Remodeling contractors should understand the following terms as used in OSHA regulations:

Competent person means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

Defect means any characteristic or condition that tends to weaken or reduce the strength of the tool, object or structure of which it is a part.

Employee means every laborer or mechanic regardless of the contractual relationship that may be alleged to exist between the laborer and mechanic and the contractor or subcontractor who engaged him. Laborer generally means one who performs manual labor or who labors at an occupation requiring physical strength; mechanic generally means a worker skilled with tools.

Hazardous substance means a substance that, by reason of being explosive, flammable, poisonous, corrosive, oxidizing, irritating or otherwise harmful, is likely to cause death or injury.

Fact: The risk of workplace injury to one of your employees is significantly increased on Mondays between the hours of 8:01 a.m. and noon.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor

The Associated General Contractors of America's 482-page Manual of Accident Prevention in Construction, which helps contractors prevent jobsite accidents with advice on fall protection, lead exposure, scaffolding and more. Cost is $150. To order, call 800/242-1767 or visit www.agc.org.