Whether you’re a technician, electrician, or developer, safety is the number one concern on any jobsite. Each individual is responsible for his or her own safety as well as the safety of the overall worksite. It’s vital to know what is required, how to obtain the proper safety equipment, and stay up-to-date on changing rules and regulations.
At Anistar, we encourage contractors to obtain safety certifications and require technicians to complete the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSAH)’s ladder training. OSHA offers other valuable trainings like the 10- and 30-hour courses, some of which are required by employers. It’s true these trainings and certifications keep insurance costs down but more importantly, they ensure every single technician knows what they’re doing and the impact of ignoring best practices.
The basics of safety
The majority of the responsibility falls to the employee or contractor. While every company, office and jobsite must display the most recent OSHA requirements, staying up-to-date on changes, and tool and equipment safety is up to the individual worker.
Requirements may vary for specific work conditions like working outside or in the heat, and working on a new construction site with sharp or heavy tools. Moreover, workers must know what to do when there is a safety or medical emergency. All parties (that is the worker and the employer) must file a report. The injured employee is required to make an appointment with a medical professional immediately and will likely have to make a follow-up appointment later on. This helps to cover all the bases and assess further risk or the need for ongoing care.
Why it matters
Safety plays a role in the company’s ability to make money; that’s true. But it also impacts the worker’s ability to stay employed and make money. While workers compensation and unemployment can help when things go wrong, the better trained and safer a technician is, the more likely they are to stay safe and stay employed.
The cost of insurance and equipment may vary state to state but the U.S. Department of Labor requires pretty much the same safety practices for all workers in all fields. No matter what the perceived level of safety is to a worker or site manager, hard hats, vests and gloves are required on the jobsite. It’s not up for debate or an on-the-spot decision. These rules keep people safe and construction moving forward.
Stay up-to-date
OSHA’s website is the best place to learn the rules, find trainings and stay in-the-know. You can also follow the U.S. Department of Labor on Twitter or Facebook – this is helpful for both employers and workers. The OSHA Law Blog is another great resource that provides insights and further discussion on issues and current events.
What other resources do you use to stay knowledgeable about safety regulations? Share with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.
