618 Managing Safety and Health: Construction

Key Players

All managers on the construction site should be competent in safety management. Workers should be competent in the specific work they are performing.

An OSHA "competent person" is defined as "one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them" [29 CFR 1926.32(f)] Heavy equipment operators should all be able to show written documentation providing proof of competency. Also, a trained on-site healthcare provider or nurse should be present on large projects (more than $75 million).

Project Designers

Project designers that are involved in the construction phase should do the following:

• Identify the impact of changes in the design of the health and safety of those involved in the project.
• Provide sufficient information on health and safety associated with the design and planning to those who need it, so they can conduct the necessary training if needed.
• Cooperate and coordinate with the contracted parties, and, where appropriate, other designers/advisers involved in the project.
• Provide ongoing advice and information, if requested, regarding the head contractor's health and safety plan (such as by advising of any changes to planned activities).
• Ensure other designers/advisers and contractors continue to carry out their duties and coordinate with others on the project (such as by asking for regular written activity reports or holding site meetings).

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