Abstract

Many SHE professionals are involved with specifying, reviewing, and/or developing construction site safety plans. Site safety plans can be a challenge to both the owner and the construction SHE professional. These plans identify and evaluate jobsite hazards and risks so that programs can be developed that address responsible parties, PPE/respiratory protection, sampling/methodologies, exposure assessments, medical surveillance and training to name a few. Construction projects also address environmental issues through the development of an Environmental Protection Plan (EPP). The SHE professional may or may not have involvement with the development or oversight of the EPP. However, there are many components of an EPP that will have significant impact on the scope of the site safety plan and the responsibilities of the construction SHE professional. This article discusses the basic components of an EPP and its impact on the site safety plan and SHE responsibilities.

The EPP may identify known or potential environmental issues that impact the site safety plan. The presence of asbestos or lead paint on a site may initiate the need for awareness training, restricted work practices, and hazard communication responsibilities for various trades not directly involved with the abatement of these materials. Identification of Anhydrous Ammonia in a cooling system may affect emergency response and evacuation procedures of a site safety plan. Chemical spills may trigger environmental regulations that require immediate reporting to state, local, and federal agencies. Failure to properly notify can result in fines and possible criminal violations. Lessons learned/best practices will be presented on solving typical problems/conflicts between the EPP and site safety plan.

Introduction

Many SHE professionals are involved with specifying, reviewing, and/or developing construction site safety plans. Site safety plans can be a challenge to both the owner and the construction SHE professional. These plans identify and evaluate jobsite hazards and risks so that programs can be developed that address responsible parties, PPE/respiratory protection, sampling/methodologies, exposure assessments, medical surveillance and training to name a few. Construction projects also address environmental issues through the development of an Environmental Protection Plan (EPP). The SHE professional may or may not have involvement with the development or oversight of the EPP. However, there are many components of an EPP that will have significant impact on the scope of the site safety plan and the responsibilities of the construction SHE professional.

Management of environmental concerns on construction sites is typically a low priority issue unless there is a clear environmental impact such as asbestos, lead-paint, contaminated soils, or superfund related issues. Even these larger environmental issues are overlooked on many construction sites. However in today's world environmental issues and the liabilities they possess are becoming a significant financial burden to owners and construction companies. Depending on the regulation, a violation can result in a civil penalty up to $27,500 and criminal penalties up to $250,000 and 15 years in prison.

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