2/4/22, 9:44 PM OSHA Definitions: 100+ Workplace Safety Terms | 360training

100+ OSHA WORKPLACE SAFETY WORDS AND DEFINITIONS

To help you better understand the jargon and technical terms safety professionals use, we’ve put together this useful
glossary. You’ll find common workplace and OSHA safety terms, along with a short definition of each one. Don’t forget
to bookmark this page so that you can refer back to it. And feel free to share this glossary with anyone you think will
benefit from it!

TERM DEFINITION

1926 Subpart C 1926 Subpart C contains the basic elements and requirements of a safety and health program, including first aid, fire
protection, housekeeping at the site, illumination, sanitation and personal protective equipment. Subpart C also
includes the definitions of terms used in construction standards.

29 CFR 1910.120(e)(3) This article states that workers that are frequently exposed to non-toxic materials (exposures are under permissible
limits) need a minimum of 24 hours of safety instruction off-site, and a minimum of a one day on-site practical
observation.

A  

Accident Prevention An Accident Prevention Plan (APP) instructs employees how to respond in the case of common occupational hazards.
Plan (APP) It includes precautions that should be taken to reduce or eliminate these hazards.

Activity Hazard Analysis An AHA is technique that analyzes common job hazards before they occur. Specifically, AHAs focus on the
(AHA) relationship between the employee, the task, the tools and the work environment. The idea behind an Activity Hazard
Analysis is that once all potential hazards are identified that they can be avoided and eliminated.

Administrative Line of The group of administrative authorities who are responsible for smooth mining operations.
Authority

Air Monitoring Work environments can be contaminated by hazardous gases, vapors and particles in the air which can be dangerous
to breathe in. To prevent exposure, workers need to identify and measure the toxicity of the air around them with air
monitoring devices, systems and methods.

Alternate Entry Alternate entry procedures should be used when the only hazard in a confined space is an atmospheric hazard that is
being controlled with air ventilation. If those conditions change, a Confined Space Entry Permit is required.

Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure is common in the construction industry and can lead to asbestos-related diseases including
pleural plaques, asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Precautions should be taken to prevent the hazards of
asbestos exposure.

Asphyxiation Asphyxiation is the process of being deprived of oxygen that can lead to unconsciousness or death by suffocation.
Asphyxiation can be common in confined spaces that are not properly scoped and maintained.

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TERM DEFINITION

1926 Subpart C 1926 Subpart C contains the basic elements and requirements of a safety and health program, including first aid, fire
protection, housekeeping at the site, illumination, sanitation and personal protective equipment. Subpart C also
includes the definitions of terms used in construction standards.

29 CFR 1910.120(e)(3) This article states that workers that are frequently exposed to non-toxic materials (exposures are under permissible
limits) need a minimum of 24 hours of safety instruction off-site, and a minimum of a one day on-site practical
observation.

A  

Accident Prevention An Accident Prevention Plan (APP) instructs employees how to respond in the case of common occupational hazards.
Plan (APP) It includes precautions that should be taken to reduce or eliminate these hazards.

Activity Hazard Analysis An AHA is technique that analyzes common job hazards before they occur. Specifically, AHAs focus on the
(AHA) relationship between the employee, the task, the tools and the work environment. The idea behind an Activity Hazard
Analysis is that once all potential hazards are identified that they can be avoided and eliminated.

Administrative Line of The group of administrative authorities who are responsible for smooth mining operations.
Authority

Air Monitoring Work environments can be contaminated by hazardous gases, vapors and particles in the air which can be dangerous
to breathe in. To prevent exposure, workers need to identify and measure the toxicity of the air around them with air
monitoring devices, systems and methods.

Alternate Entry Alternate entry procedures should be used when the only hazard in a confined space is an atmospheric hazard that is
being controlled with air ventilation. If those conditions change, a Confined Space Entry Permit is required.

Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure is common in the construction industry and can lead to asbestos-related diseases including
pleural plaques, asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Precautions should be taken to prevent the hazards of
asbestos exposure.

Asphyxiation Asphyxiation is the process of being deprived of oxygen that can lead to unconsciousness or death by suffocation.
Asphyxiation can be common in confined spaces that are not properly scoped and maintained.

Atmospheric Monitoring Atmospheric testing and monitoring is required for both evaluation testing and verification testing. Evaluation testing
includes analyzing hazardous atmospheres that may exist, so that appropriate permit entry procedures can be
developed. Verification testing is the process of testing the residues of all contaminants identified by evaluation
testing.

