OSHA 10 Construction
Comprehensive Study & Field Reference Guide

• 1. Introduction to OSHA
• 2. Focus Four Hazards
• 3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 4. Health Hazards in Construction
• 5. Material Handling & Storage
• 6. Hand & Power Tools
• 7. Ladders & Scaffolds
• 8. Excavations & Trenching
• 9. Emergency Procedures
• 10. Rights, Reporting & Exam Tips
• 11. Quick Reference, Examples & Table

1. Introduction to OSHA

• OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, created to assure safe and healthful working conditions.
• Gives workers the right to a safe workplace, access to training, and to report hazards without retaliation.
• OSHA standards set rules for equipment, procedures, and personal conduct on jobsites.
• Workers can file a confidential complaint and request OSHA inspection.
• Reporting: Employers must report fatalities within 8 hours, hospitalizations/amputations/loss of eye within 24 hours.
• Workers must be trained in hazard recognition and prevention.
• All injuries and illnesses must be recorded in the OSHA 300 log.

Exam Tip: The #1 reason for OSHA inspection is a worker complaint, followed by severe injury reports.

2. Focus Four Hazards

Falls (Most Fatalities!)

• Any work at heights (ladders, scaffolds, roofs, floor holes).
• Use guardrails, covers, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets for any fall hazard ≥6 ft.
• Ladders: Maintain 3-point contact, keep ladder on stable surface, do not stand on top step.
• Scaffolds: Must be fully planked, have guardrails, and be inspected before use.

Electrocution

• Keep at least 10 feet from overhead power lines (more for higher voltages).
• Inspect extension cords for damage, use GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) in wet locations and outdoors.
• Lockout/tagout when servicing equipment; never bypass safety devices.
• Use double-insulated or grounded tools.

Struck-By

• Wear hard hats and hi-viz clothing; watch for moving vehicles and falling/flying objects.
• Stay clear of swinging loads and never walk under suspended loads.
• Use barricades and spotters when working near vehicles/equipment.

Caught-In/Between

• Stay out of trenches without proper protection.
• Never wear loose clothing/jewelry around machinery.
• Keep clear of rotating or moving machine parts; never disable guards.
• Stay out of unshored trenches >5 feet deep.

Focus Four	Examples	Key Controls
Falls	Roofs, scaffolds, ladders	Guardrails, harness, covers
Electrocution	Overhead wires, damaged cords	GFCI, lockout/tagout, inspection
Struck-By	Vehicles, falling tools, loads	PPE, barricades, spotters
Caught-In/Between	Machinery, trenches	Guards, trench box/shoring

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Employer provides and pays for required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, boots, hearing protection, high-visibility vests).
• PPE must fit, be in good condition, and used as intended.
• Hard hats must meet ANSI Z89.1; replaced if cracked or after impact.
• Eye/face protection required when cutting, grinding, or working with chemicals.
• Hearing protection needed above 85 dBA.
• Use proper gloves for cut, chemical, and electrical hazards.
• High-viz vests required near moving vehicles/equipment.

Field Tip: Inspect PPE daily—replace it if damaged or soiled.

4. Health Hazards in Construction

• Hazard Communication ("Right to Know"): All chemical containers must be labeled. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be accessible.
• Silica Dust: Wear respirators when cutting concrete or tile; use wet methods and HEPA vacuums.
• Asbestos/Lead: Only trained and authorized workers can disturb these materials.
• Noise: Above 85 dBA requires hearing protection; implement “buy quiet” policies for tools/equipment.
• Fumes/Vapors: Work in ventilated areas, use respirators when necessary, avoid ignition sources near flammable vapors.
• Bloodborne Pathogens: Use gloves, wash hands, and follow universal precautions if exposed.

Exam Example: SDS = Safety Data Sheet. It explains hazards, PPE, first aid, and storage.

5. Material Handling & Storage

• Lift with legs, not back; get help with heavy/awkward loads; use mechanical aids when possible.
• Stack materials safely; never stack higher than 4:1 height-to-base ratio.
• Do not store materials within 6 feet of excavations or roof edges.
• Keep walkways clear of materials, debris, and cords.
• Follow weight ratings for forklifts, hoists, and conveyors.
• Secure cylinders upright, cap when not in use.

Tip: Always wear gloves when handling rough, sharp, or hot materials.

