Construction Safety

Construction Safety | OSHA Eductaion School

Health & Safety

Health and Safety | OSHA Eductaion School

News & Updates

News and Updates | OSHA Eductaion School

As per OSHA, an incident can be described as an unanticipated event that does not cause major losses, whereas, an accident is described as an unexpected event that causes damage, injury, or harm.  In order to make safety standards more efficient, one must understand the difference between incidents and accidents and how to deal with each event effectively. 

OSHA: ACCIDENTS VS INCIDENTS

Fall protection by OSHA deals with identifying and eliminating fall hazards, implementing protection systems according to the situation, inspecting these systems, and training the employees adequately. 

Fall Protection: Online Training that can Save your Life.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries sustained by workers at a construction site, mainly falls from ladders. Therefore, the fall protection standard came into being, which addresses both the human and equipment protection issues for workers' fall risks.

OSHA FALL PROTECTION: PROTECTING WORKERS AT HEIGHT

Construction sites can be life-threatening; therefore, construction site safety is a crucial concern. Here are 10 OSHA construction site safety guidelines that every contractor should know!

10 Crucial Construction OSHA Site Safety Measures You Must Know

Despite improvements in safety training, technology, and equipment, accidents and injuries, both fatal and not, continue to affect the construction industry. Here are 22 construction safety. stats for 2022. 

22 Construction Safety Stats for 2022

The number of jobs in the construction industry in New York City has also increased for four years in a row. Newyork Pesh Act entirely complies with OSHA rules and regulations for the safety of every employee but also has its independently developed reporting and recordkeeping processes (12 NYCRR Part 801).

OSHA Laws And Regulations In New York City

New York Pesh Act entirely complies with OSHA rules and regulations for the safety of every employee but also has its independently developed reporting and recordkeeping processes (12 NYCRR Part 801).

One of the most common questions revolves around the validity of the OSHA 10 DOL card. Fortunately, OSHA 10 card will never expire. Still, your company may insist that you complete the training again every three to five years to stay current with OSHA safety regulations and to brush up on your knowledge. However, all workplaces might not accept your OSHA card if it was issued more than five years ago.

OSHA 10-Hour Construction: How Long OSHA 10-Hour is Good For?

OSHA 10 card will never expire but still, your company may insist that you complete the training again every three to five years.

The two industries are categorically distinct from one another, and OSHA established distinct safety requirements for each.

OSHA 2022, CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY VS GENERAL INDUSTRY

Each industry has its own working practices, competencies, risks, solutions, and hence different injuries and safety standards.

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a damage to a portion of the musculoskeletal or neurological system caused by repeated vibrations, compression, or exposure to the elements over an extended period of time.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

What is Repetitive strain injury (RSI)?

Scissor lifters are a reliable and efficient source of working on heights. It needs precautions to use it carefully if you do not want a severe accident at the workplace.

Scissor lift safety: What you must know!

Investigate your workplace for potential causes of back pain. Prevent back injuries and pain with basic steps.

How to Prevent Most Common Back Injuries at the Workplace

Construction sites are dangerous places to be involved in an accident because they will either injure, permanently injure, or kill the employee. As a result, to ensure worker safety, OSHA regulations must follow.

Leading Causes of Death in the Construction Industry

Average human inhales approximately 13,000-16,000 liters of air every day and 400-500 million liters over the course of his or her lifetime.

Air Pollution and Your Health

Many industries generate hazardous waste, like oils, fuels, and chemicals, which must be disposed of properly

Recycling Hazardous Waste Safety Tips!

Medical marijuana and recreational marijuana has a lot of useful implications. Learn more and enroll now! OSHA Education School.

Uses of Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana:

HAZWOPER laws and regulations have been updated on a regular basis throughout the years. Lean more and enroll now! OSHA Education School.

What is HAZWOPER Training And Who Requires It?

Cannabis business hazards are the same as other sectors, particularly the greenhouse industry. Learn more and enroll now! OSHA Education School.

USA Cannabis Industry and Hazards

Find out about the mining industry in the United States. The USA is the 2nd leading producer of coal in the world. Learn more! OSHA Education School.

Every Thing You Must Know About the Mining Industry

Cal/OSHA is particularly designed for individuals working in California workplaces. Cal/OSHA was established in 1937. Learn more! OSHA Education School.

What Are CAL OSHA (California) Courses And Who Requires Them?

OSHA's 30-hour General Industry training course is the most requested advanced level course in the USA job market. Enroll now! OSHA Education School.

All About Osha 30-Hour General Industry Training

All About OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Training

<h2>Cannabis Industry</h2>

The rise in the cannabis market also brings safety concerns. Right now, in the U.S. more than half of the states have legalized cannabis in their states to be used for recreation purposes, and not only that the states are permitted to grow cannabis plants in their own home, buy it, and sell it. This all will be discussed in today&rsquo;s article.

States who have legalized cannabis are enjoying yearly profits of billions of dollars. The cannabis industry has provided 243,700 full-time jobs to people in January 2020. 
 
Let us have a look at Cannabis industry hazards.

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<h2>Cannabis Industry Safety Risks:</h2>

Many of the <ins><a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/alcohol-substance-abuse-for-supervisors-and-managers-for-general-industry">safety hazards</a></ins> found in the marijuana industry are the same as those known to be present in workplaces throughout many industries, specifically the greenhouse industry.

These hazards can be divided into three main categories that are biological, physical, and chemical hazards.

<h3>Biological Hazards</h3>

Biological hazards for the cannabis industry include improper ventilation, skin exposure while handling plants, exposure to THC, and mold exposure from the greenhouse.

<h3>Chemical Hazards</h3>

Cannabis industry workers face <ins><a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/subpart-z-toxic-and-hazardous-substances-for-general-industry">chemical hazards</a></ins> the most as they are confronted with chemical hazards not only in the production process but also in the period of housekeeping procedures. chemical hazards of the cannabis industry include:

<h3>Carbon dioxide&nbsp;</h3>

Workers who are exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide suffer burns.

<h3>Carbon monoxide</h3>

&nbsp;Exposure results in the poisoning of carbon monoxide.

<h3>Pesticides</h3>

Cannabis cultivation facilities use insecticides and fungicides and they have multiple health effects, which include cancer as well.

<h3>Volatile organic compounds.&nbsp;</h3>

These compounds can cause nose, throat, and eye, irritation along with vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and asthma symptoms. Long-term exposure to&nbsp;Volatile organic compounds&nbsp;could cause additional <ins><a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/personal-protective-equipment-for-general-industry">health hazards</a></ins> such as kidney, liver, and respiratory effects and cancers.

<h3>Cleaning products.&nbsp;</h3>

Chemical products which are used for cleaning indoor areas can cause respiratory or skin irritation, asthma, burns, and irritation of the eyes. The Improper mixing of chemicals causes severe lung damage.

