Safety issues in Construction and Remodeling

Poorly constructed scaffolding is the most frequently cited violation of construction and remodeling.
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Most common scaffolding violations cited at job sites included:
· Not having the scaffold deck fully floored
· Not having the scaffold level or capable of supporting its designated load with the proper use of screw jacks, footings, etc.
· Not providing safe access for each scaffold
· Not providing proper fall, or falling object, protection — guardrails, midrails, toe boards, screens and debris netting
· Not having scaffold components approved by a competent person on the job site
· Not having the scaffold inspected daily
· Coble also said access should be provided by fixed ladders.
The other 25 most important standards for construction and remodeling shall be :-,
2. Fall ProtectionWhile fall protection is required so that employees will not fall more than six feet
3. LaddersFall protection for fixed ladders is provided so that employees will not fall more than 24 feet and that portable ladders must extend at least three feet above the point of support.
, ladder users be trained to maximize safety at the job site.
4. Electrical Wiring MethodsCommon violations cited :
o Not protecting all light bulbs from damage by using a cage, protection screen, etc.
o Not protecting flexible cords from damage
o Not covering all knockout holes
o Not covering all circuit breaker holes
o Running cords through walls, ceilings and floors

5. Stairways Temporary stairways that were not built to specification were often cited. These specs include:
o Stairs must be installed between 30- and 50-degrees.
o The rise and tread width must be uniform.
o Stairs with four or more risers or rising above 30 inches must have stair rails.

6. General Safety and Health ProvisionsTo meet this employees must be trained to work safely, use proper tools, store tools safely and have tools guards on power tools.
7. Fall Protection Systems Comprehensive fall protection systems, where applicable, should be in place to avoid citations. Proper systems, such as roof anchorages, only added about $200 to the cost of a house but saved much more than that in workers compensation.
Fall protection systems include:
o Guard rails with midrails and toeboards
o Safety net systems no more than 30 feet below the working level
o Safety net systems inspected weekly
o Fall arrest anchorages that support 5,000 pounds per employee
o Controlled access zones at least six feet from the edge

8. Electrical Wiring Design and Protection All handheld tools to be grounded or double-insulated. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFI) or an assured equipment grounding conductor program should be in use to avoid citations and injury.
Inspectors looked for overhead open conductors that were not installed at the proper height —10 feet above grade for job sites in general, 12 feet above grade for vehicular traffic, 15 feet above grade for truck traffic and 18 feet above public streets.
9. Head Protection Hardhats are required where there is a danger of falling objects, impact or electrical shock and that hardhats should meet manufacturers’ requirements or ANSI Z89 standards
10. Hazard CommunicationJob sites where hazardous chemicals were present and a written hazard communication plan was not developed or the chemicals were not properly labeled or marked with a warning.
11. Aerial LiftsAmong the more common violations for aerial lifts were:
o Lifts being used by unauthorized or not properly trained personnel
o A lack of body belts or lanyards to keep the employee on the basket floor so he would not be thrown
o Not using the lifts according to the manufacturers’ recommendations

12. General Electrical RequirementsAmong the general requirements often cited were:
o Electrical equipment not meeting the proper NEMA rating
o Electrical equipment not protected from damage
o Unapproved gang boxes
o Spliced flexible cords or cords that are not of continuous length
o Circuit breakers that are not properly labeled

13. Fall Protection Training Fall protection systems should be reinforced with fall protection training if citations are to be avoided.
14. ScaffoldsIn addition to the proper placement and use of scaffolds, Scaffold citations to be given by safety supervisors , if the scaffold was not built according to the standard norms.
15. Housekeeping Job sites littered with garbage, debris and scraps were subject to citations. Debris should be removed on a regular basis and that forms and scrap lumber should be free of protruding nails.
16. Construction Training and EducationNot only should employees be trained to recognize and avoid hazards, They should be trained to work in confined or enclosed spaces, to work with caustics and other harmful substances and to avoid harmful plants and animals.
17. Concrete and Masonry ConstructionTo avoid citations:
o Reinforcing steel and rebar should have proper impalement protection.
o Only qualified employees should perform post tensioning.
o Riding in concrete buckets is forbidden.

18. Scaffold TrainingCitations are often given when people who work on scaffolds are not trained in how to use scaffolds or recognize hazards. Retraining is conducted when deficiencies are found in the original training program.
19. Eye and Face ProtectionTo avoid citations, eye and face protection must meet — and be properly marked that it meets — ANSI Z87.1 standards.
20. Fire ProtectionAmong the requirements for fire protection required at the job site are:
o Fire fighting equipment must be conspicuously located.
o Fire fighting equipment must be periodically inspected.
o A fire alarm should be provided.

21. Woodworking ToolsTwo safety requirements regarding woodworking tools are that:
o Saws and sanders are properly guarded.
o Each saw and sander must have an anti-start device to protect workers from accidents when power is interrupted.

22. Excavations Excavations and trenches should be properly supported and inspected weekly and that an approved ramp or ladder should be located at least 25 feet from each employee in the trench or excavation.
23. Potential lead-containing materials needed to be inspected before exposure and that if exposure exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL), controls would have to be implemented.
24. For Gas Welding and Cutting oxygen and fuel gas cylinders should be separated in storage by 20 feet or by a five-foot high wall that meets OSHA specifications and standards. He also said the equipment should be used by properly trained personnel.
25. Fall Protection in Steel ErectionSpecific fall protection requirements must be met regarding steel erection. These include:
o Each employee engaged in steel erection must be protected from falling more than 15 feet.
o Connectors must be provided from falling more than 30 feet or two stories, whichever is less.
o A controlled decking zone must be established.