California DIR Takes Aim at Public Works Construction Sites – Construction Employers Should Review Workplace Safety Compliance
The Department of Industrial Relations’ (DIR) Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF) has announced an initiative to inspect publicly funded construction sites to ensure employers provide worker’s compensation and follow labor laws, including workplace health and safety requirements.
With this new focus, construction employers who work on public works projects should review their workplace compliance to avoid citations.
Cal/OSHA has a guidance page for construction employers which provides an overview of issues for employers to consider and additional guidance that is available.
Some of the compliance issues that construction employers should review include:
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Access to Work Levels
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Airborne Contaminants
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Confined Spaces
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Emergency Medical Services
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Ergonomics
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Fall Protection
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Heat Illness Prevention
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Injury and Illness Prevention Program
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Personal Protective Equipment
These and many more compliance issues are further identified on Cal/OSHA’s guidance page for construction employers. There are also administrative requirements that employers should review, including having required postings and documents, such as safety data sheets, available on site.
