OSHA 10 Construction Safety — Hazard Recognition and Personal Protective Equipment

Why Hazard Recognition Matters

Construction is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. Every worker on a jobsite has a legal right to a workplace free from recognized hazards, and every employer has a legal duty to provide one. OSHA's Outreach Training Program for Construction gives workers the foundational knowledge to spot dangers before they cause injuries. The four hazard categories responsible for the majority of construction fatalities are known as the Focus Four: falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between incidents, and electrocution. Recognizing these hazards and knowing how to control them — including selecting the right personal protective equipment (PPE) — is the core skill this lesson builds.

The Focus Four Hazards

Falls

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction. They occur from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, floor openings, and elevated work platforms. OSHA requires fall protection when workers are at heights of six feet or more above a lower level on most construction sites. Controls include guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). A PFAS consists of a full-body harness, a lanyard or self-retracting lifeline, and an anchor point rated to withstand the forces of a fall. Workers must inspect all fall protection equipment before each use and remove any item that is cut, frayed, or has been subjected to a fall load.

Struck-By Incidents

A struck-by hazard occurs when a worker is hit by a moving object — a vehicle, flying debris, falling tools, or swinging equipment loads. High-visibility (hi-vis) apparel helps equipment operators see workers. Hard hats protect the head from falling objects. Workers must never position themselves in the swing radius of heavy equipment, and tools must be secured or tethered when working at height.

Caught-In/Between Incidents

These incidents happen when a worker is caught, compressed, or crushed between objects. Examples include unguarded rotating machinery, collapsing trench walls, and equipment pinch points. Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are essential when maintaining or servicing machinery: the energy source is isolated and locked out so the machine cannot be restarted while a worker is exposed. Workers must never reach past a machine guard or enter an unprotected trench.

Electrocution

Contact with overhead power lines, damaged extension cords, and energized equipment are leading causes of electrocution. Before digging, always call 811 (the national "Call Before You Dig" service) to locate buried utilities. Maintain at least ten feet of clearance from overhead power lines unless the utility company has de-energized the line. Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection on all temporary wiring and extension cords on construction sites. Inspect cords before use — damaged insulation is an immediate hazard.

Selecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is the last line of defense in the hierarchy of hazard controls. Engineering controls (such as guarding) and administrative controls (such as work procedures) come first. When hazards cannot be fully eliminated by other means, workers must wear appropriate PPE.

| Hazard | PPE Required | Key Standard |

|---|---|---|

| Falling objects / head impact | Hard hat | ANSI Z89.1 |

| Flying particles, dust, chemical splash | Safety glasses or goggles | ANSI Z87.1 |

| Struck-by / roadway / active sites | High-visibility vest | ANSI/ISEA 107 |

| Foot crush, puncture, falling objects | Steel-toed boots | ASTM F2413 |

| Chemical, abrasion, cut hazards | Gloves (type varies by hazard) | Manufacturer guidance |

| Fall from height | Full-body harness and lanyard | ANSI Z359 series |

Hard Hats (ANSI Z89.1)

Hard hats are rated by Type (Type I — top only; Type II — top and lateral) and Class (E, G, C — indicating electrical insulation level). Class E (Electrical) provides the highest voltage protection. Adjust the suspension so the hat fits snugly without tipping. Replace any hat that has been struck by a heavy impact, even if no visible damage is present.

Safety Glasses (ANSI Z87.1)

Lenses and frames must carry the Z87.1 marking. Side shields are required when there is a risk of lateral debris. Tinted lenses are appropriate outdoors but not in low-light interiors.

High-Visibility Apparel (ANSI/ISEA 107)

Class 2 vests are the minimum for most active construction sites where vehicles operate. Class 3 provides the greatest visibility for workers in high-traffic environments.

Steel-Toed Boots (ASTM F2413)

Boots must have impact-resistant and compression-resistant toe caps. Some work also requires puncture-resistant midsoles (PR designation) on sites with nail hazards.

Donning and Doffing PPE Correctly

"Donning" means putting on; "doffing" means removing. Both must be done correctly or protection is incomplete. For each item:

• Inspect for damage before donning.
• Adjust to fit your body according to manufacturer instructions.
• Verify fit — a hard hat should not rock side to side; safety glasses should seal at the brow and temples; a vest should be fully zipped or snapped.
• When doffing gloves that may carry chemical contamination, peel one glove inside-out first, hold it in the gloved hand, then peel the second glove over both — keeping contaminants on the inside.

Your OSHA 10 Card

Completing the OSHA 10 Outreach program means attending all required sessions, participating in all module activities, and passing the module quizzes at the score required by your authorized trainer. Your sign-in sheet is the record of attendance — sign it every session. Authorized trainers issue DOL wallet cards through OSHA's system to students who meet all requirements. The card shows employers you have received baseline safety training and understand your rights and responsibilities on the job.