OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, will give a three month extension to its residential construction temporary enforcement measures. The temporary enforcement measures, now extended through December 15, 2012, include priority free on-site compliance assistance, penalty reductions, extended abatement dates, measures to ensure consistency, and increased outreach. OSHA has been clamping down on fall safety regulations this year, claiming that fatalities from falls are the number one cause of workplace death in construction.
OSHA Residential Construction Enforcement Extended
OSHA has been working closely with the industry to assist employers in complying with the new directive. Since October 1 of last year, OSHA’s On-site Consultation Projects performed more than 2,500 on-site visits, conducted 925 training sessions, and delivered 438 presentations related to fall protection in residential construction. OSHA’s regional and area offices also conducted more than 800 outreach activities on the directive. The Agency will continue to work with employers to ensure a clear understanding of, and to facilitate compliance with, the new policy.
OSHA will also continue to develop materials to assist the industry, including a wide variety of educational and training materials to assist employers with compliance, which are available on the Web pages for residential construction and the Fall Prevention Campaign.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created OSHA, which now sets rules and enforces safe and healthful workplaces for employees by providing training, education and assistance… and of course fining companies for noncompliance.
