Construction safety is more than just checking off boxes. While PPE like hard hats and fall harnesses are often prioritized, other OSHA regulations are quietly ignored. These oversights can cause injuries, trigger inspections, delay projects, and lead to heavy fines.
Here are the seven most important but frequently overlooked OSHA regulations that every construction manager should take seriously.
1. Sanitation Requirements
Restroom access may not seem like a high-risk safety issue, but it is one of the most overlooked OSHA requirements. Inadequate facilities can lead to serious hygiene issues and OSHA citations.
According to OSHA Standard, the required number of toilets depends on the number of workers on site:
For fewer than 20 workers, at least one toilet is required
For 20 to 200 workers, you must provide one toilet and one urinal per 40 workers
For over 200 workers, at least one toilet and one urinal are required for every 50 workers
But meeting the count alone is not enough. Toilets must be accessible, not placed too far from where work is happening. They must be cleaned regularly, with weekly servicing as a minimum. If the site operates after dark, lighting must be available.
Privacy is also required. OSHA mandates that toilet facilities must be enclosed and lockable from the inside. Ventilation is another factor. Poor airflow can create unsanitary and unsafe conditions.
Handwashing stations must accompany restroom facilities. This includes running water, soap, and paper towels. OSHA does not accept alcohol-based hand sanitizers as a substitute, except in specific, temporary situations where water is not feasible. Workers need to be able to clean their hands thoroughly, especially when handling food, tools, or hazardous materials.
2. Hazard Communication
Many construction sites use paints, adhesives, fuels, and solvents that are considered hazardous. Yet workers are often unaware of the risks, especially if labels are missing or instructions are unclear.
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to:
Maintain a written hazard communication plan
Keep updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each hazardous material
Ensure all containers are properly labeled with content and hazards
Train employees on the chemicals they might encounter, including safe handling and what to do in case of exposure
Safety Data Sheets must be stored in a place that workers can easily access during their shifts. New materials should be logged immediately. If a subcontractor brings their own chemicals, these must also be documented and included in training materials.
Hazard communication is not a one-time process. It must be ongoing, with regular updates and training anytime new substances or processes are introduced on site.
3. Scaffold Assembly and Use
Improper scaffold setup is a leading cause of OSHA violations and construction site accidents. Many sites rely on makeshift solutions, which may seem like time-savers but create serious risks.
OSHA requires that scaffolding be designed, erected, and dismantled under the supervision of a qualified person. This includes choosing the correct type of scaffold based on the work and ensuring it can support four times the expected load.
Scaffolds must include:
Guardrails with proper height and strength
Fully planked platforms without gaps or broken boards
Access via ladders or stair towers that comply with safety standards
A stable base, including mudsills or base plates for weight distribution
Inspections must happen before each work shift and after any weather event or change that could affect stability. All inspections should be documented, with the date, inspector’s name, and any corrective actions noted.
Workers using scaffolds also need training. This includes load capacity, fall protection, hazard recognition, and the consequences of misusing the structure.
4. Respiratory Protection
Many construction tasks produce airborne hazards. These can include dust from cutting concrete, welding fumes, or adhesive vapors. Long-term exposure can cause chronic lung conditions or worsen asthma.
OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires:
A written respiratory protection plan
A detailed assessment of airborne hazards on site
Proper selection of respirators for specific tasks
Medical evaluations for workers who will wear respirators
Fit testing to ensure an effective seal
Training on usage, limitations, and maintenance
Generic dust masks are not always adequate. For example, sanding drywall may only need an N95 respirator, but working with isocyanate-based spray foam requires a full-face respirator with specific cartridges.
Never allow respirator sharing between workers, and ensure each unit is cleaned and stored according to manufacturer’s instructions. Respirator programs must be reviewed regularly, especially when the scope of work changes.
5. Electrical Safety and GFCI Protection
Temporary electrical setups on job sites are common, but also dangerous. OSHA addresses this risk through its electrical safety standards, which require protection through Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere outlets that are not part of the permanent wiring must have GFCI protection. These devices are essential for preventing shocks caused by equipment faults or water exposure.
Additional requirements include:
Daily testing of GFCIs before use
Clearly labeled electrical panels
Grounding for all electrical equipment
Protection of cords from traffic, pinching, or sharp edges
Only qualified electricians should handle electrical work. Never allow untrained personnel to install, repair, or modify temporary power systems.
When damage is found in cords, connectors, or tools, remove them from service immediately. Temporary fixes like tape are not compliant.
6. Heat Illness Prevention
Construction work often takes place in extreme heat. OSHA does not have a specific heat illness standard, but enforces protections under the General Duty Clause.
Employers must take steps to prevent heat stress, including:
Providing one quart of water per hour per worker
Ensuring access to shaded or cooled rest areas
Allowing regular breaks during hot conditions
Introducing new workers gradually to heat (acclimatization)
Training all workers on heat illness signs and emergency steps
Work schedules may need adjustment during high-temperature periods, such as starting earlier or reducing heavy tasks in the afternoon.
Document your heat safety plan and make sure supervisors know how to identify early signs of heat-related illness, such as confusion, dizziness, or slurred speech.
7. Recordkeeping and Documentation
Poor documentation is one of the easiest OSHA violations to avoid. The problem is that many construction companies either forget or delay keeping their safety records current.
Required records include:
OSHA 300 Log for work-related injuries and illnesses
OSHA 300A Summary posted every year from February 1 to April 30
OSHA 301 Incident Reports for each recorded event
Training logs for each safety topic with attendee names and dates
Inspection reports for scaffolds, machinery, and other equipment
Written safety programs for areas like hazard communication and respiratory protection
Assign someone the responsibility of maintaining these documents. Set a recurring schedule for updates and audits. All records should be kept for five years and be ready for review at any time.
Final Thoughts
Ignoring these lesser-known OSHA rules can cost more than money. Non-compliance leads to injuries, lower morale, project delays, and sometimes even criminal liability.
Start with a gap assessment of your current safety plan against the seven areas above. From there, update your written programs, train your teams, and assign clear responsibilities.
Compliance is not just a box to check. It is a system of habits and checks that protect your workers and keep your projects running on time.