NIOSH Comments to DOL on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Proposed Rule on Concrete and Masonry Construction Safety Standards; Lift Slab Construction

摘要

The testimony comments on OSHA's proposed rule modification concerning protection for workers in the construction industry. NIOSH suggests that the term lift slab operations be replaced by the more general term of lift slab construction; that the term jacking equipment be replaced by the term lifting system; that the term qualified designer be replaced by the phrase professional engineer or architect. NIOSH also testified that it might be worthwhile to specify a minimum linear horizontal displacement in which the 1/2 inch vertical distortion of the slab may be allowed and suggested that OSHA examine evidence indicating that a safety factor level greater than 2.5 may adequately insure that workers remaining in the structure on lower floors would not be at increased risk. This last consideration would allow employers the option of continuing to allow other trades to work inside a structure under secured floors when lifting or casting is in progress on upper floors.