Communication & Coordination - Action Item 1

Action Item 1: Establish effective communication.

The host employer must establish and implement the procedures that ensure the exchange of information regarding on-site hazards. This way, all site workers know the worksite hazards and the methods and procedures needed to control exposure.

To do this, OSHA suggests that the host employer take the following steps:

1. Before work begins, communicate with contractors and staffing agencies. Decide who will implement the various parts of the safety and health program (to ensure protection of all on-site workers before work begins). OSHA suggests using contract documents for these agreements.
2. Exchange information with contractors and staffing agencies about workplace hazards and the measures implemented to prevent or control them.
3. Collect and distribute information to each employer so they may assess hazards encountered by workers.
4. Contractors and staffing agencies provide the host employer with information about injuries, illnesses, hazards, or concerns reported by their workers.
5. Each contractor creates and implements a process for providing the host employer with information about hazards and control measures that the contractor's workers have taken.
6. The host employer allows contract employers and staffing agencies to conduct site visits and inspections and to access injury and illness records.
7. The host employer communicates with contractors and staffing agencies and their workers about nonroutine and emergency hazards (and emergency procedures).
8. All parties communicate with each other when work site conditions change.

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