The construction industry is no doubt one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. With more than 6.5 million Americans working on approximately 252,000 construction sites, the risk of injury is constantly present for workers. Workers have to work with heavy objects, at great heights, and with heavy machinery. According to the United States Department of Labor, 4,679 construction workers were killed on the job in 2014. This equals to 3.3 per 100,000 full-time workers.
Given these alarming statistics and dangerous work conditions, it is important that these employees are protected from unnecessary danger. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to serve this very purpose.
OSHA sets the standard safety rules and regulations that are designed to protect construction site workers. OSHA employs more than 2,200 inspectors to evaluate construction site safety. These inspectors work for the people to ensure that project site owners and contractors uphold their obligations to the workers they hire.
It Is Important to Know Your Rights Under OSHA:
- You have access to copies of tests done to find workplace hazards
- You have a right to request OSHA to inspect a construction site if you suspect danger
- You have the right to review records of previous injuries and illnesses caused by construction site injuries
- You have the right to withhold your name from your employer if you file a complaint with OSHA
It is important that you are confident at the construction site where you work. The contractor and/or the project owner have an obligation to provide you and the other workers with safety protocols, safe equipment and to comply with the standards set by OSHA.
