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1.1 About OSHA and Construction
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 set up OSHA inside the Department of Labor, with authority to regulate the health and safety of nearly all private employers. Construction is covered by its own set of standards, 29 CFR Part 1926, while general industry uses Part 1910. Where there is no specific standard, the General Duty Clause requires each employer to provide a workplace free from recognised hazards that are causing, or likely to cause, death or serious physical harm.
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries, and OSHA's outreach courses concentrate on the hazards that kill the most workers.
The Focus Four
Most construction deaths come from four groups of hazard, so OSHA calls them the Focus Four:
- Falls, from roofs, scaffolds, ladders, floor openings and edges. Falls cause the largest share of construction deaths.
- Electrocution, from overhead power lines, damaged tools and cords, and live parts.
- Struck by, injuries from falling objects, vehicles, cranes and flying material.
- Caught in or between, injuries from trench collapse, equipment and being crushed between objects.
A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.