[TowerTalk] Pad and Pier Foundations

[Jim Lux]

At 02:42 AM 7/12/2005, Bob Smith wrote:

>Also as to the OSHA rules, I don't think a small company digging
>a hole falls under OSHA regs, don't you have to have at least 10-15
>employees before OSHA 'raises it's ugly head?


OSHA's not the only regulatory agency you have to worry about.  If you're a 
small company, you probably also have to worry about your insurance company 
(worker's comp and liability, both). Of course, as a small contractor, one 
could "go bare", but that might mean an unpleasant surprise for the 
homeowner who hires you when something goes wrong.

In California, in the last couple years, there have been some widely 
reported cave -in and confined spaces deaths, so there's also that 
regulatory aspect.

Whether OSHA requires it or not, you still have an obligation to work 
safely, and provide a safe work environment for your employees.  OSHA just 
codifies "what is safe" and provides a more consistent regulatory structure 
around it, as well as inspections, etc.