<h3>Butane.&nbsp;</h3>

Extracting cannabis while using butane is not so costly but it presents high hazardous risks. Release of butane in the atmosphere while extractions are prohibited by EPA, OSHA, and other fire departments.

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<h2>Physical Hazards:&nbsp;</h2>

Physical hazards for a cannabis industry include burns from flammable powers, compressed gas, machine operation injuries. combustible liquids, slips and falls on super-smooth surfaces, excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure. There are also some common hazards such as <ins><a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/ergonomics-awareness-for-construction">sprains</a></ins>, pinches, and cuts from <ins><a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/hand-and-power-tools-for-construction">hand tools</a></ins> and <ins><a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/machine-guarding-for-general-industry">machine usage.</a></ins>

The U.S. cannabis industry is expected to reach up to $30 billion annually by 2025, But as with all the emerging industries, the cannabis industry has to face challenges. 
&nbsp;

States where Cannabis is legal in the U.S. 
&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>Nevada</li>
	<li>Washington, D.C.</li>
	<li>Vermont</li>
	<li>Oregon</li>
	<li>Colorado</li>
	<li>New Jersey</li>
	<li>Connecticut</li>
	<li>Guam&nbsp;</li>
	<li>California</li>
	<li>New Mexico</li>
	<li>Michigan&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Virginia</li>
	<li>Washington</li>
	<li>South Dakota</li>
	<li>Alaska</li>
	<li>Maine</li>
	<li>New York</li>
	<li>Arizona</li>
	<li>Massachusetts</li>
	<li>Montana</li>
	<li>Illinois</li>
</ol>

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<h3>Colorado</h3>

Legalization Approved in November 2012

The people here are allowed to take an ounce of cannabis from the age of 21. They are also allowed to grow six mature plants only. Marijuana in public is illegal.&nbsp;

<h3>Washington</h3>

Legalization Approved in November 2012 
 
In Washington, people are allowed to consume or buy an ounce of cannabis from the age of 21. They are also allowed to grow six mature plants only. Retail sale is legal at dispensaries that have licenses.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h3>Alaska</h3>

Legalization Approved in November 2014 
 
The Alaskan people are allowed to take an ounce of cannabis from the age of 21. They are also allowed to grow three mature plants only. Marijuana in public is illegal. Smoking cannabis in public is illegal. Retail sale is legal at dispensaries that have licenses 
&nbsp;

<h3>Michigan</h3>

Legalization Approved in November 2018 
 
For the people of Michigan, it&#39;s legal for adults who are 21 to grow and consume marijuana. They are allowed to grow up to 12 plants and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis.&nbsp;

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<h3>Vermont</h3>

Legalization Approved in January 2018 
 
It&#39;s legal to grow or consume cannabis in Vermont, but people can&rsquo;t buy or sell it. Adults up to age 21 can consume one ounce of it. They are also allowed to grow two mature and four immature plants. Inhaling cannabis in public is illegal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h3>Guam</h3>

Legalization Approved in April 2019 
 
The people here are allowed to take cannabis from the age of 21. They are also allowed to grow six mature plants only.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h3>Illinois</h3>

Legalization Approved in May 2019 
 
From January 2020, the legislation allowed adults over 21 years to take 30 grams of cannabis as a recreation activity. They are also allowed to take 5 grams of concentrated cannabis and products that have up to 500 milligrams of THC.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h3>New Jersey</h3>

Legalization measure approved November 2020 
 
The legislation allowed adults over 21 years to take cannabis as a recreation activity.&nbsp;

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<h3>Montana</h3>

Legalization Approved in November 2020 
 
The legislation allowed its citizens to take cannabis from November 2020.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h3>South Dakota</h3>

Legalization Approved in November 2020 
 
The legislation allowed adults over 21 years, to possess or distribute up to 1 ounce of cannabis. 
&nbsp;

<h3>Arizona</h3>

Legalization Approved in November 2020 
 
The legislation allowed its people to take cannabis for recreation purposes from the age of 21, but they banned smoking it in public.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h3>New York</h3>

Legalization Approved in March 2021 
 
New York&rsquo;s legislation allowed its people to take up to 1 ounce of cannabis to the people who are 21 years or older than it.&nbsp;

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<h3>Virginia</h3>

Legalization Approved in April 2021 
 
Same as New York&rsquo;s legislation, the legislation allowed Virginians to take up to 1 ounce of cannabis to the people who are 21 years or older than it from July 1, 2021.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h3>New Mexico</h3>

Legalization Approved in April 2021 
 
New Mexico&rsquo;s government allowed adults who are over the age of 21, that they can grow cannabis in their homes. They are also allowed to take up to two ounces, not at home but outside. The dispensaries which have state licenses can sell cannabis for recreational purposes from April 1, 2022. 
&nbsp;

<h3>Connecticut</h3>

Legalization Approved in June 2021 
 
Cannabis was legalized in Connecticut on June 22, 2021. Individuals aged 21 or older than 21 will be allowed to take up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis as recreation.&nbsp;

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<h2>CANNABIS OR MARIJUANA:</h2>

The chemical name of marijuana is cannabis and has been considered illegal in different parts of the United States of America for many decades. The reason for banning marijuana was its components, which made humans lose their senses for a certain period and become addicted to it. Marijuana or cannabis was in use by our ancestors for many years to relieve pain. Marijuana comes from a plant, and either the plant uses it as a whole or some of its components. There are two familiar purposes of this plant: medical and recreational purposes.

&nbsp;

<h3>MEDICAL MARIJUANA:</h3>

Medical marijuana is used to prescribe cannabis to heal a particular form of disease and medical conditions. The marijuana plant comprises over 100 chemicals known as cannabinoids, each of which has different effects on your body. The two main chemicals used in the medicinal application of marijuana are:

<ul>
	<li>Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC The substance produces psychoactive compounds in marijuana.</li>
	<li>Cannabidiol, or CBD. This substance does not show any psychoactive effects of marijuana.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h3>USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA:</h3>

Medical marijuana is used to treat multiple diseases and conditions, especially for treating severe epilepsy and chemotherapy. But the level of medical marijuana effectiveness on these diseases is still an ongoing question. According to research, these diseases are:

<ul>
	<li>Alzheimer disease</li>
	<li>Appetite loss</li>
	<li>Cancer</li>
	<li>Crohn disease</li>
	<li>Diseases affecting the immune system, like HIV/AIDS or Multiple Sclerosis</li>
	<li>Eating disorders such as anorexia</li>
	<li>Epilepsy</li>
	<li>Glaucoma</li>
	<li>Mental health conditions like schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)</li>
	<li>Multiple sclerosis</li>
	<li>Muscle spasms</li>
	<li>Nausea</li>
	<li>Pain</li>
	<li>Seizures</li>
	<li>Wasting syndrome (cachexia)</li>
</ul>

There are multiple benefits of medical marijuana, and the main chemical in the treatments is cannabinoids. This chemical is similar to those of the human body, which are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain. Generally, medical marijuana is used to reduce anxiety disorder, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and control nausea and vomiting effects of chemotherapy. In addition, cannabinoids are used to slow down the cancer tumor growth and also kill the cancer cells. Also, help to rouse the appetite and weight gain of cancer and AIDS patients. Along with other health, medical marijuana is also prescribed to improve sleep disorders like insomnia.

