but not strong in tension.
Figures 1 and 2 two detail the scenario.

Mechanics of a Cave-In
Fig.
1

Fig.
2

Competent Person
Responsibilities
Authority to stop work
Inspection of excavations

Daily
Pre-shift
As needed
After rain
Any increasing hazard occurrence

Testing for hazardous

atmospheres
Inspection of material and
equipment
Monitoring of water removal
Visual Tests
Manual Tests

Soil Classification
Cohesive
Stronger +

Clay

Granular

More Cohesion Less

Cohesion

Silt

- Weaker

Sand

Soil Classification Visual

Tests
Observe samples of soil that

are excavated.

If it stays in clumps it is
cohesive

If it breaks up easily its

granular
Check the sides of the
opened excavation and
adjacent surfaces for signs of
cracking.
Check for existing utilities,
underground structures, and
previously disturbed soil.
Check for layered soils.
Be aware of surface water,
seeping water, and water
collection in the base.
Be aware of the machinery
running near the cut.
Vibration can affect stability.

Soil Classification Manual

Tests
Manual
(Bare Hands)

Mechanical
(Device)

Plasticity

Pocket Penetrometer

Dry Strength

Shear Vane

Thumb Penetration

Plasticity Dry Strength

Plasticity Mold a moist or wet sample of soil into
a wet ball and attempt to roll it into threads as thin
as 1/8-inch in diameter. Cohesive material can be
successfully rolled into threads without crumbling.
If at least a two-inch length of 1/8-inch thread can
be held on one end without tearing, the soil is
cohesive.

Dry Strength If the soil is dry and crumbles on

its own or with moderate pressure into individual

grains or fine powder it is granular. If its dry and
breaks into clumps, but the clumps can only be
broken with difficulty, it may be a clay combination.

Thumb Penetration

This test can be used to estimate the

unconfirmed compressive strength of
cohesive soils.
Thumb Penetration Test
Type A: These soils can
be indented by the thumb,
but penetration takes
great effort.
Type B: Easily indented,
can be penetrated with
somewhat less effort than
type A.
Type C: This type of soil
can be easily penetrated
up to several inches by
the thumb and can be

Pocket Penetrometer
Probes the soil with

a small tube-like
plunger
Device is pressed
into soil to
calibration mark
Spring loaded
piston displaces the
scale ring
Produces a
compressive
strength reading

Shear Vane
Hand-held instrument used

for determining soil

strength
Provides reading in kPa
(kiloPascal, Unit of
Pressure)
Vane blade is pushed into
the soil and device is
rotated at predetermined
rate (ex: 1
revolution/minute)
Reading is obtained when
soil fails
Devices come with
different ranges and
features

Sloping
are encountered, and the

When combination soils

soil beneath is of lesser

cohesion than the soil
above, the slope will be
that of the less cohesive
soil.
When sloping with a
shoring system in place,
the top edge of the cut
must be 18 below the
top edge of the shoring
system.
A shoring device does not
affect the soil type
dimensions of the
continuing slope.

Slope Configurations
Soil or
Rock
Type

Maximum
Allowable Slopes
for Excavations
Less than 20

Unconfine
d
Compressi
ve
Strength
_______

Stable
Rock
Type A

Vertical

90

to 1

53

1.5
tons/sq ft

Type B

1 to 1

45

.5 - 1.5
tons/sq ft

Type C

1 to 1

34

.5 tons/sq
ft

Short Term Maximum

Allowable Slopes
A short term

maximum
allowable slope is
a special situation
for Type A soil.
An excavation in
Type A soil that is
open for less than
24 hours and 12
feet or less in
depth, can have a
maximum
allowable slope of

Benching

Can stand alone or in

combination with
sloping
Type C soils cannot
be benched
In multiple bench
situations, max bench
height of first bench
is 4
In bench-slope
combinations, max
bench height of first
bench is 3.5

