What is a common hazard addressed by the OSHA standards in construction?

Falls from heights are one of the most significant and common hazards addressed by OSHA standards in the construction industry due to the high risk of severe injuries and fatalities associated with them. OSHA has established specific regulations and guidelines aimed at preventing falls, which include the requirement for fall protection measures when workers are at elevations of six feet in the construction industry.

These standards mandate the use of guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems to protect workers working from scaffolds, roofs, and other elevated surfaces. The emphasis on fall protection is due to the alarming statistics related to fall incidents, which often lead to serious consequences, making it a critical focus of safety training and regulatory compliance within construction sites.

Other hazards, such as lifting heavy objects, noise exposure, and working long hours, are certainly important and have their own OSHA regulations, but the urgency surrounding fall hazards has led to more robust and specific standards and training programs focused on preventing falls, making it the correct answer in this context.