OSHA Regulations to knowKeeping Your Job Site Safe, Legal, and Efficient

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. (and the world) and for good reason. Between heavy machinery, high places, power tools, and hazardous materials, plenty can go wrong. Therefore, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its regulations exist to protect workers and hold employers accountable.

However, knowing all the regulations and standards OSHA has implemented is a daunting task.

This guide breaks down the top OSHA regulations every contractor should know, helping workers and businesses stay compliant, avoid costly fines, and keep teams safe. The information below is a basic overview of some OSHA regulations. For a complete guide, go to www.osha.gov.

1. The General Duty Clause

OSHA Section 5(a)(1): Each employer "shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees."

Even if there's no specific rule for a hazard, OSHA can still fine you under this clause if something is clearly dangerous and it isn't corrected. Always apply common sense and industry best practices-even if a specific standard doesn’t exist. For more information about this clause, go to: www.oshaeducationcenter.com/what-is-the-osha-general-duty-clause.

2. Fall Protection (1926.501)

Falls are the #1 cause of fatalities in construction and the most frequently cited OSHA violation.

OSHA requires fall protection when working 6 feet or more above a lower level. In addition, guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems are required, and workers must be trained to recognize fall hazards.

3. Scaffolding (1926.451)

Improper scaffolding can quickly lead to injuries or death. OSHA requires that scaffolds must support at least four times their intended load, platforms must be fully planked or decked, guardrails are required for platforms over 10 feet, and scaffolds must be erected and dismantled by qualified personnel.

4. Ladders (1926.1053)

Ladders are used daily on almost every job site, but are often misused. 

To SAFELY use ladders, you must:

  • Always maintain three points of contact.
  • Inspect ladders regularly (daily) and remove if damaged.
  • Extension ladders must extend 3 feet past the landing surface.
  • Only use the correct ladder for the job.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (1926 Subpart E)

Contractors are required to provide PPE at no cost to workers and train them on how to use and maintain their PPE.

Common PPE includes:

  • Hard hats for head protection.
  • Safety glasses or goggles.
  • High-visibility vests.
  • Gloves and steel-toed boots.
  • Hearing protection for loud environments.

6.  Hazard Communication (1910.1200)

This is also known as the “Right to Know” standard. All hazardous chemicals must be labelled clearly, and there must be Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each substance. Furthermore, workers must be trained on proper ways of handling the substances and emergency procedures, and this applies to everything from paint thinners to adhesives and fuels.

7. Trenching and Excavation Safety (1926.650 - 652)

According to OSHA, trench collapses are almost always fatal and entirely preventable.

OSHA requires:

  • Protective systems in trenches 5 feet or deeper.
  • Trenches 20 feet or deeper must have engineered protection.
  • Safe ways of exiting (like ladders) must be within 25 feet of workers.
  • Daily inspections by a competent person.

8. Electrical Safety (1926 Subpart K)

Live wires and improper wiring are serious job site hazards. Therefore, it is imperative to use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for temporary wiring, stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines, and implement lockout/tagout procedures for equipment maintenance.

9.  Tool and Equipment Safety (1926 Subpart I)

All tools, manual and power, must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, be equipped with safety guards and protection features, and be inspected before use and removed if damaged.

Power tools, specifically, require proper training and PPE, including eye and face protection.

10. Recordkeeping and Reporting (1904)

If a company has more than 10 employees, it must log all work-related injuries and illnesses (OSHA 300 log). Additionally, serious injuries or fatalities must be reported within 8 hours for fatalities or within 24 hours for hospitalizations, amputations, or eye loss. It is important to keep accurate, up-to-date records, which is a common area of non-compliance.

Practical Tips for staying compliant:

  • Conduct regular toolbox talks on relevant safety topics.
  • Appoint a competent person on-site for inspections.
  • Keep up with training and OSHA 10 and/or 30-Hour Certifications.
  • Use OSHA’s QuickCards and checklists for daily compliance: osha.gov/publications/bytype/quickcards.
  • Stay informed. OSHA updates regulations regularly.

Why Compliance Matters

Violations hurt a business’s reputation, delay projects, and create legal risks. Fines for violations can exceed $16,000 per incident or more for willful neglect. However, most importantly, safety keeps workers healthy and gets them home to their families.

One of the best ways to understand and comply with OSHA standards is to take (or retake) OSHA training courses such as OSHA 10 and OSHA 30. Additionally, be sure to check out the OSHA catalog of various training courses to keep safe at work. United Tool and Fastener offers a variety of safety courses, tools and products. For more information, please contact a UT&F showroom in Houston at 713-692-2323; in San Antonio at 210-495-8665; or College Station at 979-731-8665.

Safety is more than compliance: it’s culture. Understanding OSHA’s most critical regulations is the first step toward building safer, more efficient, and more respected job sites.