2: General Safety and Health Provisions
“Teaching the world to be careful is a constructive service worthy of God’s great gift of life to man."
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harold H. Burton (1946)
Overview
Most individuals beginning work for the first time do not give much thought to the typical “amenities” of the workplace. Adequate lighting, sanitation, and air quality for example are expected in most societies with fully developed infrastructures. Most if not all indoor facilities are designed for emergency egress and have capacity limits. If you walk into an establishment and trip or fall, cut or injure yourself you can expect first aid. We expect the workplace to not be scary or treacherous. We expect it to be safe.
General safety and health provisions are for every workplace. While not ‘home’ workplaces are where many of us will spend a good deal of our wake hours, must provide for basic human comforts and just as importantly be prepared for the unanticipated incident.
Chapter Objective:
- Review the requirements of the Construction Standard Subpart C.
- Compare Subpart C to related General Industry Standards.
- Discuss the responsibilities of the employer for training employees on general safety and health provisions.
- Define and understand the role of a "competent person."
Learning Outcome:
- Recognize and identify good housekeeping practices for any worksite.
- Recognize and identify key safety and health protocols for any worksite.
Standards: 1926.21 Safety Training and Education, 1926.23-First aid and medical attention, 1926.24-Fire protection and prevention, 1926.25-Housekeeping, 1926.26-Illumination, 1926.27-Sanitation, 1926.28-Personal Protective Equipment, 1926.29-Acceptable Certifications, 1926.31-Incorporation by reference, 1926.32-Definitions, 1926.33-Access to Employee exposure and Medical Records, 1926.34-Means of egress, 1926.35-Emergency action plans
Key Terms:
ANSI, NFPA, ASME, SAE, ASTM, NRTL, approved, authorized person, designated person, qualified, employee, employer, hazardous substance
Mini-Lecture: Every work place
Topic Required Time: 45 min; Independent Study and reflection 1 hour.
Thumbnail: OSHA Job Safety poster, OSHA.gov