OSHA Phases in New Residential Construction Fall Protection Rules
As falls are the leading cause of death for workers in the field of residential construction, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has increased the standard of protection with a new directive. Starting June 16, OSHA will begin phasing in new regulations that will require construction companies to provide residential construction workers with fall protection. Now, any workers doing jobs six feet high or more above the next lowest level must have fall protection, such as warning lines, guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems (safety harnesses that secure the wearer to an anchor point). Construction companies will have three months to adjust to the new regulations before citations will be issued. If after the phase in period the construction company is not in compliance with the new rules, they will be cited. The OSHA website has a variety of resources to help companies and employees understand the new guidelines. Visit https://www.osha.gov/ and click on Compliance Guidance for Residential Construction.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are required to provide safe and healthy working environments for their employees. If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident in Oklahoma because an employer failed to provide adequate safety measures, call the Maples Law Firm. Our Oklahoma City construction accident lawyers can help you determine the right course of action and get you the best possible outcome for your case. Call (405) 705-5050 for a free consultation.