Required personnel for site safety: rules & details

As an employer, you're required to make efforts to keep your employees safe. And that includes having the required personnel for site safety. So who should you hire for your job? That depends on a few factors.

Your duty to and interest in keeping workers safe

As you know, construction jobs and sites come with varied and complex needs. Due to equipment operation and the overall nature of the business, construction sites carry a high potential to become dangerous environments.

Safe work environments are critical. And not just to your employees and their families. But also to the schedule and cost of your project. Following a framework to ensure site safety goes a long way toward keeping workers safe and staying on time and within budget.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, requires employers to provide a safe and healthy environment. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 holds companies accountable for workplace safety. It also defines standards to be used for construction. These best practices help maintain safer environments on all types of projects. Being OSHA-compliant is important and means following the recommendations and regulations laid out in their guidelines.

The required personnel for site safety depends on the job

The New York City Department of Buildings requires safety personnel on every construction job. (And many other areas outside the city follow similar requirements.) But what's the required personnel for your job?

Site safety manager

Site safety managers provide training. They also check for safety equipment and ensure compliance with safety standards. Jobs with 15 or more stories under construction or demolition require site safety managers. So do construction or demolition sites of 100,000 square feet or more.

Site safety coordinator

Jobs with 10 to 14 stories under construction or demolition require a site safety coordinator. Site safety coordinators know all applicable building codes. And, they also understand accident prevention.

Construction superintendent

Construction superintendents handle smaller projects than managers and coordinators. When 9 stories or fewer are under construction or demolition, hire a superintendent.

Concrete safety manager

During all concrete operations of 2,000 cubic yards or more, a concrete safety manager needs to be on-site. Concrete safety managers must be fully registered.

How to hire the required personnel for site safety

Following site safety requirements isn't just law. It helps you avoid hassle and penalties. Hiring personnel who are highly experienced and licensed can make all aspects of your project better. Look for consultant groups with a track record of successful projects.

What to expect from your site safety consultant

Consultants should understand all workplace safety regulations and make sure you're OSHA-compliant. But consultants also offer other valuable services and bring experience that benefits project across a wide number of areas.

When evaluating what required personnel you need for site safety, also ask potential consultants about their approach and what services they include. Many have the skills to optimize operations, perform safety audits, and train construction workers and sub employees. They also provide comprehensive plans for the logistics and implementation of site safety. Need a recommendation? With our long experience in the industry, we’re able to connect clients and safety consultants based on needs and type of project.