Construction Law

4 Important Oregon Safe Employment Act Rules for Contractors featured image

4 Important Oregon Safe Employment Act Rules for Contractors

The State of Oregon enacted the Oregon Safe Employment Act two years after the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was integrated into the national labor law in 1971. Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act,  the Oregon branch of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is authorized to enforce various rules governing workplace safety and health rules. In this article, a Portland construction attorney from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will briefly discuss five important Oregon Safe Employment Act rules that contractors working in the Beaver State should be aware of before breaking ground on their next project.

1926.23 – First Aid and Medical Attention

On the project site, first aid services for medical care must be made available to all employees who are injured, regardless of the severity of the injury. It is solely the contractor’s responsibility for providing the required medical resources. For more information about these specific requirements for first aid, medical attention, and emergency facilities, consult a Portland construction lawyer.

1926.24 – Fire Protection and Prevention

It is the employer’s responsibility to develop and maintain a suitable fire protection and prevention program. This program must be capable of providing safe instruction to workers on the project site regardless of the phase of construction; be it construction, repair, alteration, or demolition work. This includes outfitting the project site with the necessary fire protection and suppression equipment.

1926.25 – Housekeeping

Housekeeping involves maintaining a safe project site free of hazardous debris or other loose scrap that can cause injuries. Contractors must remove any scrap lumber that has protruding nails, in addition to all other debris, to maintain compliance with the Oregon Safe Employment Act. Combustible scrap and debris is required to be relocated off the working area at strict intervals throughout the project timeline. Using the correct types of containers is also important for the proper accumulation and sorting of waste, trash, and other forms of refuse.

1926.26 – Illumination

Project sites, including aisles, stairs, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops, and storage areas must be properly illuminated with either natural or artificial light, whichever is available. Consult your Portland construction attorney for more information about the minimum illumination requirements necessary to avoid a citation.

If you would like to speak with a Portland construction lawyer, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.