OSHA violations are not just expensive — they can shut down your project and put lives at risk. In 2025, OSHA issued over $4 billion in penalties for safety violations across the construction industry. For contractors using temporary or mixed crews, compliance becomes even more complex because you must verify that every worker — permanent or temporary — meets the same safety standards.

This checklist covers the essential OSHA compliance requirements every construction site should follow. Use it as a starting point, but always consult with a qualified safety professional for your specific situation.

1. General Site Safety

Pre-Site Checklist

  • Site-specific safety plan is documented and communicated to all workers
  • Emergency response plan is posted and reviewed with the crew
  • First aid kit is fully stocked and accessible
  • Fire extinguishers are present, charged, and inspected
  • Site access is controlled and unauthorized entry is prevented
  • Welfare facilities (toilets, hand washing, drinking water) are available

2. Fall Protection

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. OSHA requires fall protection at heights of 6 feet or more.

  • Guardrails installed on all open edges and platforms
  • Personal fall arrest systems (harnesses, lanyards, anchor points) inspected and properly used
  • Safety nets installed where guardrails are impractical
  • Floor holes and openings are covered or guarded
  • Ladders are inspected and used on stable, level surfaces

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Head protection: Hard hats meeting ANSI Z89.1 standards
  • Eye and face protection: Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields
  • Hearing protection: Earplugs or earmuffs in noisy areas
  • Foot protection: Steel-toed boots meeting ASTM standards
  • Hand protection: Task-appropriate gloves
  • High-visibility clothing: Vests or shirts for all workers near traffic or equipment

4. Electrical Safety

  • All temporary wiring is protected from damage
  • GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is used for all temporary power
  • Extension cords are rated for construction use and free of damage
  • Lockout/tagout procedures are in place for maintenance work
  • Underground utilities are located and marked before digging

5. Heavy Equipment and Machinery

  • Operators are properly trained and certified for each piece of equipment
  • Daily pre-use inspections are conducted and documented
  • Spotter is used when backing up equipment
  • Equipment is properly maintained per manufacturer schedules

6. Hazard Communication

  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for all hazardous materials on site
  • All chemical containers are properly labeled
  • Workers are trained on hazard communication (GHS standards)
  • Site-specific hazardous materials are identified in the safety plan

7. Training and Documentation

Required Training and Records

  • OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour construction training for all workers
  • Site-specific safety orientation for every new worker (including temps)
  • Toolbox talks conducted weekly and documented
  • Incident reports filed for all injuries and near-misses
  • Pre-task safety briefings are completed each day

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