ANSI Standard Addresses Construction Safety Auditing Practices

Des Plaines, IL - Construction companies of all sizes, including those engaged in Gulf Coast rebuilding efforts, can enhance their safety performance and help reduce on-the-job injuries by utilizing the recently reaffirmed American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A10.39-1996 (R2005) standard Construction Safety and Health Audit Program. The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) serves as secretariat of the A10.39 standard, which establishes an internal method of measuring safety and health program compliance.

A10.39 Subgroup Chairman Stanley Pulz, CSP, P.E., and ASSE member, said, " Some of the larger construction companies are already performing safety audits and measurement, but more construction companies, especially small and medium-sized, should consider implementing the safety audit guidelines and requirements provided in the current A10.39 standard. The standard addresses more than just recordkeeping compliance, as it provides a comprehensive approach to auditing responsibilities, administration, performance and training."

This auditing standard coincides with the A10.33-1998 (R2004) Safety and Health Program Requirements for Multi-Employer Projects , which provides guidelines for the basic duties of senior contractors and project supervisors in providing a safe construction workplace. The standard covers senior supervisor responsibilities, corrective actions and presence at a construction project, as well as site safety and health requirements, disciplinary procedures, construction process plans, training and pre-work plans.

ASSE serves as secretariat of the A10 Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) on Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations, which develops and revises over 40 active standards and projects to protect workers and the public. To purchase a copy of the A10.39 or A10.33 standards contact ASSE Customer Service at 847-699-2929 or visit www.asse.org.

Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its 30,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor and education.

SOURCE: ANSI