B  

Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. Examples of
bloodborne pathogens include hepatitis and HIV.

C  

Chemical Exposure Employers and employees are required by OSHA to work together to identify and prevent exposure to hazardous
chemicals that can lead to health problems and physical hazards.

Chemical Hazards Chemical hazards are the negative side effects of chemicals that can cause long-term health issues. Chemical
hazards need to be appropriately labeled and handled.

Concrete & Masonry Masonry is made up of large units of bricks, stones or blocks which are bound together by mortar. Concrete on the
other hand is made of cement, aggregates and water, and is set into place without the use of large units. Personnel
that work with either masonry or concrete need to take an appropriate OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 training course

Confined Space Atmospheric hazards are dusts, chemical vapors, fogs and mists that can interfere with our body's ability to use
Atmospheric Hazards oxygen. Common atmospheric hazards are: oxygen deficiency, oxygen displacement, flammable atmospheres and
toxic gases.

Confined Space Permit Certain confined spaces require a permit. These spaces contain hazardous atmospheric conditions, materials that
System have the potential to engulf the entrant, walls that converge or taper into a small area, or contain unguarded
machinery, lives wires or heat stress.

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TERM DEFINITION

Confined Spaces Areas that have limited entry and exit points and are large enough for a person to enter and work, but are not safe to
work in for a long period of time. Confined spaces are considered dangerous and contain a variety of hazards.

Conveyors A conveyor is a person or system used to transport, carry or communicate items or information.

Corrosives Present in almost every workplace, corrosives are materials that can chemically destroy exposed body tissue and
other materials. Examples of corrosives are: hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, ammonium hydroxide and potassium
hydroxide.

Cranes A type of machine that is equipped with hoist ropes or chains that is used to both lift and lower heavy objects and
materials. Cranes can also be used to lift materials horizontally.

D  

Decontamination The process of removing and neutralizing contaminants that are present on employees and equipment.
Decontamination is an essential part of maintaining the health and safety of employees who work at hazardous waste
sites.

Derricks Similar to cranes, derricks are used to lift heavy materials and objects. Unlike cranes however, derricks are not
moveable and have a stationary foundation.

E  

Electrical Hazards A dangerous side-effect of an employees making contact with energized equipment or a conductor. Examples of
injuries a worker can receive from an electrical hazard are: arc flashes, thermal burns and blast injuries.

Electrocutions The term used to describe death or injury by electric shock. Electrocution is a common electricity-related hazard.

Elevators Also referred to as a hoist, an elevator is a temporary device used to lift passengers and construction materials up and
down the side of large scale construction projects. Construction elevators are commonly used on high-rise buildings
and major hospitals.

EM 385-1-1 Manual EM 385-1-1 requires that at least one Site Health and Safety Officer be formally trained in the guidelines listed in EM
385-1-1. The EM 385-1-1 manual outlines the information the Site Health and Safety Officer will need to master to
comply with the US Army Corps of Engineers Contractor Safety and Health Requirements.

Emergency Action Plans OSHA standards require that an emergency action plan (EAP) be put in place for certain worksites. An EAP should be
used as an instruction guide for employees to follow during workplace emergencies.

Emergency Spill When a hazardous substance spill is reported, employees and government agencies must respond and remove the
Response substance. Methods of emergency spill responses include: burning or treating hazardous substances, using chemicals
to stop the spread of the hazard, and removing the hazardous materials from soil.

Entry Permits Because confined spaces can be dangerous and come with a variety of hazards, entry permits are often required
before workers can enter the space. Entry permits ensure the area is safe for human contact and confirm that the air
is the only hazard present after atmospheric testing is completed.

Environmental Hazards A hazard, substance, state or event that can (even potentially) threaten the natural environment, or negatively affect
people's health. Environmental hazards can be categorized into four types: chemical, physical, biological and
psychosocial.

Ergonomics The study of worker and employee efficiency.

Excavation Work that includes the removal of soil or rock from a worksite using tools, machinery or explosives. Excavation work
results in an open face, hole or cavity that can be used to lay pipe or create trenches.

F  

Fall Protection Falling is the most common cause of work-related injuries and deaths, so OSHA enforces fall protection methods on
all worksites. Examples of OSHA-approved protection methods are: adding railing, toe-board or floor hole covers,
utilizing harnesses and implementing safety nets.

