The construction industry can be dangerous. We don’t think that’s a secret to anyone. This is why focusing on your health and safety standards is a necessity. By adhering to the toughest standards and always making efforts to improve, you can keep your construction sites safer. Our Houston OSHA defense lawyers can help you with that.

Who Develops Health and Safety Standards?

Most health and safety standards are developed by OSHA, a federal agency. They have developed all sorts of regulations that are meant to make every workplace safer, but it’s not surprising that this agency seems to have spent some extra time on the construction sector. There are many rules about how to make job sites safer and prevent injuries.

Adhering to these health and safety standards is a necessary cost of doing business. A construction firm that ignores safety regulations is going to face fines and a host of other issues.

Why Are Health and Safety Standards So Important in Construction?

Health and safety standards are a necessity for just about any industry, but construction workers in particular are exposed to so many potential hazards. There could be accidents involving construction equipment, toxic materials, or electricity. Workers can fall from heights or get hit with debris.

Keeping a site as safe as possible isn’t just good for the well-being of workers. Making health and safety a top priority can help you avoid fines, legal troubles, work delays, and hits to your company’s reputation.

What Can I Do to Make My Job Sites Safer?

There are many steps that you can take to make job sites safer. You should:

  • Keep an eye out for any changes to local, state, and federal laws
  • Provide all of the needed safety equipment, including hard hats, safety harnesses, and safety glasses
  • Conduct frequent safety audits and inspections
  • Keep work areas clean and free from debris and unnecessary clutter
  • Focus on safety training for all employees
  • Document everything
  • Be prepared for changes in weather conditions
  • Allow for breaks so that workers do not get fatigued
  • Have a plan for emergency
  • Inspect all equipment, including cranes and all vehicles

This can all seem like a lot of work, but it pays off when you have fewer citations and injuries to deal with, not to mention lower insurance premiums.

Can Construction Lawyers Help Me?

Our lawyers know the construction industry and they know how to deal with OSHA. They can help you fight costly citations and protect your business, but they can also help you take steps that will prevent safety issues in the first place. We can advise you about your safety standards and help you achieve your goal of making every worksite as safe as possible.

Talk to an Attorney Today

If you have questions about health and safety standards, we want to help you. Contact Patout & Shaw today and schedule a consultation with our team. We can tell you more about what our attorneys can do for you.