Masonry Magazine August 2000 Page. 16
OSHA'S MOST
FREQUENTLY CITED:
An Analysis of Safety and Health Problems
in the Masonry Construction Industry
By Joe O'Connor
Last year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued 4,786 citations to mason contractors at a cost of $3,537,054. A simple response to this would be to review the standards cited and identify appropriate actions to avoid future penalties. However, there were 82 different standards violated (see the top 25 most cited in Table L.) Besides the obvious limitations of addressing all hazards in this article, there are practical considerations for implementing corrective measures. An analysis of the citations must be completed to ensure that more serious hazards are addressed first.
The nature of citations and the statistics on the standards violated will provide a focus. Consider the following: OSHA bases penalties on the severity of potential injury and the probability that injury will occur. No single standard addressing electrical hazards was among the top ten based on the number of citations. But, in dollars Standard 19260404 (Electrical, Wiring, Design and Protection) ranks seventh. The total penalties for it were $38,467. There were also a number of other electrical standards violated. The total spent by the industry on all electrical violations equals $72,472. Thus, when standards are categorized and total penalties reviewed, as illustrated with the example above, the hazard may need greater attention.
SCAFFOLDING
With the initial review and regardless of the data used, one hazard becomes the prime focus. Citations for one standard, Standard 19260451 (Scaffolding. General Requirements), accounted for 47% of the number of citations and 63% of the penalties. In addition, two other scaffold standards (Standard 19260454 (Scaffolding -Training Requirements (all types) and Standard 19260452 (Additional Requirements Specific Scaffolding), rank in the top ten. A fourth standard on mobile scaffold safety added another $18,180.
All mason contractors must review their use of scaffolds. Common problems include deficiencies in both the erection and use, where the following precautionary measures must be taken: Scaffolds must be built to withstand four times the intended load. The ropes on suspended scaffolds must withstand six times the intended load. All scaffolds must be fully planked. A supported scaffold must be plumb and sit on a firm foundation. Base plates and mud sills must be used. If the scaffold is not tied to the structure, its maximum height to base width ratio cannot exceed. 4 to 1. Proper access must be provided and used. Employees cannot climb the frame.
TABLE I-
Standards Cited for SIC 1741; All sizes; Federal
1741 Masonry, Stone Setting, And Other Stone Work
Listed below are the top 25 standards which were cited by Federal OSHA for the specified SIC during the period October 1998 through September 1999. Penalties shown reflect current rather than initial amounts. For more information, consult the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 29.
RANK STANDARD #CITED PENALTY DESCRIPTION
1. 19260451 2247 $2,243,146 Scaffoldig-General Requirements
2. 19260454 301 164,505 Scaffolding-Training Requirements (all types)
3. 19260501 229 261,437 Duty to Have Fall Protection
4. 19101200 212 24,868 Hazard Communication
5. 19260100 189 156,508 Head Protection
6. 19260452 159 99,831 Additional Requirements -Specific
Scaffolding
7. 19260020 126 54,050 Construction, General Safety & Health
Provisions
8. 19100134 108 20,055 Respiratory Protection
9. 19261053 100 36,108 Ladders
10. 19260021 79 33,048 Construction, Safety Training & Education
11. 19260404 78 38,467 Electrical, Wiring Design & Protection
12. 19260102 61 25,397 Eye & Face Protection
13. 19260701 56 31,837 Concrete/Masonry, General Requirements
14. 19260062 52 140,88 Lead
15. 19260405 45 14,765 Elec. Wiring Methods, Components &
Equipment, General Use
16. 19260602 44 25,636 Material Handling Equipment
17. 19260503 43 11,185 Fall Protection Training Requirements
18. 19260055 41 2,125 Gases, Vapors, Fumes, Dusts & Mists
19. 19261052 41 12,428 Stairways
20. 19260095 37 14,982 Criteria For Personal Protective Equipment
21. 19260025 36 9,728 Construction, Housekeeping
22. 19260059 35 4,563 Hazard Communication
23. 19260502 35 185,00 Fall Protection Systems Criteria & Practices
24. 19260103 34 11,975 Respiratory Protection
25. 19260706 31 21,745 Masonry Construction
"Dollar amounts rounded to the nearest dollar