Fire Prevention Plans Documentation and plans that are used to prevent fires. Fire Prevention Plans (FPP) should describe fire fuel sources,
and explain building systems like fire extinguishers and alarms that should be in place to prevent and control fires.

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TERM DEFINITION

Fire Protection Typically including fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems, fire protection methods and equipment are
installed to protect people and buildings should a fire occur.

First Aid/CPR Types of help administered to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available. While First Aid can be
used to heal a wide variety of injuries, CPR is used when a person is struggling to breathe or their heart is not beating.

Flammable & Can easily be ignited in the air at ambient temperatures. Flammable and combustible liquids can easily burn and
Combustible Liquids they're classified based on their flashpoint, or the temperature they can be ignited at.

G  

GHS Hazard Provides easy-to-understand information on the safe handling of hazardous equipment. The Hazard Communication
Communication Standard is comprised of four main parts: Hazard Classification, Labels, Safety Data Sheets, and Training.
Standards

H  

Hand and Power Tools While hand tools are powered manually, power tools are powered by electricity, batteries or are pneumatic-powered.
Both classifications of tools require safety training, personal safety equipment, guards and safety switches.

Hazard Determination The process of evaluating a chemical against scientific evidence to determine if a chemical should be classified as
hazardous. This process identifies both physical and health hazards.

Hazardous Waste The cleaning up of hazardous materials at uncontrolled waste sites. All employers must have a Hazardous Waste
Operations Operations plan in place to identify, evaluate and control safety and health hazards.

HAZWOPER Stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. HAZWOPER is a set of guidelines written by
OSHA to regulate hazardous waste operations and to help protect employees from hazards. Any employee that is
exposed or could be exposed to hazardous materials is covered under the HAZWOPER standard.

Hoists A device used to lift and lower a load. Hoists work by using ropes and chains that wrap around drums or lift-wheels;
can be manually, electrically or pneumatically operated.

I  

Industrial Hygiene Also known as Occupational Hygiene, Industrial Hygiene is the practice of controlling and protecting employees from
health and safety hazards that can cause injury or illness.

J  

K  

L  

Lead exposure Occurs when the body is exposed to higher-than-normal amounts of lead. Lead exposure can cause lead poisoning,
developmental delays, abdominal pain, and even death. Lead exposure typically occurs at construction sites involving
older buildings, or in those who work in welding.

Lockout/Tagout A safety procedure that ensures equipment and heavy-machinery are properly shut off and are unable to turn back on
before the required repairs and maintenance have been completed.

M  

Machine Guarding A machinery safety feature that uses a shield or device to cover the dangerous, moving parts of the machine. Machine
guarding is used to control hazards like flying sparks and wood chips from leaving the machine area.

Medical Surveillance This program is initiated when a worker is exposed to an occupational hazard that could have health-related side
Program effects. A Medical Surveillance Program is used to monitor the individual for adverse health effects after their hazard
exposure.

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TERM DEFINITION

Mine Safety and Health The government agency that administers the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
Administration (MSHA) Specifically, they enforce compliance with the mandatory safety and health standards to prevent and eliminate injuries
and deaths.

Mine Safety Rules The standards and regulations used to prevent injuries and deaths of mine workers in the United States. These
regulations are mandated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and include safety topics like
personal protective equipment, permit-required confined spaces and atmospheric conditions.

Mining Equipment There is a wide-variety of equipment used in mining operations, some of the equipment is stationary, while other
(Mobile and Stationary) equipment is mobile. Examples of mining equipment include: backhoes, cone crushers, scrapers and screw
conveyors.

MSHA - CFR 30 This volume contains the rules and regulations issued by MSHA that cover safe mining operations. These guidelines
include safety training procedures and mine rescue arrangements.

MSHA Part 46 This MSHA volume covers safety training that is specific to miners engaged in shell dredging, or those working in
sand, gravel, surface stone, surface clay and surface limestone mines.

MSHA 5000-23 Form Used by mine operators to record their employee's Part 48 Training compliance, Form 5000-23 is also known as a
Certificate of Training and is required by 30 CFR Part 48.9 and 48.39. Form 5000-23 should be readily available for
viewing by MSHA, and each employee should get a copy of their certificate.

N  

O  

OSHA Also known as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor, OSHA
works to create safe and healthy working conditions. OSHA sets and enforces safe working standards by offering
training, outreach and education.