&nbsp;

<h3>MEDICAL MARIJUANA CONSIDERING AS MEDICINE:</h3>

In the USA, authorities like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve the use of THC-based medicine, which is used for patients with cancer and AIDS. THC medicine is based on dronabinol (Marinol&reg;) and nabilone (Cesamet&reg;) and can be consumed only in pill form. The FDA also approved a CBD-based liquid medication called Epidiolex&reg; for treating two forms of severe childhood epilepsy, Dravet syndrome, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is delivered to patients in a reliable dosage form and ensures that patients derive the anticipated benefits. However, CBD does not have the rewarding properties of THC. And whoever wants to get medical marijuana, the person needs a doctor&#39;s recommendation or prescription.

&nbsp;

<h3>LEGALIZING OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA:</h3>

Medical marijuana should be considered as medicine, but it is a long debate. FDA does not approve its use for all medical conditions. In 36 states of the USA, along with the District of Columbia and four out of five permanently inhabited US territories, legalized the medical use of marijuana. But any form of marijuana or cannabis is illegal at the federal level, and marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Nevertheless, states listed below in the US allow the medical use of marijuana:

<ul>
	<li>Alabama</li>
	<li>Alaska</li>
	<li>Arizona</li>
	<li>Arkansas</li>
	<li>California</li>
	<li>Colorado</li>
	<li>Connecticut</li>
	<li>Delaware</li>
	<li>Florida</li>
	<li>Hawaii</li>
	<li>Illinois</li>
	<li>Louisiana</li>
	<li>Maine</li>
	<li>Maryland</li>
	<li>Massachusetts</li>
	<li>Michigan</li>
	<li>Minnesota</li>
	<li>Missouri</li>
	<li>Montana</li>
	<li>Nevada</li>
	<li>New Hampshire</li>
	<li>New Jersey</li>
	<li>New Mexico</li>
	<li>New York</li>
	<li>North Dakota</li>
	<li>Ohio</li>
	<li>Oklahoma</li>
	<li>Oregon</li>
	<li>Pennsylvania</li>
	<li>Rhode Island</li>
	<li>South Dakota</li>
	<li>Utah</li>
	<li>Vermont</li>
	<li>Washington</li>
	<li>West Virginia</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h3>EFFECTS OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA:</h3>

A community needs medicines and therapies to help alleviate the painful symptoms of various illnesses and diseases. An increasing number of studies suggest that medicinal marijuana can be consumed through oral extracts, sprays, or pills, which reduces pain and helps treat some illnesses. However, as with many other drugs, medicinal cannabis can also cause unwanted side effects, such as difficulty concentrating, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of balance, and problems with thinking and memory.

Again, its effects can differ from patient to patient, and each patient&#39;s body with diverse health conditions can reflect differently by consuming medical marijuana. Further research will be needed to determine whether people whose health is compromised by disease or its treatment (chemotherapy) are at greater risk for adverse health outcomes from marijuana use.

&nbsp;

<h3>RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA:</h3>

Recreational marijuana is a pot, and adults use it to get high. It has more THC in it, as compared to medical marijuana. If recreational marijuana is legal in your state, you can purchase it from any recreational dispensary, and the buyer must prove his age is 21. However, there are states present, which prohibit the use of recreational marijuana, and in those states, marijuana is purchased illegally.

Recreational marijuana is the most commonly used mind-altering drug in the US, after alcohol. The drug comes from the hemp plant. The chemicals in marijuana can be found in the leaves and flowering shoots. They are synthetic marijuana.

&nbsp;

<h3>USES OF RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA:</h3>

There are several forms of using marijuana, and one can smoke as a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves. It might also be mixed in food or brewed as a tea.

Recreational marijuana is used by individuals for dealing with mental disorders like abuse, depression, anxiety, and more.

&nbsp;

<h3>LEGALIZING OF RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA:</h3>

In 18 states, the use of recreational marijuana is legal, along with the District of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. 13 states and the US Virgin Islands have decriminalized the use of recreational marijuana.

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Alaska</li>
	<li>Arizona</li>
	<li>California</li>
	<li>Colorado</li>
	<li>Connecticut</li>
	<li>Illinois</li>
	<li>Maine</li>
	<li>Massachusetts</li>
	<li>Michigan</li>
	<li>Montana</li>
	<li>Nevada</li>
	<li>New Jersey</li>
	<li>New Mexico</li>
	<li>New York</li>
	<li>Oregon</li>
	<li>Vermont</li>
	<li>Virginia</li>
	<li>Washington</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA EFFECTS:

<ul>
	<li>Relaxation</li>
	<li>Increased sense of sight, hearing, and taste</li>
	<li>Increased appetite</li>
	<li>Need for coordination. Which makes it difficult, even dangerous, to do things such as drive a car.</li>
	<li>False sense of time</li>
	<li>Trouble thinking and problem-solving can also affect driving.</li>
	<li>Anxiety or panic reactions or being overly suspicious and distrustful.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Also, a person with a history of using recreational marijuana and other drugs harms himself in powerful ways. Marijuana is perhaps one of the most contentious topics today from a legal and health perspective. The healthy benefits of both types of marijuana are necessary to study. The government must impose clear rules for its uses and teach society about its effects on the human body. There have been recent news stories and state laws about the possible medical benefits of marijuana and its casual or recreational use. But these do not apply to children and teens. Teens often refer to these stories and laws to defend their use of marijuana.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is damage to a portion of the musculoskeletal or neurological system caused by repeated use, vibrations, compression, or long periods of inactivity. Repetitive stress disorders (RSDs), cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), and overuse syndrome are some of the other names for the condition.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) and associative trauma disorder are umbrella words for conditions linked to <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/ergonomics-awareness-for-construction">repetitive tasks</a>, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression, prolonged awkward positions, or <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/office-ergonomics-for-all-industries">repetitive eccentric contractions</a>. Although the precise terminology is debatable, the US Department of Labor and the National Institute of Occupational <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/articles/categories/health-safety">Safety and Health</a> (NIOSH) now use the terms musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work-related muscular-skeletal diseases (WMDs).

Tendinosis (or less commonly tendinitis), carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, De Quervain syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, intersection syndrome, golfer&#39;s elbow (medial epicondylitis), tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), trigger finger, radial tunnel syndrome, ulnar tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, ulnar tunnel syndrome.

Since the 1970s, an increase in the arms, hands, neck, and shoulder RSIs have been blamed on the widespread use of keyboard entry devices in the <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/ergonomics-for-the-floor-employee-for-general-industry">workplace</a>, such as typewriters and computers, that require extended periods of repetitive motions in a fixed position.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) records, RSI affects some 1.8 million workers per year.