6. Hand & Power Tools

• Inspect tools before each use; remove from service if damaged.
• Never disable guards or use tools for purposes they’re not designed for.
• Power tools must be double-insulated or have a ground prong.
• Keep fingers clear of moving parts; use push sticks for saws.
• Disconnect power before changing blades, bits, or performing maintenance.
• Keep cords out of walkways and away from water.
• Do not wear loose clothing/jewelry around rotating/moving parts.

Scenario: If you see a frayed cord or missing guard, remove the tool from service and tag it until repaired.

7. Ladders & Scaffolds

• Inspect ladders and scaffolds before use—look for cracks, bends, loose rungs.
• Use ladders only on stable, level surfaces. Extend 3 feet above landing when accessing roofs.
• Never stand on the top step of a ladder.
• Maintain 3-point contact (2 hands, 1 foot or 2 feet, 1 hand) at all times.
• Scaffolds must be fully planked, have guardrails and toe boards, and be erected/inspected by competent person.
• Do not move or alter scaffold while in use. Never use makeshift ladders or stands.
• Keep scaffolds at least 10 ft from power lines.

Exam Note: OSHA defines “competent person” as someone who can identify hazards and has authority to correct them.

8. Excavations & Trenching

• All trenches >5 feet deep require a protective system (sloping, shoring, or trench box).
• Access/egress (ladder, ramp, steps) required within 25 ft of workers in trench ≥4 feet deep.
• Keep spoil piles and material at least 2 ft from trench edge.
• Test for hazardous atmospheres before entering deep trenches (>4 ft), especially in landfill or urban areas.
• Utility lines must be located before digging; call 811 or local “call before you dig.”
• Trenches must be inspected daily by a competent person and after rain or vibration.

Exam Example: Workers in a 6 ft deep trench without a box/shoring? That’s a serious OSHA violation and fatality risk!

9. Emergency Procedures

• Know the location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, and emergency showers.
• Have an emergency action plan (EAP): evacuation routes, alarm signals, reporting procedures, meeting points.
• At least one worker trained in first aid/CPR must be on site if medical response is not nearby.
• Fire extinguishers must be accessible and inspected monthly.
• Never block emergency exits or access to equipment.

Tip: In any emergency, alert others, evacuate if necessary, and call 911 as soon as safely possible.

10. Rights, Reporting & Exam Tips

• You have the right to:
  • Work in a safe place
  • Receive training in a language you understand
  • Report injuries, hazards, and safety concerns without fear of retaliation
  • Access to OSHA records (injury logs, test results, your medical record)
• If you see something unsafe: report it immediately to your supervisor and/or safety officer.
• You cannot be fired, demoted, or punished for reporting safety concerns (whistleblower protection).
• OSHA inspections are triggered by complaints, serious injuries, referrals, or targeted enforcement.
• Exam Strategy: Always choose the answer that is most proactive and prevents accidents—not just “report after” an accident.

Exam Example: If you see a coworker working unsafely on a scaffold, do you: A) Ignore it, B) Report it to supervisor, C) Wait for OSHA inspection? (Correct: B)

11. Quick Reference, Examples & Table

Topic	Key Rule	Common Violation
Fall Protection	≥6 ft, use guardrails/harness	No guardrail, working near edge
GFCI	Required for all 120V, 15/20A outdoor & wet locations	Missing GFCI on extension cords
PPE	Employer provides & pays	Wearing damaged, missing, or wrong PPE
Trench Safety	Box/shoring ≥5 ft deep	Workers in unprotected trench
Material Storage	Keep 6 ft from edge/excav.	Stacking too high, unstable piles

• Scenario 1: You see a frayed extension cord—remove it from service and report it.
• Scenario 2: Coworker on top step of a ladder—remind them and supervisor; do not ignore it.
• Scenario 3: New chemical delivered—check label and get SDS before use.
• Formula: For ladder setup, base 1 ft out for every 4 ft up (“4-to-1 rule”).
• OSHA 10 questions will often ask for the “safest” or “most correct” answer—not what is “most convenient.”
• If you are unsure—STOP WORK and ask your supervisor or safety officer.

Final Exam Tips: Focus on the Focus Four, PPE rules, reporting requirements, and what to do FIRST if you see a hazard. OSHA wants you to “recognize, avoid, prevent, and report” hazards!