OSHA Act A US labor law that governs occupational health and safety standards in both the public and private sectors. This law
was passed in 1970, after growing awareness of workplace safety issues reached its peak.

OSHA Inspection Because OSHA manages over 7 million worksites, their inspectors address the most hazardous workplaces first, by
Priorities following this list of priorities: imminent danger situations, severe injuries and illnesses, worker complaints, referrals,
targeted inspections and follow-up inspections.

OSHA Inspection OSHA employees inspect workplaces based on prioritization. OSHA inspections follow a strict series of steps
Processes including: preparation, presentation of credentials, opening conference, the walkaround and the closing conference.

Outreach Training An OSHA program that provides basic and advanced training for all types of health and safety hazards employees
Programs face in the workplace.

Overhead Protection An OSHA-required safety feature for the construction industry; protects workers and pedestrians from falling tools and
equipment.

Oxidizers A chemical or material that can oxidize other substances. Oxidation occurs when electrons are passed from the
substance to the oxidizer. Common oxidizers are oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and halogens.

P  

Permissible Exposure The legal limit for a worker's exposure to a chemical, safety or physical hazards. Each hazard has its own set of
Limits permissible exposure limits.

Personal Protective Clothing and equipment that protects a worker from job-related hazards. Examples of PPE are: helmets, goggles and
Equipment (PPE) masks.

Pictograms Used in hazard communication, pictograms are symbols used to represent specific hazards. Pictograms are drawn as
symbols on white backgrounds with red borders.

Q  

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TERM DEFINITION

R  

Radiation Electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles that are emitted as energy. There are many types of radiation, and not
all of them are dangerous.

Respiratory Equipment Tools and equipment used to help workers breathe in hazardous conditions.

Rigging Equipment Devices and equipment that are used to safely lift and move large objects. Types of rigging equipment include: wire
rope slings, polyester webbing slings, chain slings and spreader beams.

Rollover Protective Also known as ROPs, Rollover Protective Structures are a type of equipment that is used to protect drivers, operators
Structures and motorists from vehicle rollovers. Tractors, UTVs and earth-moving machinery all boast ROPs.

S  

Safety and Health Employers are encouraged by OSHA to establish a safety and health program for their employees. The program
Programs should encompass management commitment and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and
control, and safety and health training.

Sanitation at Temporary OSHA requires that employers setup adequate and readily available sanitation stations for both stationary and
Workplaces temporary workplaces. Requirements for the stations include: a regular cleaning schedule, potable water and private
areas (like bathroom stalls).

Scaffolding Usually composed of metal poles and wooden floor boards, scaffolding allows construction workers to work on the
outside of building, even at great heights. Scaffolding can be used for building, repairing and cleaning buildings.

Silica Exposure When quartz is cut or drilled, the dust that's produced contains silica. When silica dust is inhaled it can lead to lung
disease and lung cancer. To avoid silica exposure, workers should wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Site Characterization A site characterization exercise involves an exploration and understanding of the geologic, hydrologic and engineering
properties at a work site. Soil, groundwater, tunnels and other structures will all be analyzed for the site
characterization report.

Site Safety Health A person responsible for worksite safety and workplace inspections and audits. SSHOs are found in both construction
Official (SSHO) and general industries.

Solvents A liquid or gas (often a chemical) that can dissolve another substance. Common solvents are water, ethanol, toluene,
chloroform and acetone.

Stairways & Ladders As major sources of injuries, stairways and ladders are highly-regulated by OSHA. OSHA standards apply to
stairways and ladders that are used in construction, alteration, repair, painting, decorating and demolition.

Statutory Miners Rights Miners have rights guaranteed by the 1977 Mine Act; these rights are intended to be responsibly used to promote the
safety and health of all mine workers. Specific rights included in the 1997 Mine Act are: the right to file a safety
complaint, the right to leave the mine if you don't have the necessary safety training, and the right to refuse to work in
unsafe conditions.

Subpart AA of 29 CFR This OSHA subpart protects construction workers from confined space hazards that are not covered in Subpart P -
1926 Excavations.

T  

Toxicology The scientific study of the adverse side effects of chemical exposure. Toxicology also includes exposure diagnostics
and treatments.

U  

U.S Army Corps of An agency of the US Department of Defense; composed of both civil and military personnel that specialize in
Engineers Contractor engineering, design and construction management.
Safety and Health
Requirements (USACE)

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