Multi-Employer Worksites
Most construction sites have many companies working side by side. OSHA’s multi-employer citation policy explains how more than one employer can be responsible for the same hazard.
- Construction
- General Industry
The four employer roles
| Role | Who it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Creating | The employer that caused the hazard | An HVAC sub cuts a hole in the deck and leaves it uncovered |
| Exposing | An employer whose workers are exposed to the hazard | The electrical sub whose crew works near the open hole |
| Correcting | The employer responsible for fixing the hazard | A carpentry sub hired to install and maintain hole covers and guardrails |
| Controlling | The employer with general supervisory authority over the site | The general contractor or construction manager |
An employer can have more than one role. Each one can be cited if it did not take reasonable steps for its role.
What it means for you
- Follow the site rules of the general contractor as well as your own employer’s rules.
- Report hazards created by other trades to your supervisor and the GC; don’t assume someone else will.
- If another crew’s hazard puts you at risk, your employer must protect you (for example, by moving you or asking the GC to fix it).
- Don’t remove or move another trade’s guardrails, covers or barricades. If you must, replace them right away and tell the controlling employer.
Note: Coordination is key on multi-employer sites: daily foremen meetings, shared JHAs and a site-wide way of reporting hazards.
Standards & references
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