OSHA 30 Construction
Comprehensive Study & Supervisor Reference Guide

• 1. OSHA Overview & Responsibilities
• 2. Recordkeeping, Logs & Reporting
• 3. Leadership, Communication & Culture
• 4. Hazard Recognition & Job Safety Analysis
• 5. Focus Four Hazards (In-Depth)
• 6. Fall Protection, Scaffolds & Ladders
• 7. Electrical Safety & Lockout/Tagout
• 8. Personal Protective Equipment
• 9. Health Hazards & Chemical Safety
• 10. Tools, Equipment & Heavy Machinery
• 11. Material Handling, Storage & Ergonomics
• 12. Excavations, Confined Spaces & Hot Work
• 13. Fire Prevention, Hot Work & Emergencies
• 14. Vehicle, Traffic & Site Control
• 15. Special Topics & Site-Specific Hazards
• 16. Rights, Reporting & Exam Tips
• 17. Quick Reference, Scenarios & Tables

1. OSHA Overview & Responsibilities

• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) ensures workplace safety, sets and enforces standards, and provides training and education.
• Employers must:
  • Provide a workplace free of recognized hazards
  • Comply with OSHA standards
  • Train employees (in a language they understand!)
  • Post the OSHA Job Safety and Health poster (OSHA 3165)
  • Record/report injuries, illnesses, and fatalities
• Workers have the right to:
  • Safe working conditions
  • Receive training and PPE
  • Report hazards and injuries without retaliation
  • Access records and test results
• OSHA standards are codified in 29 CFR 1926 (Construction), 1910 (General Industry).

2. Recordkeeping, Logs & Reporting

• OSHA 300 Log: Records all work-related injuries/illnesses, maintained for 5 years.
• OSHA 301 Incident Report: Details each recordable case.
• OSHA 300A Summary: Posted annually from Feb–Apr in a visible workplace location.
• Reporting deadlines:
  • Fatality: within 8 hours
  • In-patient hospitalization, amputation, loss of eye: within 24 hours
• Employers must investigate and correct hazards after incidents.
• Near misses (no injury, but could have been serious) should also be investigated and tracked.

Supervisor Tip: An injury not reported or logged can result in major OSHA penalties.

3. Leadership, Communication & Culture

• Supervisors must model safe behavior, enforce safety policies, and encourage open reporting of hazards.
• Hold regular “toolbox talks,” safety meetings, and pre-task plans to review hazards and expectations.
• Empower workers to “stop work” if unsafe conditions exist—no discipline for exercising this right.
• Maintain a culture of respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Recognize safe behavior (positive reinforcement) as well as correcting unsafe acts.

Exam Tip: OSHA 30 will ask about supervisor duties—always pick the answer that encourages worker participation and proactive safety.

4. Hazard Recognition & Job Safety Analysis

• Hazard recognition is the foundation of all safety efforts.
• Common hazards: falls, electrocution, struck-by, caught-in/between, chemical exposure, heat/cold stress, confined spaces.
• JSA/JHA: Job Safety (Hazard) Analysis = breaking down tasks into steps, identifying hazards, and listing controls for each.
• Hierarchy of Controls (in order): Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, PPE.
• Dynamic risk assessment: Conditions change daily—always reassess!

Example: JHA for concrete pouring may list: slips, falls, rebar impalement, moving trucks—controls might be: PPE, rebar caps, spotters, barricades.

5. Focus Four Hazards (In-Depth)

Falls

• Leading cause of construction fatalities; most citations under 29 CFR 1926.501.
• Protection required at ≥6 ft above lower level: guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems.
• Openings must be covered, marked, secured (must support twice expected load).
• Roof work: tie-off, warning lines, spotters for edge work.
• Steel erection: connect at least every two stories or 30 ft, use connectors/lifelines.

Electrocution

• Lockout/tagout required for all energized work.
• Maintain safe distances from overhead lines: 10 ft up to 50 kV, more for higher voltages.
• Use Class E hard hats, insulated gloves/tools, and ground-fault protection for all portable tools.
• Arc flash labeling, arc-rated PPE, and safe work procedures for high-energy work.

Struck-By

• Includes falling, flying, swinging, or rolling objects.
• Hard hats always required; face shields for flying debris.
• Barricade zones under cranes/hoisting and at blind corners.
• Tool tethering when working overhead.

Caught-In/Between

• Trench cave-ins, being pulled into machinery, crushed by moving equipment, caught under collapsing structure.
• Trench boxes or shoring for excavations >5 ft.
• Machine guards, lockout/tagout, and “no-go” zones around heavy equipment.

