Final answer:
Construction work is defined under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 2006 as any work involving building, civil engineering, or engineering construction. This includes tasks from alterations to demolition. The regulations are part of a broader effort to ensure worker safety, which is overseen by OSHA, involving informed safety practices and required protective equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Defining Construction Work Under Health and Safety Regulations
Construction work is defined by the standards and regulations set out to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of individuals involved in construction projects. Under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 2006, construction work involves any building, civil engineering, or engineering construction work and includes tasks such as alterations, repairs, upkeep, painting, decorating, demolition, and dismantling. This regulation is preceded by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), which mandates protection for workers from health and safety hazards on the job. Employers are responsible for informing workers about potential hazards and providing necessary safety equipment, including guardrails, fall protection, and personal protective gear.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces health and safety standards to safeguard workers against a wide array of hazards. These measures include chemical hazards limits, requirements for personal protective equipment, and training in safety practices for employees, especially in language and terms that they can understand. Through regulatory enforcement, OSHA's Compliance Safety and Health Officers conduct site inspections and impose penalties for violations of these regulations, with inspections being particularly stringent in high-risk industries such as construction.