Page 116 - Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook

CHAPTER 3

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

CODES, STANDARDS,
AND REGULATIONS

Mohammad Ayub, P.E., S.E.

INTRODUCTION 3.1
INJURIES AND FATALITIES IN U.S. CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 3.2
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
AND ITS STANDARDS 3.10
Background and History 3.10
OSHA Standards 3.10
OSHA PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES 3.13
Construction Inspections 3.13
Opening Conference 3.14
Site Inspection 3.14
Closing Conference 3.14
Citations 3.14
Appeals Process 3.17
REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS 3.17
OSHA CONSTRUCTION SAFETY STANDARDS 3.18
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS 3.30
OTHER CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY STANDARDS 3.33
OSHA VERSUS ANSI AND OTHER INDUSTRY STANDARDS 3.35
REFERENCES 3.35

INTRODUCTION

The forensic structural engineer’s work is often related to construction because most struc-
tural failures occur during construction. Therefore, he or she needs to be familiar with the
codes, standards, regulations, and practices that must be followed in the construction of the
structures. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the forensic engineer to the con-
struction safety standards and practices commonly followed in the industry.
Construction of all structures is governed by one or more safety standards. Most notable
among them are the standards promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor, and the standards adopted by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI). In addition, there are a number of recommended safe prac-
tices, guides, and manuals published by trade associations, manufacturers, engineering associ-
ations, and other government agencies. These safety standards and recommendations have been
developed after years of experience and in the light of lessons learned from the incidents.

3.1