Insights on Employer Responsibilities: OSHA Instruction

A 2012 OSHA document, titled "Instruction for the Inspection and Citation Guidance for Roadway and Highway Construction Work Zones" (referred to as "the Instruction"), provides guidelines for the inspection of roadway work zones by OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs). Although written for CSHOs use, the Instruction may offer insights to employers on subjects related to roadway work zone safety.

The Instruction covers any type of construction activity on and near roadways or highways. These activities include road, highway, sidewalk, or utility construction activities, where public or construction traffic exposes workers to struck-by and other hazards.

The Instruction provides specific directives to CSHOs to protect themselves during their inspections. Such topics as requirements for high-visibility apparel and for head, eye, hearing, and respiratory PPE, give a picture of the types of protective gear that employers may consider for their own workers. The Instruction outlines procedures for work zone arrival and departure. These provide insights that may be useful in developing similar policies for a roadway construction work zone. Employers can learn more about what OSHA inspects by reviewing the checklists cited in the document.

To learn more about Roadway Work Zones visit our Worker Safety in Roadway Work Zones Online Training web page.