Calling the OSHA 1-800 # is like calling the IRS for tax advise. Make 10 phone calls and you'll get 10 different answers to a question.
Those saying that OSHA has zero jurisdiction will find out different when someone gets killed, I can assure you.
Another aspect of this whole discussion would center NOT around rather you fall under OSHA's jurisdiction, but what is the Safety policy of the General Contractor and/or Customer you are working for?
Many times for me, rather welding or inspecting, my job sites have been under much higher safety procedures than even OSHA standards set because of the written safety policy of the General Contractor. And with some of these guys you don't get many warnings before you are off the job.
I have OSHA Certs and many other safety classes, but on a first site visit I always spend some time asking the GC's rep about the on site safety procedures I will need to know and follow.
In AZ our SCF (state accident fund/workers comp) has a program that exceeds OSHA so they have the jurisdiction with very little OSHA activity. That doesn't mean they aren't around, you just may see someone else who you didn't KNOW was responsible for safety issues. They do regular safety classes for many different aspects of job safety as well as the OSHA 10 hr over a two day period. You can also go and take more specialized classes: fall protection, lift equipment, forklifts, etc.
Now, OSHA may be a royal pain and in some cases way out in left field but so much is worth following. Some parts will slow you down. But so much of it is common sense. Other parts just take getting used to instead of fighting with them. Gaurds on grinders. Most of the time they are not a problem. But so many people just throw them away right out of the box. Rebellious spirit, not teachable, whatever. I leave them on MOST of the time. But, there are times they are in the way. Just one example. After you work with it a while and stop fighting it, it works fine.
There will always be items to try to change. There will always be items some will disagree with while others see the benefit. But I for one don't like the attitude that looks for ways to just totally disregard and throw away safety regulations. That doesn't mean I think you need to follow every dictate as though it were absolute law. If I don't need something and don't fall under the classification that it effects, why do it? There must be common sense balance to an awful lot of government regulations. My employees and their safety are as important to me as my own life and safety. Why would I not do MOST of what is asked of me by these agencies? I also am not going to go broke trying to go to so many classes that I never have time to work. The larger the company the more they need FULL TIME Safety Officers/Personnel.
Oh well. Just my two tin pennies worth.
Have a Great Day, Brent
