Glossary
- Page ID
- 63075
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Administrative Controls
Changes in work procedures, schedules, policies, or training that reduce worker exposure to hazards without physically removing the hazard.
Amputation
The loss of a body part due to a workplace injury.
Asbestos
A hazardous mineral fiber once commonly used in construction materials. Exposure may cause serious lung diseases.
Biological Hazard
A workplace hazard involving exposure to infectious diseases, mold, toxic plants, or animal materials that may cause illness or allergic reactions.
Caught-In or Between Hazard
A construction hazard where workers can be crushed, squeezed, pinched, or compressed between objects or machinery.
Confined Space
An enclosed or partially enclosed space with limited entry or exit that may contain hazardous atmospheres or other dangers.
Construction Safety
Practices, standards, and procedures intended to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites.
Controlled Access Zone
An area designated to limit worker access where certain construction activities occur.
Electrical Hazard
A workplace danger involving exposure to electric shock, burns, arc flash, or electrocution.
Elimination
The most effective hazard control method, which completely removes a hazard from the workplace.
Engineering Controls
Physical changes to equipment or processes that isolate workers from hazards, such as machine guards or ventilation systems.
Ergonomic Hazard
A workplace condition involves repetitive motion, awkward posture, vibration, or heavy lifting that may cause musculoskeletal disorders.
Fall Protection
Systems and methods used to prevent workers from falling from elevated surfaces or into openings.
Fatal Four
The four leading causes of construction worker deaths: falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between incidents, and electrocutions.
Fire Protection
Measures and equipment used to prevent or control workplace fires.
Guardrail System
A barrier system installed to prevent workers from falling to lower levels.
Hazard
Any condition, material, activity, or situation that can cause injury, illness, or death.
Hazard Assessment
The process of identifying workplace hazards and evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm.
Hazard Communication
Procedures for informing workers about chemical hazards through labels, SDSs, and training.
Hierarchy of Controls
A system for selecting hazard controls in order of effectiveness: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Job Hazard Analysis
A method of examining job tasks to identify hazards and determine safe work procedures.
Leading Edge
The advancing edge of a floor, roof, or formwork where fall hazards exist during construction.
Lockout/Tagout
Procedures used to ensure machines and equipment are properly shut off and cannot restart during maintenance or servicing.
NIOSH
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a federal agency that conducts research and provides recommendations for workplace safety and health.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
A federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health regulations.
OSH Act
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the federal law establishing OSHA and workplace safety protections.
Personal Fall Arrest System
Equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchors designed to protect a worker during a fall.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Protective clothing or devices worn by workers to reduce exposure to hazards, including hard hats, gloves, respirators, and safety glasses.
Respirator
A type of PPE designed to protect workers from inhaling harmful dusts, fumes, vapors, or gases.
Root Cause
The fundamental underlying reason an incident or hazard occurred.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A document providing information about chemical hazards, safe handling, storage, and emergency measures.
Scaffold
A temporary elevated platform used to support workers and materials during construction.
Safety Net System
A fall protection system designed to catch workers after a fall.
Silica Dust
Fine particles generated during cutting, grinding, or drilling materials such as concrete or stone.
Struck-By Hazard
A construction hazard where workers are injured by moving vehicles, falling objects, or flying materials.
Substitution
Replacing a hazardous material, process, or activity with a safer alternative.
Trenching
An excavation deeper than it is wide, often used for underground utility installation.
Ventilation System
Engineering controls to remove airborne contaminants from the workplace.
Whistleblower
A worker who reports unsafe working conditions, violations, or illegal activities and is protected from retaliation under OSHA law.
Workplace Violence
Violent acts, threats, intimidation, or disruptive behavior occurring in the workplace.