OSHA issues final rule to protect construction workers in confined spaces

5/4/2015

On May 1, 2015 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)issued a final rule to increase protections for construction workers in confined spaces. People working in confined spaces (such as manholes, crawl spaces, and tanks) face life-threatening hazards including toxic substances, electrocutions, explosions and asphyxiation.

This rule will save lives of construction workers,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “Unlike most general industry worksites, construction sites are continually evolving, with the number and characteristics of confined spaces changing as work progresses. This rule emphasizes training, continuous worksite evaluation and communication requirements to further protect workers’ safety and health.”

Compliance assistance material and additional information is available on OSHA’s Confined Spaces in Construction Web page.

For more information or on-site support call CanAm Environmental Safety, Inc. at 585-261-3205 or visit OSHA's website at www.osha.gov