4.1: Introduction to Health Hazards
Subpart D
Subpart D, of the 1926 OSHA standards covers occupational health and environmental controls for construction sites. The subpart consists of 15 individual standards. Several of these, such as Hazard Communication and Process Safety Management, are discussed in chapter 3. This lesson will focus on eight of the individual construction standards that address workplace safety and health, and include a general discussion of PPE 1910 Subpart I.
Medical Services and First Aid
Employers must render first aid to an employee in medical distress as a result of an accident or other condition. The following are specific employer responsibilities for rendering aid.
Availability of medical personnel
The employer shall ensure the availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of occupational health. Provisions shall be made prior to commencement of the project for prompt medical attention in case of serious injury.
In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, hospital, or physician, that is reasonably accessible, in terms of time and distance to the worksite, and which is available for the treatment of injured employees, a person who has a valid certificate in first-aid training from the U. S. Bureau of Mines, the American Red Cross, or equivalent training that can be verified by documented evidence shall be available at the worksite to render first aid.
First aid supplies
First aid supplies approved by the consulting physician shall be easily accessible when required. The first-aid kit shall consist of materials approved by the consulting physician in a weatherproof container with individual sealed packages for each type of item. The contents of the first-aid kit shall be checked by the employer before being sent out on each job and at least weekly on each job to ensure that the expended items are replaced.
Corrosive materials
Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.
Sanitation
Sanitation primarily focuses on controlling biological hazards through the availability of designated rest areas, eating areas, and restrooms and hygiene facilities.
Potable water
An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided in all places of employment. Portable containers used to dispense drinking water shall be capable of being tightly closed, and equipped with a tap. Water shall not be dipped from containers. Any container used to distribute drinking water shall be clearly marked as to the nature of its contents and not used for any other purpose. The common drinking cup is prohibited. Where single service cups (to be used but once) are supplied, both a sanitary container for the unused cups and a receptacle for disposing of the used cups shall be provided.
Toilets
Toilets shall be provided at construction sites according to the number of employees on the site. For 20 or less employees one toilet is required. For more than 20 employees, one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 workers is required. For 200 or more employees, one toilet seat and one urinal per 50 workers. Under temporary field conditions, provisions shall be made to assure not less than one toilet facility is available each for men and women. Employers must provide at least the minimum number of toilet facilities, in toilet rooms separate for each sex.
Rodent and insect control (VECTORS)
Every enclosed workplace shall be so constructed, equipped, and maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, as to prevent the entrance or harborage of potentially disease carrying rodents, insects, and other vermin. A continuing and effective extermination program shall be instituted where their presence is detected.