Governing Regulations
Workplace safety and health in the construction industry are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is a U.S. federal agency dedicated to ensuring safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, as well as providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. These regulations are designed to protect workers from hazards such as falls from heights, electrocution, caught-in/between incidents, and struck-by hazards.
The United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) compiles the rules and regulations of the U.S. government, including those enforced by OSHA. OSHA’s regulations for construction are primarily found in Title 29 of the CFR, Part 1926, which is divided into various subparts addressing specific safety and health topics.
Key governing regulations for construction include:
- 29 CFR Part 1926 – Construction Safety Standards
- Fall Protection (Subpart M) – For working at heights
- Electrical Safety & Hazard Communication – Requirements for identifying electrical hazards and ensuring proper labeling, training, and protective measures to prevent workplace injuries
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines – Guidelines for selecting and using appropriate PPE to protect workers
