On some level, constr
uction safety audits are about common sense, however the consequences of poor safety management can not only be expensive, but life-threatening. As Jay Stephan, a safety manager for Diversified Safety Services, aptly said, “Unfortunately, the most frequent of violations occur when workers are not using fall protection at heights.”
A typical safety audit may vary depending on the size of the project, and how many contractors are onsite. The typical evaluation averages between 1-2 hours including the final consultation. From large safety hazards to small, prevention is the number one priority.
To underscore the importance of safety audits, OSHA recently issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that clarifies an employer’s continuing obligation to make and maintain an accurate record of each recordable injury and illness throughout the five-year period during which the employer is required to keep the records.
“Accurate records are not simply paperwork, but have an important, in fact life-saving purpose,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “They will enable employers, employees, researchers and the government to identify and eliminate the most serious workplace hazards – ones that have already caused injuries and illnesses to occur.”
Says Jay Stephan, “The most positive experiences I’ve had onsite would be those instances when I have been able to intercede to prevent a life-threatening accident from occurring. And afterwards being able to educate the workers regarding the potential severity of their oversight.”
Diversified Safety Services has more than 160 clients nationwide and continues to provide the most up-to-date compliance services with on-site managers, safety audits and training. For more information, contact us.
