Federal Construction Safety Requirements: Complete Guide 2025
Guide to safety requirements for federal construction contractors. Learn OSHA standards, EM 385-1-1 compliance, safety plans, and how to maintain safe jobsites on government projects.
Safety on Federal Construction Projects
Federal construction contractors must comply with OSHA standards plus additional requirements like EM 385-1-1 (USACE/NAVFAC projects). Safety violations can result in contract termination, debarment, and criminal penalties. A strong safety program is both a compliance requirement and competitive differentiator.
OSHA Construction Standards
All federal construction contractors must comply with OSHA construction standards (29 CFR 1926), which cover general safety and health provisions for construction sites.
Key OSHA Construction Standards
Subpart C: General Safety
- • PPE requirements
- • First aid and medical
- • Fire protection
- • Housekeeping
Subpart M: Fall Protection
- • 6-foot trigger height
- • Guardrails, nets, harnesses
- • Leading edge work
- • Hole covers
Subpart P: Excavations
- • Competent person
- • Sloping and shoring
- • Trench boxes
- • Soil classification
Subpart L: Scaffolding
- • Capacity requirements
- • Guardrails
- • Access provisions
- • Inspection requirements
EM 385-1-1 Requirements
EM 385-1-1 is the Safety and Health Requirements Manual used by USACE, NAVFAC, and other DOD agencies. It goes beyond OSHA in many areas.
Key EM 385-1-1 Requirements
Comprehensive site safety plan required before work begins
Detailed hazard analysis for each work activity
Qualified safety professional required on site
Required for specific activities (excavation, scaffolding, etc.)
Required for supervisors and safety personnel
Check Contract Requirements
Not all federal construction contracts require EM 385-1-1. Check your specific contract for applicable safety requirements. Many DOD contracts incorporate it by reference, while civilian agency contracts may have different standards.
Safety Plan Requirements
Accident Prevention Plan (APP) Contents
- →Company safety policy and goals
- →Responsibilities (management, SSHO, employees)
- →Training requirements and documentation
- →Hazard communication program
- →Personal protective equipment program
- →Emergency response procedures
- →Incident reporting and investigation
- →Activity Hazard Analyses
Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA)
An AHA breaks down each work activity to identify hazards and controls before work begins.
| Work Activity | Hazards | Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation | Cave-in, falling materials | Shoring, protective systems, competent person |
| Steel erection | Falls, struck-by | Fall protection, hard hats, tag lines |
Key Safety Requirements
Training Requirements
- →OSHA 30-hour for supervisors
- →OSHA 10-hour for workers
- →Competent person training
- →Equipment-specific certification
- →First aid/CPR
Documentation
- →Training records
- →Inspection logs
- →Safety meeting minutes
- →Incident reports
- →Equipment certifications
Enforcement & Penalties
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Government can halt work until violations are corrected
Fines up to $156,259 per willful violation
Serious or repeated violations can result in termination for default
Exclusion from future federal contracts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a competent person?
A competent person is someone who can identify existing and predictable hazards and has authorization to take corrective measures. Required for excavations, scaffolding, fall protection, and other hazardous activities.
When is an SSHO required?
EM 385-1-1 contracts typically require a Site Safety and Health Officer when specific hazards are present or contract value exceeds thresholds. Check your specific contract requirements for SSHO qualifications and presence requirements.
How do I report safety incidents?
OSHA requires reporting fatalities within 8 hours and hospitalizations within 24 hours. Federal contracts typically have additional reporting requirements to the Contracting Officer. Check your contract for specific requirements.
Find Construction Contracts
Ready to bid on federal construction? BidFinds helps you find contracts matched to your capabilities and safety program.
Related Articles
Ready to Find Your Next Contract?
Get instant access to thousands of government construction bids with our AI-powered platform.
Get Started