In addition, extreme heat has also been linked to a higher rate of RSI.

<ul>
	<li>using a mouse on a laptop</li>
	<li>typing</li>
	<li>swiping products through the checkout line at a supermarket</li>
	<li>using tools</li>
	<li>working on a production line</li>
	<li>sports conditioning</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Symptoms may appear gradually, then become more frequent and stronger. Symptoms may impair your ability to do regular tasks even after receiving treatment.

What are the causes of RSI, and what are the risk factors?

When you do repetitive actions, you may get RSI. Over time, those movements might cause injury to your muscles and tendons.

&nbsp;

The following activities can put you at risk for RSI:

<ul>
	<li>repetitively pushing the same muscles</li>
	<li>standing in the same position for an extended amount of time</li>
	<li>retaining an unnatural posture for a long time, such as holding your arms over your head</li>
	<li>moving and lifting big objects</li>
	<li>being in low physical shape or not getting enough exercise</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h2>How is Repetitive Strain Injury RSI diagnosed?</h2>

A variety of objective clinical measures are used to assess RSIs. Grip and pinch strength tests, diagnostic tests like Finkelstein&#39;s test for De Quervain&#39;s tendinitis, Phalen&#39;s contortion, Tinel&#39;s percussion for carpal tunnel syndrome, and nerve conduction velocity tests that demonstrate nerve compression in the wrist are all examples. X-ray for the wrist and MRI for the thoracic outlet and cervicobrachial areas are two imaging techniques that can show nerve compression. Routine imaging can help with the early detection and treatment of overuse injuries in at-risk populations, which is crucial for avoiding long-term consequences.

&nbsp;

It&#39;s a good idea to consult your doctor about RSI if you&#39;re even slightly uncomfortable performing particular chores at work or home. Your doctor will inquire about your employment and other activities to determine if you engage in repetitive movements. They&#39;ll also ask about your working conditions, such as whether you use a computer or have an ergonomic workstation. They&#39;ll also do a physical examination. During the assessment, they&#39;ll do a range of motion tests and look for soreness, inflammation, reflexes, and strength in the affected area.

&nbsp;

Your doctor may arrange magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound to determine tissue damage. For the screening of nerve injury, electromyography (EMG) may be ordered.

Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist if the damage is minor. They may also refer you to a specialist or surgeon if the damage is severe.

&nbsp;

<h2>How is Repetitive Strain Injury RSI treated?</h2>

For RSI, there are no quick fixes. The need for early detection in limiting harm is crucial. Occupational Therapists design therapies for Upper Limb Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) that involve ergonomic education. Understanding the proper approach during supporting functional job movements can reduce the risk of an upper limb strain injury. Many muscle strains, ligament sprains, and other bruises and injuries are initially treated with the RICE method. RICE is applied as soon as the damage occurs and throughout the first 24 to 48 hours afterward. These techniques can assist in the reduction of the pain.

&nbsp;

Analgesics, my feedback, biofeedback, physical therapy, relaxation, and ultrasound therapy are all standard therapies for early-stage RSIs. However, if treatment is started soon after symptoms appear, low-grade RSIs can sometimes resolve independently.&nbsp;

On the other hand, some RSIs may necessitate more invasive treatment, such as surgery, and can last for years. Although there are no &quot;quick cures&quot; for RSI, effective treatment and preventative methods are available. One is ergonomics, which alters one&#39;s environment (particularly workplace equipment) to reduce repetitive strain.

&nbsp;

The risk of acquiring RSI has been reduced by general exercise. Some doctors advise RSI patients to do specialized strengthening exercises, such as improving sitting posture, reducing excessive kyphosis, and possibly preventing thoracic outlet syndrome. Posture and arm use modifications are frequently suggested. How does RSI look in the future? Your symptoms&#39; severity and overall health will determine your RSI prognosis. You can adapt your work routine and reduce pain and damage by taking preventive precautions. Alternatively, you may need to take a break from work to rest the affected area. If alternative treatments fail, your doctor may consider surgery to treat specific nerve and tendon disorders.

&nbsp;

<h2>Precautions</h2>

&nbsp;

<h3>Proper keyboard alignment</h3>

Most <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/office-ergonomics-for-all-industries">office ergonomics experts</a> teach employees that they should set up their keyboards correctly so they can type in a neutral position. However, because we spend so much time typing emails, reports, and spreadsheets, poor keyboard positioning can lead to repetitive strain injuries.

&nbsp;

<h3>Take breaks</h3>

Sitting in the same position for long periods is not recommended. Instead, take advantage of natural pauses away from your desks, such as meetings and copying, by stretching or taking a quick walk around the office. Remember to take a rest for your eyes. Look up every few seconds to gaze for a few seconds at anything at least 20 feet away.

&nbsp;

<h3>Reduce mouse use</h3>

Wrist, hand, and neck strain can occur due to minor mouse movements. The first step toward decreasing stress is to place the mouse at the right height and position, but finding strategies to limit mouse use is another wonderful office ergonomic tip. Learn keyboard shortcuts for simple functions like cut and paste, and use the mouse keys feature, which allows you to move the pointer across the screen using the arrow keys on a keyboard&#39;s number pad.

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

<h3>Adjust seating</h3>

Employees become fatigued after a hard day at work. Poor posture is a primary source of repetitive strain injuries; thus, leaning on desks or slouching should be avoided. In addition, employees&#39; seats should be adjusted to sit straight with their feet on the floor or a footstool, not leaning to the side or toward their computer screen. See a doctor at the first signs of strain. A repetitive strain injury could cause a stiff neck, numbness in the fingers, or other upper body symptoms. The longer an injury stays untreated and untreated, the longer it will take to recover. Don&#39;t put off getting help if you&#39;re in agony. Take the time to receive the support you require.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Each industry has its own working practices, competencies, risks, solutions, and hence different injuries and safety standards. The two industries are categorically distinct from one another, and OSHA established distinct safety requirements for each. OSHA refers to all areas of the economy covered by the 29 CFR 1910 laws that are not related to <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/courses/construction">construction</a>, agriculture, or shipping as a <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/courses/general-industry">general industry</a>. The regulations for the construction industry are described in 29 CFR 1926.

OSHA, which stands for &quot;<a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/courses/osha">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>,&quot; is a federal platform that ensures occupational safety and adequate training for various industries. OSHA safety standards are concerned with mainly four industries, including

<ul>
	<li>Construction industry (Part 1926)</li>
	<li>General Industry (Part 1910)</li>
	<li>Agriculture (29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1928)</li>
	<li>Maritime (Part 1915, 1917, and 1918)</li>
</ul>

Manufacturing, compounding, processing, assembling, and fabricating items are all included in the term &quot;general industrial.&quot; On the other hand, the construction industry refers to the industrial sector of production and trade associated with constructing, maintaining, repairing, and renovating infrastructures. The construction industry contributes 3.9% to the U.S. GDP and employs 10,341,074 individuals across the country.