Foundation/Basement
Excavations
The depth of the

foundation/basement trench
cannot exceed 7 feet deep
unless you provide other
cave-in protection
Keep the horizontal width of
the foundation trench at least
2 feet wide. Mind surface
encumbrances
Plan the foundation trench
work to minimize workers in
the trench and the length of
time they spend there
Inspect the trench regularly
Stop work ifany potential for
cave-in develops and fix the
problem before work starts
again

Utilities Location
Excavators must observe a tolerance zone

The width of the facility on a horizontal

If relocation is
plane, at least 18 on either side of the
necessary,
outside edge
excavator
must
coordinate
with facility
owner/operat
or

Utilities Location
When estimated location of
underground installations are
approached, exact location shall be
determined by safe/acceptable
means (hand digging, soft dig, pot
hole, etc.)
While excavation is open,
underground installations shall be
protected, supported or removed
as necessary to safeguard

Uniform Color Codes

Electric Red
Gas/Oil Yellow
Comm./CATV
Orange
Water Blue
Sewer Green
Proposed Exc.
White
Temp. Survey -

Protective
Systems
Reasons for Needing a Protecive

System
Existing utility lines, roadways, or
structural foundations intruding on the
maximum allowable slope.
No right-of-way permit for sloped
excavation.
The vertical face excavation is beyond the
safety slope.
The gravitational force will cause soil
raveling, cave-ins, or slope stability
failures from the vertical face.

Protective Systems

Timber Shoring

System uses reinforced wood sheets or planks in an

upright or sheet configuration to reinforce the vertical cut
Walers support the system horizontally against the outer
wall
Struts support the system horizontally from side to side

Struts

Waler
s

Hydraulic Shoring

Protective Systems

Uses alloy struts

(aluminum, steel) to
support system side to
side
System does not require
entry for installation or
removal
Significantly lighter than
timber systems
Provides even
distribution of pressure
along the trench line
Can utilize "preloading"
to use the soil's natural
cohesion to prevent
movement
Adapts easily to various
trench depths and
widths.

Protective Systems
Trench Boxes

The width of the trench should exceed the width of the

box to facilitate ease of movement
Clearance prevents stresses on the trench box that could
lead to failure during cave-in
Trench boxes may sit on 2 of excavated soil

Access/ Egress

A stairway, ladder, ramp, or other safe

means of egress shall be located in trench
excavations that are 4 feet or more in
depth and require no more than 25 feet of
lateral travel for employees.
Must be designed by a competent person.
Boards must be of uniform thickness and
structurally sound, also must be equipped
with cleats to prevent tripping on ramp
applications.

Hazardous Atmospheres
All testing must be

performed from outside

the space
Hazard may be generated
from
existing conditions
inside excavation

Methane
Natural Gas
Petroleum

Hazard may be generated

from surroundings

Carbon Monoxide

Hazardous Atmospheres

Exposures to harmful levels of atmospheric

contaminants can be prevented by
Testing for oxygen deficient air with a tester at
no less than four feet in depth. (Concentrations
should lie between 19.5% and 23.5%)
Flammable gas testing
Toxic atmosphere testing.
Testing as often as is necessary
to ensure safe atmosphere at
all times

Excavation Checklist
Utilities

locations identified
and marked

Access/

Potentially

Water

Hazardous
Atmosphere tested before and
during shift

Egress points and

routes free from obstruction
accumulation monitored
before and during shift

Emergency

Rescue Equipment Spoils piles at least two feet

on site and ready for duty
back from excavation edge
Employees

and machinery
protected from traffic

Soil

Employees

Shoring

protected from

classification performed
by Competent Person

falling loads

systems inspected
before and during shift

Proper

Daily

fall protection for cross

over points
Excavations

20 in depth
have engineered protection
systems
Stability

of adjacent structures
secured and shored

inspection performed by
a competent person before and
during the shift
Inspection includes the trench,
the area around it, and
protective systems

DESIGN FOR CONSTRUCTION

SAFETY

THE PROCESS OF ADDRESSING

CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY AND HEALTH,
AND PLANNING FOR FUTURE MAINTENANCE IN
THE DESIGN PHASE OF A PROJECT
CONSIDERING OCCUPATIONAL S&H IN ADDITION TO
FACILITY S&H IN THE DESIGN PROCESS
ACHIEVED BY CONSTRUCTABILITY

RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT SITE SAFETY

AND CONSTRUCTION FAILURES ARE
INFLUENCED BY DESIGN

OSHA 1926- ENGINEERING CONTROLS

1926.452 SCAFFOLDS

1926.502 FALL PROTECTION

ANCHORAGES

1926.552 HOISTS

1926.652 EXCAVATIONS

1926.703 SHORING

1926.705 LIFT SLAB

CONSTRUCTION

SAMPLE PROVISIONS

SCAFFOLDS OVER 125 FEET (38.0 M) IN

HEIGHT ABOVE THEIR BASE PLATES SHALL BE
DESIGNED BY A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEER, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED
AND LOADED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH
DESIGN

HORIZONTAL LIFELINES SHALL BE DESIGNED,

INSTALLED, AND USED, UNDER THE
SUPERVISION OF A QUALIFIED PERSON, AS
PART OF A COMPLETE PERSONAL FALL
ARREST SYSTEM, WHICH MAINTAINS A
SAFETY FACTOR OF AT
LEAST TWO

DESIGN FOR SAFETY - PROCESS

IDENTIFY THE HAZARD(S)

GRAVITY- FALLS FROM ELEVATION, FALLING OBJECTS

SLOPES ROLLOVER, UNSTABLE SURFACES
WATER DROWNING, LOSS OF COHESION (CLAY)
WALKING/WORKING SURFACES TRIPPING, SLIPPING
MECHANICAL MOVING PARTS, SHEARING, VIBRATION
ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE, SPARKS
CHEMICAL CORROSION, TOXICITY
BIOLOGICAL CARCINOGENS, ALLERGENS

ASSESS THE RISK (PROBABILITY X SEVERITY)

PROPOSE DESIGN FEATURES TO
ELIMINATE THE RISK OR REDUCE IT
TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL

Table 1 DfCS Design Details (from Weinstein (2005), Gambatese (1997),

Behm (2005))

1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

Suggestion
Design prefab units that
can be built on the ground
and erected in place
Design underground
utilities to be placed using
trenchless technologies
Allow adequate clearance
between structures and
power lines.
Design 42 parapet walls
Design permanent
anchorage points

Purpose

Reduce workers exposure to falls

and being struck by falling object
Eliminate safety hazards associated
with trenching
Overhead power lines are
hazardous
when operating cranes
Eliminate need for fall protection
Provide fall protection anchorage
during construction and future
maintenance

6.

7.

Specify primers, sealers,

and other coating that do
not emit noxious fumes
Design permanent
anchorage points in
residential roofs

8.

Design cable type lifeline

system for tower structure

9.

Design windows seals to be

42 inches above floor

10.

Design permanent
guardrails around skylights

Reduce noxious fumes

Provide fall protection anchorage for

roofing contractors during future
Maintenance
Allows workers to hook onto the
structure and move up and down
during future maintenance
Eliminate need for fall protection
during construction and future
maintenance
Prevent workers from falling through
skylight

DfCS Examples:
Prefabrication

Concrete
Wall Panels
Concrete Segmented Bridge
Steel stairs

DfCS Examples: Anchorage

Points

DfCS Examples:
Roofs
Skylights

Upper story windows

and roof parapets

SOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Construction Safety & Health, 2nd Edition, Pearson,

2013, by David L. Goetsch; ISBN:978-0-13-23746930
Usmen, M., Construction Safety and Health for Civil
Engineers, Instructional Module ASCE, 1994
Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov,
http://www.bls.gov/ iag/tgs/iag23.htm
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) Part
1926:Construction Industry, Part 1910: General
Industry, https://www.osha.gov/law-regs.html
The Trajectories of Prevention through Design in
Construction, T. Michael Toole and John
Gambatese, Journal of Safety Research 39 (2008)
225230

THANK YOU!
QUESTIONS?