There are thousands of deaths reported in the construction industry every year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 there 2.7 million workplace injuries had been reported that could have been easily prevented. On the other hand, 4,764 workers suffered fatal and serious injuries and the private sector reported 1,008 deaths in the construction industries. 

Most of these workers’ injuries caused due to the lack of proper training and knowledge about the workplace. To avoid these injuries the OSHA has set some training requirements. It is necessary for every worker or employer to go through these workplace safety trainings. 

Numerous OSHA training requirements specifically mandate that employers provide workers with training on the health and safety elements of their occupations. OSHA training requirement matrix focuses on different fields like emergency plans, safety training programs for confined spaces, lockout, first aid, and many more. For comprehensive training programs that meet OSHA standards, employers can turn to platforms like OSHA 30 Education Center.

Some of employee training guidelines are:

Essential Programs 

If you’re new to the construction sector and don’t know the basic OSHA safety requirements, then it is possible that you may face fatal injuries at the work site due to the incomplete knowledge. 

There are many training centers that offers OSHA courses like OSHA 30 construction and OSHA 10 hour training. By finishing these, employers can address common risks at construction sites like trips and falls and become aware of potential hazards related to exposure to dangerous chemicals. They can also understand OSHA’s role in promoting workplace safety. 

Employer Duties 

As per the OSHA training requirements, the structure, plans, and processes of the construction program must be understood by managers, supervisors, and employees properly. 

Knowing this guarantees that everyone can take part completely in crafting, executing, and refining the program.

Fall Protection Training 

The most often reported OSHA infraction in the construction industry is fall protection. Fall protection equipment is required under this standard in construction works where workers may be exposed to vertical drops of six feet or more. OSHA fall protection training requirements include the trainings of guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems.

Scaffold Safety

The OSHA scaffolding standard was created to protect workers who operate or are employed on scaffolding at elevations of 10 feet or more. 

It outlines the requirements for organizing, constructing, and using scaffolds as well as training staff members on scaffold safety. Scaffold safety is a crucial component of the training because scaffolds are commonly utilized in construction projects. It is one of the essential safety training programs. 

Personal Protective Equipment

Companies must provide workers with protective gear when there are potential workplace hazards that might cause illnesses or injuries in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard. This requirement aligns with the core principles outlined in the introduction to OSH act, emphasizing the responsibility of employers to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.

Examples of this OSHA compliance gears include gloves, respirator protection, safety glasses, and hard helmets. Personal protection equipment (PPE) in the construction industry needs to be utilized correctly to ensure worker safety. 

Hazard Communications

Ensuring companies and employees are aware of the dangers and identities of chemicals is the goal of the Hazard Communication of the OSHA training requirements. 

This means putting together a written program for informing staff members about potential risks, maintaining an MSDS (material safety data sheet) for any chemical that might be dangerous, and training staff members on these compounds’ risks. 

In addition to risk management strategies, this particular program should also addresses exposure to asbestos, lead, silica, and noise.

Electrical Safety

This OSHA standard addresses safety measures to protect employees from the risk of electric shock. This includes teaching employees how to handle extension cables properly, using ground-fault circuit interrupters, and what to do if they come into contact with live electrical components. 

Electrical hazards pose a severe risk to construction workers. The instruction covers fundamental electrical safety principles, including proper grounding, lockout procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Excavation and Trenching 

Before starting work, the contractor must create and maintain an excavation plan for the site that offers sufficient, methodical policies, processes, and practices to safeguard workers against and enable them to identify the safety and health risks associated with excavation. Working in an uncovered trench is dangerous. 

The walls might collapse without warning. Employees are unable to move or make room for themselves when this happens. This particular program requires the examinations of the dangers associated with excavation and trenching, such as cave-ins and engulfment. It discusses the safety measures and safeguards that should be put in place to reduce these risks. 

Best Practices to engage the relevant Employees or Workers 

The primary OSHA training requirements are defined in the employee training guidelines below:

Cooperative and Engaging Content

If you are an employer then it is your responsibility to maintain employee’s interest in training, particularly in the safety course, which presents the largest obstacle. Regular lectures bore the attention of the staff. 

Collaborative activities, like selecting your own adventure, pique curiosity since you may choose your own question. This implies that during training, the student should continue to be involved and active to understand the OSHA standards. 

Accessibility for all Employees 

The important factor to keep in mind is that you should make sure that the training program is accessible to all of your employees. Ensuring that personnel obtain the necessary safety training is really beneficial. 

Employees should receive training regardless of whether they are working in an office, on the job, or in the field. Ensure that you may access the training materials at any time and from any location. It will undoubtedly make the workplace safer and is more effective. 

Knowledge Assessments   

All of the employees find it simple to complete the training session and tick the necessary box. Without knowledge, safety and health training is meaningless for employees. Employees are forced to demonstrate that they comprehended all that was taught during and after training by answering quiz questions and completing other types of evaluation.

Conclusion:

Through its rules, which all employees in the construction and general sectors are expected to follow, OSHA is committed to maintaining workplace safety. The OSHA 30 construction helps you establish a work culture that is focused on job safety and is required for all workers and employees who are exposed to workplace hazards. 

The OSHA 30 construction and OSHA 10 hour training courses will also teach you about the policies, practices, and crucial safety precautions that comply with OSHA standards.