The two industries are categorically distinct, and OSHA established precise safety requirements for each. OSHA refers to all areas of the economy covered by the 29 CFR 1910 laws that are not related to construction, agriculture, or shipping as a general industry. The regulations for the construction industry are described in 29 CFR 1926. They cover specific construction site conditions and set obligations for all employers in the industry. Maintaining OSHA compliance requires understanding the differences between <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/all-courses">general industry and construction industry</a> standards. Whether the project is done in general industry or construction, it is best practice to use the most conservative criterion.

&nbsp;

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<h2>DIFFERENCE IN STANDARDS:</h2>

Each industry has its working practices, competencies, risks, solutions, and hence different injuries and safety standards. For instance, a <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/courses/manufacturing">general industry employee</a> needs help to acquire the abilities and expertise of a person in construction. To close this gap, <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/courses/osha">OSHA</a> created a new set of safety regulations for several industries between 1926 and 1928. One criterion does not supersede or replace another. Specific standards may overlap but are different, with several apparent inconsistencies.

There are differences in the safety standards of the two industries listed in 2022, some of which are listed below:

<h3>Electric work standards: </h3>

Per the construction standard, all 120-volt outlets used by employees not part of permanent wire must have GFCIs or a program that ensures the equipment conductor is grounded. However, GFCIs and guaranteed grounding practices are separate from the industry&#39;s basic requirements.

<h3>Standards for cranes:</h3>

The construction standard addresses the requirements for crane-suspended platforms, material hoists, and personnel hoists, although the general industry laws do not.

<h3>Standards for Material Handling: </h3>

In contrast to conventional industry rules, the construction standard includes a table for the spacing and numbering wire rope clips, which is not necessary for <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/courses/general-industry">general industry</a>.

<h3>Engulfment Hazard Monitoring:</h3>

An early warning system that regularly checks for non-isolated engulfment threats is required on construction sites. In addition, it must provide the admission worker(s) enough advance notice to safely exit the restricted area. In contrast, there is no such requirement in the typical industry standard for monitoring engulfment threats.

<h3>Atmospheric air monitoring frequency: </h3>

While in a limited space, the construction industry is required to monitor the atmosphere continuously; nevertheless, in the general industry, atmospheric air monitoring must be periodically assessed and changed as necessary.

<h3>Atmospheric hazards: </h3>

While the general industry only mentions three potential air quality dangers-oxygen, combustible gases, combustible dust, poisonous chemicals, and chemicals at concentrations immediately perilous to life or health (IDLH)&mdash;the construction industry deals with five potential atmospheric risks.

<h3>Restricted Space Permit Suspension/Cancellation: </h3>

Suppose a contractor has a solid reason, such as another project nearby posing a risk or bad weather prohibiting outdoor operations. In that case, they may ask for their confined space licenses to be suspended. Equal freedom is not permitted in the general industry, though. Therefore, if work is stopped, the employer must revoke the limited space permit and request a new one if more access to the place is required.

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

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<h2>DETERMINE YOUR INDUSTRY:</h2>

Finding the specific course designed for the sector of your choice is crucial. Finding the particular program is challenging because some might view general and construction industry norms as &quot;commutable.&quot; However, as was already mentioned, the operations, training, and safety of the two industries are entirely dissimilar and cannot in any way be compared. Here are some pointers for choosing your area of study and your courses:

<ul>
	<li>Construction is not considered &quot;maintenance&quot; by OSHA. In 1999, OSHA made it clear that &quot;maintenance operations&quot; are carried out routinely, on a timetable, or in advance to guarantee the soundness of a building, fixture, or foundation. This idea refers to keeping machinery operating as it currently is. However, each circumstance must be looked at separately to establish whether a company is carrying out maintenance tasks rather than building ones. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>On November 18th, 2003, OSHA declared that construction operations might involve maintaining and upgrading already-existing buildings and infrastructure. For instance, replacing a single streetlight or utility pole with another pole of a comparable design will be categorized as maintenance work. However, replacing it with a makeshift bar will be classified as construction. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Under OSHA regulations, non-construction companies may carry out construction activities. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>An outsider or a firm employee can carry out the task. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The complexity and deadline of the task may have an effect. For instance, the more complex an activity is, the more likely OSHA is to define it as a construction rather than maintenance.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Over the years, OSHA has finely curated the differences between the two major industry giants&#39; safety standards to decrease the rate of unfortunate incidents and accidents. OSHA has worked for many years to define that the general industry and the construction industry are not interchangeable. Therefore, it is essential to know the employees before choosing their good training programs.

The number of jobs in the construction industry in New York City has also increased for four years in a row. Newyork Pesh Act entirely complies with OSHA rules and regulations for the safety of every employee but also has its independently developed reporting and recordkeeping processes (12 NYCRR Part 801).

The construction industry plays a crucial role in providing employment to an enormous sum of the population and stabilizing US economic curve. Following the pandemic of 2020, there was a massive wave of recession globally except in the construction industry of one of the world&rsquo;s busiest cities i.e. New York. Half of the 91,600 new construction jobs in the State since 2010 were in New York City. The number of jobs in the construction industry in New York City has also increased for four years in a row, reaching 157,800 in 2018 and 19% higher than the pre-recession level.

New York is one of the twenty-six states to have an official state plan under the <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/courses/nyc-sst">New York Public Employee Safety and Health Act (PESH Act)</a>. Newyork Pesh Act entirely complies with OSHA rules and regulations for the safety of every employee but also has its independently developed reporting and recordkeeping processes (12 NYCRR Part 801). State-instituted standards include the following:

<img alt="replace_with_img_description" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dwu33tweu/image/upload/v1674724819/osha_education_school/BLOGS/iStock-1376659845_mjkhbi.jpg" style="width:66%" />

<ul>
	<li>Preventing Violence at Work</li>
	<li>Firefighters must use emergency escape and self-rescue ropes and system components, which are only applicable in cities with fewer than one million inhabitants.</li>
	<li>Allowed Exposure Limits</li>
	<li>Right-to-Know / Hazardous Materials Information, education, and Training.</li>
</ul>

However, these standards apply to employees of the public sector in New York and not the private sector. Therefore, private and federal government workers remain under OSHA&rsquo;s safety standards.

