In the realm of construction safety, Washington State sets the bar high with stringent regulations aimed at preserving the well-being of workers. One such crucial regulation is WAC 296-155-020, which requires secure footing on walkways and requires the removal of debris and accumulations of material on a job site.
Understanding WAC 296-155-020: Upholding Cleanliness and Safety
WAC 296-155-020 outlines key directives, including:
- You must keep all places of employment clean to the extent that the nature of the work allows.
- To facilitate cleaning, you must keep every floor, working surface, and passageway free from protruding nails, splinters, loose boards or openings.
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- In areas where workers may pass or perform duties, you must remove all debris and accumulations of material. You must cover hoses and electrical conductors across aisles or passageways or suspend them overhead so that there is no tripping hazard.
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- Storage of material must not create a hazard. You must store bags, containers, bundles, construction materials and other equipment in tiers, stacked, blocked or interlocked. They must be limited in height so that they are stable and secure against falling, sliding, or collapse.
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- You must keep working and storage areas free from accumulation of materials that pose hazards of tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage. You must exercise vegetation control.
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- During the course of construction, alteration, repair or demolition of buildings and structures, you must ensure continuous clean-up of your work area, including removal of all rubble, scrap, boxes, crates and excess material to trash disposal areas.
- You must provide containers for the collection and separation of waste, trash, oily or used rags, and other refuse. . . .
- You must maintain all floors and walkways in good condition. You must repair or replace loose or broken components. You must ensure secure footing on all floors and walkways.
Read more about WAC 296-155-020
Safety Beyond Compliance: A Commitment to Workers
WAC 296-155-020 is not just a legal mandate; it’s a commitment to the safety of construction workers. It addresses various aspects of housekeeping, ensuring that work areas are free from tripping hazards, fire risks, and potential pest harborage.
GLP Attorneys: Advocates for Construction Worker Safety
If you’ve experienced an injury on a construction project due to a failure in maintaining a clean and safe job site, GLP Attorneys is here to support you. Our construction injury attorneys specialize in holding responsible companies accountable for neglecting safety measures outlined in regulations like WAC 296-155-020. Give one of our construction injury attorneys a call to discuss the facts of your case at 800-273-5005 or fill out our contact form here.