6. Fall Protection, Scaffolds & Ladders

Fall Protection

• Personal fall arrest: full body harness, lanyard, shock absorber, and anchor point rated ≥5,000 lbs.
• Guardrails: top rail 42", mid-rail 21", toe-board 4".
• Leading edges: protection from start of installation.
• Fall protection plan: required if conventional protection is infeasible (must be written and site-specific).

Scaffolds

• Erected by qualified persons; inspected daily by competent person.
• Planked fully, secured, with guardrails and toe boards.
• Safe access/egress (ladders, stairs, ramps) required.
• Don’t use ladders on scaffolds; don’t exceed load rating; no makeshift modifications.

Ladders

• Inspect before use; tag out if damaged.
• Set base 1:4 ratio; extend at least 3 ft above landing.
• Use for intended purpose; never stand on top step/rung.

Supervisor Tip: Ensure all workers at height receive fall protection training and are properly fitted for harnesses.

7. Electrical Safety & Lockout/Tagout

• All electrical work must comply with NEC and OSHA standards.
• GFCI required for all 120V, 15/20A circuits in wet, damp, or outdoor locations.
• Extension cords: Rated for use, no damage, no daisy-chaining (“octopus wiring”).
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Required when working on de-energized circuits or equipment; use locks and tags with name, date, and contact.
• Test before touch: Always verify zero energy after lockout.
• Electrical panels must be labeled, have working clearance (min 36"), and have covers in place.
• Overhead/buried utilities: call 811 (“Call Before You Dig”), verify locations and clearances before excavating.
• Arc flash and arc blast: Identify hazard boundaries, use arc-rated PPE, shields, and proper tools.

Exam Example: GFCIs must be tested monthly and after each job setup using the built-in test button.

8. Personal Protective Equipment

• PPE hazard assessment required; employer must provide and train on all required PPE.
• Hard hats (ANSI Z89.1), safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1), gloves, steel-toe boots, high-viz vests required as appropriate.
• Respirators: Require medical evaluation, fit test, and written program.
• Hearing protection: Required when noise exceeds 85 dBA (use plugs, muffs, or both).
• Proper PPE selection: For chemicals, use goggles/face shield and appropriate gloves; for electrical, use insulated gear.
• Maintenance: PPE must be clean, stored properly, and replaced when damaged or expired.

Field Tip: Supervisors should spot-check PPE compliance daily and document training for each worker.

9. Health Hazards & Chemical Safety

• Hazard Communication Standard (“HazCom”): Employers must have written program, train employees, and maintain SDS for all chemicals.
• Labeling: All secondary containers must be labeled; original manufacturer’s label must not be removed.
• Silica dust: Use wet methods, vacuum systems, and provide respirators if exposure exceeds limits.
• Lead/asbestos: Only trained, authorized personnel; must follow strict PPE and containment procedures.
• Noise: Audiometric testing required if average exposure ≥85 dBA.
• Bloodborne pathogens: Use universal precautions, PPE, sharps containers.
• Heat stress: Water, rest, shade; acclimatization and monitoring for symptoms.
• Cold stress: Insulated clothing, breaks, warm areas for recovery.

Supervisor Note: Training on hazard communication must be repeated annually and whenever new chemicals are introduced.

10. Tools, Equipment & Heavy Machinery

• Hand and power tools: Inspect before each use, tag and remove damaged tools.
• Guards must be in place and functional at all times.
• Lockout before maintenance or blade/bit change.
• Power actuated tools require training and must be stored unloaded.
• Heavy equipment: Only authorized, trained operators; daily pre-use inspections required; use seatbelts at all times.
• Spotters required when backing or swinging heavy equipment in tight spaces.
• Crane operations: Must have qualified rigger, maintain clear zones, and use hand signals or radio for communication.

11. Material Handling, Storage & Ergonomics

• Plan for safe lifting—team lift or use mechanical aids for heavy/awkward objects.
• Stack materials to avoid collapse; band/strap loads as needed.
• Store flammable liquids in approved cabinets/containers, away from ignition sources.
• Compressed gas cylinders: Secure upright, cap when not in use, separate fuel and oxygen by at least 20 ft.
• Practice ergonomics: Avoid awkward postures, take microbreaks, rotate tasks to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

12. Excavations, Confined Spaces & Hot Work

Excavations/Trenching

• Competent person must inspect trench before entry and after rain/vibration.
• Protective systems (sloping, shoring, or trench box) required for excavations >5 ft deep.
• Safe means of egress required every 25 ft for trenches >4 ft deep.
• Spoil piles set at least 2 ft from edge.

