Accessibility Tools

Month: May 2015

OSHA Quick Start Tool for Your Construction Business

OSHA Quick Start Tool for Your Construction Business

Whether you’re starting a new construction business or have been working in the industry for decades, learning more about preventing jobsite injuries and maintaining Occupational Safety and Health Act compliance is now easier than ever. The Compliance Assistance Quick Start tool at www.osha.gov will walk you through major OSHA requirements for employers in the construction industry. The topics covered include the following:

Step 1– OSHA requirements relating to leading hazards on construction sites. These include falls (which account for the greatest number of fatalities in the industry), stairways and ladders, scaffolding, electrical, trenching and excavation, motor vehicle safety and highway work zones.

Step 2 – Other OSHA requirements that may apply to your jobsite. These include personal protective equipment; hand and power tools; concrete and masonry products; cranes, derricks, hoists, elevators and conveyors; welding, cutting and brazing; residential construction; steel erection; fire safety and emergency action planning; and hazard communication standards.

Step 3 – Surveying your jobsite for other hazards. In this step, you’ll learn how to use construction safety checklists and review OSHA’s health and safety bulletins. In addition, you can find information on asbestos, asphalt fumes, carbon monoxide, distracted driving, hazardous and toxic substances, heat, lasers, lead, occupational noise, silica and toxic metals.

Step 4 – Developing a jobsite safety and health program. OSHA requires construction employers to put accident prevention programs in place, including frequent inspection of jobsites, materials and equipment by qualified professionals. This step will link you to online OSHA resources that can help.

Step 5 – Training your employees. Resources include specific OSHA construction training standards, the training and reference materials library, OSHA videos on reducing construction hazards, and general safety and training requirements.

Step 6 – Recordkeeping, reporting and posting. If you have more than 10 employees, you’re required to keep records of jobsite illnesses and accidents. At this step, you can review brochures on recordkeeping and associated regulations. You will also learn about posting OSHA posters, reporting work-related deaths and hospitalizations, and maintaining employee exposure and medical records.

Step 7 – Additional compliance assistance information. From OSHA resources for smaller employers to voluntary programs and Spanish-language resources, the final step in the Compliance Assistance Quick Start tool provides links to other resources construction business owners should find helpful in understanding OSHA requirements.

While it is definitely helpful as an overview, keep in mind the Compliance Assistance Quick Start tool is not comprehensive. It’s intended to provide initial guidance materials, not replace the in-detail assistance you can receive from a free on-site consultation with a compliance assistance specialist through the OSHA On-Site Consultation Program.

How to Become a Green General Contractor

How to Become a Green General ContractorFor those who are interested in becoming green general contractors, it is important to follow the right steps to become certified. Since every contractor must have a state-issued license, individuals should contact their state’s contractor licensing division. People who do not yet have their licenses can review specific state guidelines by visiting the NASCLA’s site at www.nascla.org.

The next step is to satisfy all state requirements. In some states, a bachelor’s degree is required in order to receive a license. While some states do not have this requirement in place, it is still helpful for individuals to have four-year degrees in order to make themselves more marketable. Contractors usually have degrees in physics, engineering, math or similar areas. Some states may also require applicants to have several years of practical work experience. This means people who have worked for several years as construction workers, carpenters or in other positions may apply in some states. After satisfying all state requirements, applicants must take and pass the state test.

Green Building License

Contractors who are interested in green certification should spend some time familiarizing themselves with national accreditation options. In order to become certified, training in one of the national accreditation programs is required. BPI (Building Performance Institute) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are the most popular choices. The extra training helps contractors learn about state funding incentives for homes and businesses using green improvements. Programs are designed to give contractors a broad knowledge base of various tasks. However, some programs focus mainly on one or more areas.

After choosing a training program and completing it, contractors must take BPI or LEED exams. Some contractors may take several courses. There is no right or wrong choice, so contractors should pick one or more areas that interest them or relate to their type of business. It is also important to consider local needs. For example, solar power may be more popular in the Southwest than it is in the Northwest. Some common specialization choices include retrofit or rehabilitation, energy audits, lighting systems, solar or photovoltaic panel installation, heating systems and cooling systems.

After completing a course and taking the related exam, it is important to research what kind of continuing education is required. Continuing education is necessary for retaining a green certification. Once the training and tests have been completed, contractors should begin looking for suppliers of green materials. The key to finding such suppliers is to look locally or nearby. Importing materials uses natural resources, which can be counterproductive to the cause of going green. Look for recycled materials and items that are made with non-toxic paint.

The last step is advertising and finding clients. Advertising with the local chamber of commerce is a good way to start. Contractors may also check with the U.S. Green Building Council to advertise with a local chapter. For more information about green certification and insurance, discuss concerns with an agent.