Comparison of Site Safety Policies of Construction Industry Trade Groups

Abstract

This paper compares the new ASCE policy on construction site safety with the policies held by the American Institute of Architects and the Associated General Contractors of America, and also with the standards and policies issued by the federal government with regard to the site safety roles ascribed to owners, architect/engineers, general contractors, and subcontractors. It is found that ASCE is unique in that it issues a separate policy on site safety policies and explicitly assigns some safety responsibilities to owners and to design professionals. It is also found that the safety policy documents issued by all three trade organizations assign primary responsibility for safety on the site to the general contractor, whereas the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards assign primary responsibility to the employers of the employees exposed to hazards.