&nbsp;

<h2>OSHA NEW YORK TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:</h2>

In 2017, New York state, in compliance with OSHA, launched &ldquo;local law 196,&rdquo; which emphasized the type and duration of training required for any employee seeking a job in the <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/ny-osha-30-hour-construction-safety-training-proctored">construction industry in NYC</a>. According to local law 196:

<ul>
	<li>Newcomers can only start working once they have completed the <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/osha-10-hour-construction-voice-authentication-training">OSHA-10-hour training course</a> and must complete the 40hour training within the next six months to stay valid.</li>
	<li>From 1st December 2019 onwards, workers must complete the OSHA-30-hour training course.</li>
	<li>Sixty-two hours of training are required for supervisors, including site safety managers, site safety coordinators, concrete safety managers, construction superintendents, and competent individuals.</li>
	<li>Online training will be accepted before October 16, 2017. Only in-person and actively proctored online training will be accepted after October 16th.</li>
	<li>Employees have to renew the required training every five years to stay valid.</li>
	<li>No training is required by delivery men, professional engineers, and architects.</li>
	<li>A candidate for an <a href="https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/courses/nyc-sst">SST Card</a> who completed the necessary training but did not finish a specific course topic in the five years before submitting their application for an SST Card must complete the 4-hour fall protection or 4-year supported scaffold user in one year following the application for an SST card.</li>
	<li>Suppose the Department determines that there are untrained workers at a construction site. In that case, it will issue a violation and impose civil fines of up to $5,000 per unable worker on the site owner, the permit holder, and the untrained worker&#39;s employer.</li>
</ul>

To be an active part of the construction industry in Newyork city, one has to comply with OSHA&rsquo;s safety standards strictly. The mandatory OSHA safety standards include:

<ul>
	<li>Fall protection requirements</li>
	<li>Crane &amp; Derrick safety regulations</li>
	<li>Safety training and education</li>
	<li>Personal Protective Equipment</li>
	<li>Fire prevention measures</li>
	<li>Scaffolding safety requirements.</li>
</ul>

<h3> 
Fall protection:</h3>

Subpart M of the fall protection standards includes the criteria, legislation, and regulations for fall protection at construction sites. It protects from falling through gaps and hitting objects as they fall, as well as safety against dangerous gear and equipment without respect to height when personnel operates at altitudes of up to 6 feet above the ground. It is not, however, put into practice for workers to investigate, review, or assess working conditions prior to the start of the task itself or after all construction has been completed.

<h3>Crane and Derrick regulations:</h3>

Every construction site needs cranes, but improper crane usage can endanger life. According to OSHA regulations, cranes must be checked for suitable wire rope chains and controls, and their weight must not exceed the machine&#39;s capacity. Also, avoid moving the crane close to people since most accidents happen when an overhead weight hits someone.

<h3>Safety training and education:</h3>

An employer must attend all of the Secretary&#39;s safety and health training programs. Secondly, each employee must get training from the employer on how to identify unsafe conditions, how to avoid them, and the rules that apply to his workplace to reduce or eliminate any risks of disease or injury.

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<h3>Personal Protective Equipment:</h3>

PPE, which includes protective headgear, eyewear, and hand gloves, can save lives. First, however, workers should receive proper training from contractors on how to utilize these tools. They should also be kept spotless and fitted to the individual bodies of each worker.

<h3>Fire prevention plan:</h3>

A written fire protection plan must be maintained on-site and made available to staff for review. However, an employer with ten or fewer staff members may tell them about the strategy orally. A fire prevention plan must contain:

<ul>
	<li>A rundown of all key fire risks, safe practices for handling and storing hazardous chemicals, probable ignition sources and how to prevent them, and the kind of fire protection apparatus required to control each significant risk.</li>
	<li>Procedures to manage accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials;</li>
	<li>The name or job title of employees responsible for maintaining equipment to prevent or control ignition sources.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Scaffolding safety requirements:</h3>

Hazardous objects like loose bricks, drums, or cartons shouldn&#39;t support scaffolding. In addition to its weight, the structure must be solid and capable of supporting four times the maximum specified load without settling or shifting.

Newyork construction industry is one the largest growing economic forums in the US, employing many individuals in the construction sector. However, they say, &ldquo;with great power comes great responsibility.&rdquo; That is why employers should carefully comply with all safety standards by OSHA to ensure safety and prevent loss of finance

The construction industry contributes massively to any country&#39;s economic growth. As per the survey, the construction industry contributes 4.10% of the US GDP annually. Construction sites involve dangerous activities, heavy machinery, and many workers; therefore, construction site safety is crucial. Falls are the leading cause of injuries sustained by workers at a construction site, mainly falls from ladders. In the construction business, ladder falls cause an estimated 24,882 injuries and 36 fatalities per year. OSHA knows that accidents involving falls are usually complicated occurrences involving several variables. Therefore, the fall protection standard came into being, which addresses both the human and equipment protection issues for workers&#39; fall risks.

OSHA states a fall injury is &ldquo;anything at a worksite that could cause a worker to lose his balance or bodily support and result in a fall.&rdquo; There are multiple causes such as:

<ul>
	<li>Wooden guardrails: Damaged or missing guardrails, in particular, toe boards that are improperly or never installed, can consequently result in fatal fall injuries.</li>
	<li>Scaffolding: not locking the wheels of a moving structure.</li>
	<li>Personal fall arrest systems are not present.</li>
	<li>Fall protection that doesn&#39;t adhere to the standards for weight bearing.</li>
	<li>Unguarded edges of the roof fall through openings, such as unfinished portions of the top and skylights, and along the roof&#39;s unfinished leading edge.</li>
	<li>Aerial lifts are frequently carried out on rocky terrain. Because of the shaky ground, the charge may tilt, swing, or tip, thus resulting in a fall.</li>
	<li>Construction sites tend to become cluttered with tools, machines, and workers, thus resulting in multiple slips and trip injuries.</li>
</ul>

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SUB-PART M:

Subpart M of the fall protection standards concerns the criteria, laws, and regulations for fall protection at construction sites. It is applicable when workers are working at the height of 6 ft above the ground level, rotation from falling through holes and falling objects, and safety against hazardous equipment and machinery without regard to the height. However, it is not implemented to employees examining, researching, or evaluating working conditions either before the commencement of the work itself or after all construction has been finished.

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA TO IMPLY FALL PROTECTION?

Employers must first evaluate the workplace to see if the walking or working surfaces are strong and structurally sound enough to support workers safely. Next, the employer must assess whether fall protection is necessary once it has been determined that the work surfaces can safely sustain the required job activity.

Employers are subjected to applying fall protection standards by OSHA when they have workers working at 6 ft above the ground level and less than 6 ft when working with dangerous equipment. Fall protection standards also apply when a worker is involved in the following tasks:

<ul>
	<li>Workers performing bricklaying and related work 6 feet above ground level.</li>
	<li>Workers operating on a low-slope roof of 4 x 12 or less (vertical to horizontal)</li>
	<li>When working on a steep roof with one or more unprotected sides or edges 6 feet or above lower levels.</li>
</ul>

In general, guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest devices can be used to provide fall protection. OSHA refers to these techniques as traditional fall protection techniques.

CONVENTIONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS:

Guardrail Systems:

Barriers called guardrail systems are built to prevent fall injuries. An employer must meet the following criteria for the instalment of the guardrail system:

<ul>
	<li>Top rails, or comparable guardrail system members, must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the working or walking level.</li>
	<li>When no walls or parapet walls (at least 21 inches) are high, screens, mid rails, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or correspondent intermediate structural structure must be provided between the top corner of the guardrail system and the walking area</li>
	<li>When screens and mesh are utilized, they must cover the space between the top rail supports, from the top rail to the walking surface.</li>
	<li>Gates must be used if guardrail systems are placed around openings that serve as access points (such as ladderways). The access point needs to be shifted to stop workers from unintentionally walking into the hole directly.</li>
</ul>

Safety Net Systems:

When safety nets are utilized, they must be positioned as close as possible beneath the walking or working surface that employees are using and no deeper than 30 feet below that level. The space between from the working surface to the net must be clear when nets are deployed on bridges. The employer or a selected competent person shall certify that the net and its installation conform with the standard unless the employer can show that performing a drop-test is unreasonable.

Personal Fall Arrest Systems:

A personal fall arrest system is a safety gear to halt a worker who is falling from a working level.

It consists of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness. Under Subpart M, body belts (safety belts) are prohibited for use as part of a personal fall arrest system. The maximum arresting force on a worker should be 1,800 pounds when used with a body harness. The system should be firm so that a worker can neither free fall more than 6 feet.

<table cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; width:624px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:1px solid black; height:65px; vertical-align:top; width:312px">
			The vertical distance from a working level to the transverse plane of the net
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:1px solid black; height:65px; width:312px">
			Horizontal distance from the corner of working space to the outer corner of the net
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:32px; width:312px">
			&nbsp;Up to 5 feet
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:32px; width:312px">
			&nbsp;8 ft.
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:32px; width:312px">
			&nbsp;More than 5 ft./ upto 10 ft.
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:32px; width:312px">
			&nbsp;10 ft.
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:32px; width:312px">
			&nbsp;More than 10 ft.
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:32px; width:312px">
			&nbsp;13 ft.
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

In conclusion, employers and employees must be vigilant about the fall protection standards in order to prevent fall injuries and fatalities. Accidents may seem inevitable at construction sites; however, complying with OSHA&rsquo;s fall prevention standards may help reduce it since falls make up for most of the construction site injuries.

The construction industry plays an enormous role in any country&rsquo;s stable economic growth. Per a survey, it employs over 7.6 million employees and creates nearly $1.4 trillion of structures each year. However, employment in this industry comes at a price, such as the risks of working at hazardous sites, operating heavy machinery, falls, and life-threatening injuries. Amongst these, falls contribute the most to the rising mortality ratio in the construction industry, with an estimated 255 deaths in 2011 rising to 370 fatalities in 2016.

Falls are commonly caused by damaged or missing guardrails, improper personal fall kit, unguarded roof corners, and unstable or weak structures which fail to bear weight. Therefore, to reduce the rate of falls and fall injuries, OSHA introduced fall protection standards and mandatory criteria for every employer and employee.

<h3>CRITERIA TO IMPLY FALL PROTECTION:</h3>

Fall protection by OSHA deals with identifying and eliminating fall hazards, implementing protection systems according to the situation, inspecting these systems, and training the employees adequately.

Sub-part M is a section of OSHA fall protection standards that states that fall protection is necessary when workers work at 6 feet or less or when using hazardous equipment. OSHA FALL PROTECTION: COURSE ONLINE:

OSHA wants its fall protection standards to be accessible to all employers who decide to join or switch to the construction industry. To attain this, OSHA has introduced its one-hour fall protection course online. The course is affordable and adequately informative for beginners in the industry and mandatory for all employees to provide.

The course comprises six modules, namely,

Module 1: Introduction,

Module 2: Safety options,

Module 3: Anchors,

Module 4: Scaffoldings, Module 5: Job tasks, and Module 6: Conclusion.

&nbsp;

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<h3>Module 1: Introduction.</h3>

The introduction emphasizes on the need for a fall protection system in the construction industry. Fall injuries can also cost a fortune to the employer; for example, in 2017, there were approximately 5,780 resolved claims which cost around $ 23 570.

The rising statistics of fall injuries and fatalities from ladders have led to OSHA&rsquo;s &ldquo;Ladder inspection form&rdquo; for employees.&nbsp; If the ladder is found defective, it should be labelled &ldquo;Dangerous, Do not use&rdquo; and fixed immediately.

<h3>Module 2: Options.</h3>

Module 2 comprises multiple options to prevent fall injuries:

1- Guardrails: guardrail systems are created as barriers to prevent falls. The parts include the top rail, mid rail, and intermediate vertical structure. An employer must meet the following requirements before installing a guardrail system:

<ul>
	<li>The height of the top rails shall be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the working or walking level.</li>
	<li>Screens, mid rails, mesh, and intermediate vertical members must be present between the top corner of the guardrail system and the pedestrian area.</li>
</ul>

2- Positioning devices: These are required when the worker has to use both hands.

They bear the bodyweight and stop a freefall within 2 ft. It consists of three parts, i.e., anchorage, connectors, and body support. Positioning devices must be fastened to an anchoring device that can hold at least 3000 pounds. Installing the anchorage directly above the worksite will prevent &ldquo;swing fall&rdquo;

3. Fall-restraint and fall-arrest systems:

Fall restraint systems protect workers from hazardous edges and include a lanyard, connectors, and a body belt. The anchorage must be installed by a qualified person and bear twice the potential impact of a worker&rsquo;s fall. Whereas fall arrest systems, as the name suggests, minimize the impact of the fall after it has occurred. It consists of a lanyard, lifeline, and deceleration device.

<h3>Module 3:</h3>

Anchors are devices that a worker attaches to a weight-bearing structure to prevent falls. Common types of anchors include

<table cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; width:699px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:1px solid black; height:48px; vertical-align:top; width:173px">
			Engineered clamps
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:1px solid black; height:48px; vertical-align:top; width:160px">
			Strap anchors
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:1px solid black; height:48px; vertical-align:top; width:180px">
			Concrete Anchors.
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:1px solid black; height:48px; vertical-align:top; width:185px">
			Additional anchors.
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:52px; vertical-align:top; width:173px">
			&nbsp;I-beam clamp
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:52px; width:160px">
			&nbsp;Cable anchorage sling
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:52px; vertical-align:top; width:180px">
			&nbsp;With D-ring
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:52px; vertical-align:top; width:185px">
			&nbsp;Welded D-ring anchor
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:57px; vertical-align:top; width:173px">
			&nbsp;Trolley beam anchor
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:57px; vertical-align:top; width:160px">
			&nbsp;Drop-through cable
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:57px; width:180px">
			&nbsp;Expanding concrete anchor
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:57px; vertical-align:top; width:185px">
			&nbsp;Weld-on anchor post
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:52px; width:173px">
			&nbsp;Standing seam metal roof&nbsp; &nbsp;anchor
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:52px; width:160px">
			&nbsp;Strap anchor (not for&nbsp; &nbsp;sharp edges)
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:52px; vertical-align:top; width:180px">
			&nbsp;Bolt-on wall anchor
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:52px; width:185px">
			&nbsp;Trench box guardrail anchor
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

Module 4: Scaffoldings.

