Residential Construction Fall Policy Extended Again
OSHA now has extended its temporary enforcement measures through Dec. 15.
OSHA announced it will extend its temporary enforcement measures in residential construction through Dec. 15, 2012. They include free on-site compliance assistance, penalty reductions, extended abatement dates, measures to ensure consistency, and increased outreach.
Strongly opposed by many in the homebuilding industry, the new directive from the agency requires fall protection in situations where it was not required in recent years. OSHA said it has been working closely with the industry to assist employers in complying with it.
"Since October 1, 2011, OSHA's On-site Consultation Projects performed more than 2,500 on-site visits, conducted 925 training sessions, and delivered 438 presentations related to fall protection in residential construction. OSHA's regional and area offices also conducted more than 800 outreach activities on the directive. The Agency will continue to work with employers to ensure a clear understanding of, and to facilitate compliance with, the new policy," according to its news release, which said the agency will continue to develop materials to assist the industry. Some of them are available at the websites (here and here) of the current national campaign to prevent construction falls.