What is OSHA?
OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Created in 1970, OSHA's mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
Why OSHA Matters to You
As a construction worker, OSHA regulations directly impact your daily work environment. These rules aren't just paperwork—they're designed to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on job sites. Construction consistently ranks among the most dangerous industries, making these protections especially important.
Your Rights Under OSHA
As a worker, you have the right to:
- Work in conditions that don't pose a risk of serious harm
- Receive information and training about workplace hazards, methods to prevent harm, and OSHA standards that apply to your workplace
- Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses
- File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect your workplace if you believe there is a serious hazard or your employer isn't following OSHA rules
- Exercise your rights without retaliation or discrimination
Employer Responsibilities
Your employer must:
- Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards
- Comply with all OSHA standards
- Provide required training to all workers
- Keep records of injuries and illnesses
- Post OSHA citations and the OSHA poster
- Notify OSHA within 8 hours of a workplace fatality or within 24 hours of any work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye
Common Construction Standards
Key OSHA standards for construction (29 CFR 1926) cover:
- Fall protection
- Scaffolding
- Ladders
- Trenching and excavation
- Personal protective equipment
- Hazard communication