The construction industry in the United States is one that seems to be a constant need. There is always something to build or fix. As long as there is growth in the business and residential sectors, as there has continued to be, there will be the need for construction. Between new buildings and new roads, the updating and reconstruction of old ones, and everything in between, the construction world has its work cut out for it.
What many people do not realize when they think of construction and the processes that must be undergone to get something done is how complex and involved those processes may be. Everyone has an opinion about how and when certain types of construction should take place, but not knowing all of the factors regarding how these jobs get done can obviously leave holes in the reasoning that leads to those opinions.
Understanding the preparation and safety of construction
OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is an entity that strives to provide the proper conditions for workers across the country. When it comes to construction, there are numerous regulations and standards that are set in place for the protection of the workers, particularly because the working conditions can be more hazardous than your typical office job. There is heavy equipment, sometimes uneven ground, and many other risks that can potentially contribute to an injury or even death if not handled properly. OSHA regulations stipulate that certain criteria must be met in order to deem a work site safe enough to work on.
When it comes to roads, bridges, and other ground work, there are sometimes a need for excavation and digging deep trenches. OSHA clearly outlines what these are. An excavation is a broad term for any man made cut or cavity in the dirt due to earth removal, and this includes trenches. A trench is a narrow excavation made underground, deeper than its own width, which is no wider than 15 feet. The safety regulations for those deeper than four feet include safe access and exit routes, including ramps, ladders, steps, or other means of escape. They must be placed within 25 feet of all of the workers.
Portable bridges for trenches and work sites
When a construction site alters the normal routes for cars or pedestrians, sometimes there is a need for a short term bridge. Portable bridges allow workers to install a bridge in minutes, and to provide regular access, or access with a slight detour. Not all construction companies own their own portable bridges, but temporary pedestrian bridge rentals are available for that purpose. Providing a clear and safe path to travel around or through the construction site, whether for passersby or the workers on the job, is a very important element of the overall job.
Recently, the public sector spent nearly $90 billion on highway construction. These types of projects, the construction projects on roads and highways, is projected to reach more than $99.4 billion by 2020. As people spend that money and wait to see the progress made, it is a good idea to have an idea of all the details that are important to these types of jobs and everything that goes on at a construction site.