Confined Spaces

• Permit required for confined spaces with hazards (atmospheric, engulfment, configuration, or other hazards).
• Atmospheric testing: O2 (19.5–23.5%), LEL (<10%), CO (<35 ppm), H2S (<10 ppm).
• Ventilation, standby attendant, rescue plan required.

Hot Work

• Welding/cutting/grinding generates sparks—requires hot work permit, fire watch, fire extinguisher within 25 ft.
• Remove combustibles, shield flammable surfaces, and provide adequate ventilation.

Field Example: Supervisor must verify confined space entry permits and hot work permits are current before work begins each day.

13. Fire Prevention, Hot Work & Emergencies

• Fire prevention plan must be in writing and shared with all workers.
• Extinguishers must be accessible, inspected monthly, and workers trained in their use.
• Evacuation routes, alarms, assembly points, and responsibilities must be posted and practiced.
• Emergency medical services must be available; at least one trained first aid responder if response time >3–4 minutes.

14. Vehicle, Traffic & Site Control

• Traffic control plans required for all work affecting vehicle/pedestrian routes.
• Flaggers and spotters must wear high-visibility vests (ANSI 107), use STOP/SLOW paddles or radios.
• Barricades, cones, and signage must meet MUTCD requirements.
• Equipment parking brakes, wheel chocks, and key removal when unattended.
• Jobsite security: fencing, signage, lighting, access control for non-workers.

Supervisor Tip: All deliveries and waste pickups should be scheduled and coordinated with traffic control in place.

15. Special Topics & Site-Specific Hazards

• Concrete/Masonry: Rebar caps, formwork stability, shoring/reshoring, collapse protection.
• Welding/Cutting: Ventilation, PPE, fire watch, shielding, gas cylinder handling.
• Demolition: Engineering survey required, removal of utilities, falling object/structure precautions.
• Steel Erection: Connectors, controlled decking zones, bolt-up requirements.
• Scaffold Tagging System: Green (safe), yellow (caution/limited use), red (do not use).
• Heat Illness Prevention: Water, rest, shade; acclimatization for new workers.
• Crystalline Silica: Dust control, wet methods, vacuum systems, medical monitoring if exposed above limit.

16. Rights, Reporting & Exam Tips

• Report hazards, injuries, and illnesses immediately—never fear retaliation (whistleblower protection, Section 11(c)).
• Review OSHA posters, site rules, and emergency contacts at jobsite start.
• Participate in safety meetings, JHAs, and encourage others to speak up.
• OSHA 30 exams often use scenario questions—think "What is the safest/preventative option?"
• Supervisors: Train, document, verify, and reinforce; never shortcut training for schedule!

17. Quick Reference, Scenarios & Tables

Topic	Key Rule/Limit	Notes
Fall Protection	≥6 ft above lower level	Guardrail, harness, net; covers marked “HOLE”
Scaffold Guardrail	42" high, 21" midrail, 4" toe-board	Inspected by competent person
Trench Box	Required >5 ft deep	Daily inspection, ladder within 25 ft
Hard Hat	ANSI Z89.1	Replace after impact/damage
Hearing Protection	>85 dBA	Audiometric testing for regular exposure
Lockout/Tagout	All de-energized circuits/equipment	Verify zero energy before work
Fire Extinguisher	Within 100 ft of work	Inspected monthly, labeled, trained users
First Aid/CPR	At least 1 trained person onsite	Especially remote or large jobsites

• Scenario 1: You witness unsafe hot work in progress (sparks near flammables, no fire watch): STOP work, remove ignition, get supervisor, and correct immediately.
• Scenario 2: Worker faints from heat stress: Move to cool area, give water if conscious, call medical aid, record as incident.
• Scenario 3: Excavation collapse (worker trapped): Call 911, do NOT enter trench, stay clear of edge, direct responders.
• Formula: Ladder 4:1 ratio, base 1 ft for every 4 ft of rise.
• JHA Checklist: List steps, hazards, controls, PPE, emergency response for each job task—review at start of shift.
• Keep emergency numbers, site map, and MSDS/SDS posted and updated at all times.

Final Supervisor Tips: Lead by example; reinforce all workers' right to stop unsafe work; use daily checklists, and never “pencil-whip” an inspection or training record.