Scaffolding is an elevated plat for supervisor&#39;s signature ruction site and allows multiple workers to function together. Scaffolding mishaps can lead to severe injuries and deaths if it is not installed following OSHA&rsquo;s instructions, qualified individuals, and quality pieces of equipment. Two basic types of scaffolds include

<ul>
	<li>Supported scaffolds: platforms supported via brackets, poles, post frames, etc.</li>
	<li>Suspension scaffolds: platforms suspended via non-rigid support such as ropes.</li>
</ul>

Qualified individuals must train employees to identify scaffold hazards and how to disassemble, repair, move or operate each type of scaffold.

Module 5: Job tasks.

This module describes different job tasks and effective methods to reduce injuries during these tasks in order of preference:

<ol>
	<li>Framers: they lay down the foundation of a structure by framing walls, floors, etc. To prevent falls, employers have to smartly think about how much work can be done on the ground and then lifted via scaffolds, using exterior scaffolds, building it off-site, and installing it via cranes.</li>
	<li>Truss is a structure of interconnected triangles behaving as one entity. It is commonly used for roofs as it takes up less wood than traditional rafter-style roofs. It can be easily installed safely by using carpenter bracket scaffolding which includes a 12-inch-wide fabricated scaffold plank with the top bracket attached to the inside of exterior walls.</li>
</ol>

Guardrails are a must if the scaffold is 10 ft above the ground.

Module 6: Conclusion.

At the end of the training course, the employer must analyze whether the worker is competent enough to qualify. If not, then they must restrain the employee. If yes, the supervisor has to give a written certificate to the employer with accurate details such as the employee&#39;s name, identity, date of course completion, and supervisor&#39;s signature.

OSHA ensures that training employees adequately and implementing fall protection standards will show a marked reduction in fall-associated injuries and deaths and will create a safer working environment.

With 4.3 percent of the US GDP coming from it, the construction sector is a significant source of income. Moreover, as the economy begins to recover following the COVID-19 epidemic, it is anticipated to grow by 2.4 percent annually over the five years leading up to 2021, reaching $2.4 trillion.

Despite advancements in safety gear, technology, and training, construction workers still endure high rates of fatal and nonfatal incidents and accidents. To make safety standards more efficient, one must understand the difference between incidents and accidents and how to deal with each event effectively.

&nbsp;

<img alt="replace_with_img_description" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dwu33tweu/image/upload/v1674729814/osha_education_school/BLOGS/iStock-1417949830_sahb9q.jpg" style="width:66%" />

INCIDENTS VS ACCIDENTS:

As per OSHA, an incident can be described as an unanticipated event that does not cause significant losses or an event resulting in unfavorable outcomes such as mild illness or injury, property damage, or a &ldquo;near miss&rdquo; with a profound health effect, or a decrease in production. While an accident is described as an unexpected event that causes damage, injury, or harm. Accidents can also be described as unintentional, unpreventable, unforeseen, consistently unfavorable, as severe as a devastating vehicle accident, or as simple as shattering an inexpensive item.

While OSHA categorizes two events separately, it prefers to use the term &ldquo;incident&rdquo; when it comes to teaching its workers about workplace hazards and safety standards. This is because the incident is a neutral term that brings a certain balance to the emotional and rational approach while dealing with an adverse event.

&nbsp;

WHEN IS AN INCIDENT TERMED AS AN ACCIDENT?

As per OSHA&rsquo;s recording and reporting policies manual, an incident can be described as an accident. OSHA imposes a 24-hour reporting deadline for organizations&rsquo; most stringent safety and health consequences. These reports immediately result in a site inspection and inquiry, which businesses definitely wish to avoid at all costs.

&nbsp;

<h3>Reportable events consist of:</h3>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Death</li>
	<li>Hospitalization as a patient</li>
	<li>Amputation or loss of limbs</li>
	<li>Loss of vision.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Furthermore, OSHA mandates that specific outcomes be included in a log that will be examined during an inspection, investigation, or audit. Incidents that can be recorded include:

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Any occurrence requiring reporting illnesses or injuries that necessitate days off from work, restrictions on employment, or switching to a different profession.</li>
	<li>Medical care beyond first aid</li>
	<li>Loss of consciousness</li>
	<li>Another severe injury or sickness diagnosis is made by a trained health care expert.</li>
</ul>

Organizations are only required to publish their annual total count; they are not required to provide incident specifics to a centralized database. Regarding occupational safety, this is frequently the bare minimum for accident definition. Local authorities or groups themselves may choose even more conservative reports.

&nbsp;

<h2>WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ACCIDENT AND AN INCIDENT?</h2>

Safety mishaps can have significant repercussions, and for example, they can be super-costly, workers&rsquo; compensation, medical bills, lost wages due to time off work, lower productivity, low staff morale, legal fees, environmental cleanup costs, and damage to your reputation. Incidents can be a valuable strategy for averting accidents because they are less expensive than accidents. As long as you pay attention, incidents can help you identify security threats and stop accidents from happening again. Investigations into incidents and tracking become helpful in this situation. Your efforts should focus on identifying the unblamed reasons for each incident&rsquo;s core causes. Concluding that someone was irresponsible or that employers failed to follow safety protocols is not helpful.

&nbsp;

INVESTIGATING AN INCIDENT AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE:

It is very crucial to differentiate between an incident and an accident. Employers and employees can seize the opportunity to identify loopholes in their processes and faults in their safety and health systems by looking into a worksite occurrence, such as a fatality, injury, illness, or close call. Most significantly, it makes it possible for both employers and employees to recognize and carry out the necessary remedial measures to stop the recurrence of accidents.

Incident investigations solely focused on identifying and fixing the incident&#39;s root cause rather than playing the blame game. A supervisor often conducts incident investigations but should also include managers and employees working together since each brings different analysis, perspective, and knowledge to the investigation. While conducting an investigation at a worksite, the team must investigate the root cause instead of the immediate causes of an incident. It is very easy and often misleading to conclude failure to follow a protocol solely was the cause of an incident. When a loophole is identified, it is essential to ask why it existed and why it was not previously addressed.

&nbsp;

<h3>For example:</h3>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>If a safety protocol or rule was not followed, then why was the protocol or rule not followed?</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Was the production putting too much pressure? If yes, then why was the production team permitted to put such pressures which would compromise safety?</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Was the procedure outdated or safety training incomplete? If so, why was the problem not previously identified, or, if it was identified, why had it not been dealt with?</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

In conclusion, OSHA was built to introduce adequate safety drills and measures to minimize the probability of injuries and fatalities. However, in case of any mishap, it is necessary to vigilantly investigate it and then label it as an accident or an incident. After narrowing it down to an accident or incident, look for the possible root cause of the event to deal with it effectively rather than accusing the inadequate adherence to protocol. After identifying the causative agent, an effective solution should be derived immediately, and employers should ensure strict compliance. Enhanced training programs and timely investigations can effectively prevent unfortunate events at the construction site and save employers a fortune.

&nbsp;

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