University of Texas at San Antonio Construction Safety Plan

Introduction

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Construction Safety Plan provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of all personnel, students, and visitors during construction activities on campus. This plan is designed to meet all regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of safety that integrates with the university's academic mission and property management objectives.

Purpose

The purpose of this Construction Safety Plan is to:

• Establish standardized construction safety protocols across UTSA campuses
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations
• Protect personnel, students, visitors, and university property during construction activities
• Provide guidance for contractors, subcontractors, and university personnel involved in construction projects
• Minimize disruption to university operations during construction

Scope

This plan applies to all construction, renovation, and maintenance activities conducted on UTSA property, including but not limited to:

• New building construction
• Building renovations and modifications
• Infrastructure projects
• Landscaping and exterior improvements
• Utility installations and repairs
• Maintenance activities that require construction protocols

Responsibilities

University Administration

UTSA administration is responsible for:

• Approving the Construction Safety Plan and its regular updates
• Allocating resources necessary for implementation of safety protocols
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Supporting a campus culture that prioritizes safety in all construction activities

Facilities Operations

Facilities Operations personnel are responsible for:

• Implementing and enforcing the Construction Safety Plan
• Conducting regular safety inspections of construction sites
• Reviewing contractor safety plans before project commencement
• Providing safety resources to construction teams
• Investigating and documenting all construction-related incidents

Contractors and Subcontractors

All contractors and subcontractors working on UTSA property are responsible for:

• Developing project-specific safety plans that complement this plan
• Providing appropriate safety training for all workers
• Maintaining required safety certifications
• Reporting all incidents, accidents, and near-misses
• Correcting identified safety hazards immediately

General Safety Requirements

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel in construction areas must wear appropriate PPE, including:

• Safety glasses or goggles with side shields
• Hard hats (approved ANSI Z89.1)
• High-visibility vests or shirts
• Sturdy footwear with slip-resistant soles
• Hearing protection when noise levels exceed 85 decibels
• Respiratory protection when required
• Fall protection equipment when working at heights

Hazard Communication

All construction sites must maintain a Hazardous Communication Program that includes:

• Complete and current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials
• Proper labeling of all chemical containers
• Training for all personnel handling hazardous materials
• Spill response procedures
• Proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials

Site-Specific Safety Protocols

Traffic Management

Construction sites must implement comprehensive traffic management plans that:

• Maintain safe pedestrian pathways around construction areas
• Separate vehicle and pedestrian traffic whenever possible
• Provide appropriate signage and traffic control devices
• Ensure emergency vehicle access is maintained at all times
• Coordinate with Campus Safety for special events

Dust and Noise Control

Contracts must implement measures to minimize dust and noise, including:

• Using water suppression or dust collection systems
• Sealing ventilation ducts in occupied areas
• Scheduling noisy operations during non-peak hours
• Posting appropriate signage when noise levels may impact learning areas
• Using sound barriers where feasible

Excavation and Trenching

All excavation and trenching work must follow OSHA standards and include:

Proper protective systems (sloping, shoring, or shielding)

Daily inspections by a competent person

Adequate means of exit (ladders, ramps, or stairs)

Proper barricading and signage

Utility locates before excavation begins

Prevention of surface water accumulation

Scaffolding

All scaffolding must be erected, altered, and dismantled by competent personnel and include:

• Proper footing and support
• Guardrails on all open sides and ends
• Safe access to all working levels
• Regular inspections by a competent person
• Adequate load rating signage

Training Requirements

All construction personnel must complete the following training before beginning work:

Training Topic	Required Personnel	Frequency	Provider
Construction Safety Orientation	All construction personnel	Annually	Contractor
Personal Protective Equipment	All construction personnel	Annually	Contractor
Hazard Communication	Personnel handling chemicals	Annually	Contractor
Fall Protection	Personnel working at heights	Annually	Contractor
Excavation Safety	Excavation personnel and competent persons	Annually	Contractor
Lockout/Tagout	Personnel servicing equipment	Annually	Contractor
Electrical Safety	Electrical personnel	Every 3 years	Contractor
First Aid/CPR	Designated emergency responders	Every 2 years	Contractor

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Each construction site must develop an Emergency Action Plan that includes:

• Emergency contact information posting in visible locations
• Evacuation routes and assembly points
• Procedures for fires, medical emergencies, and severe weather
• Location and maintenance of emergency equipment
• Communication protocols during emergencies
• Integration with UTSA's campus emergency procedures

Fire Prevention and Protection

All construction sites must maintain appropriate fire prevention measures including:

• Proper storage of flammable and combustible materials
• Adequate fire extinguishers with the appropriate rating
• Hot work permit procedures
• Fire watches during and after hot work operations
• Maintenance of fire alarm and detection systems
• Clear access to fire hydrants and firefighting equipment

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, injuries, illnesses, and near-misses must be reported immediately to the project manager and UTSA Facilities Operations. The reporting procedure must include:

• Immediate notification of the incident to supervisors
• Initial incident report submitted within 24 hours
• Comprehensive investigation to determine root causes
• Implementation of corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Documentation of lessons learned and sharing with relevant parties

Inspections and Audits

Regular safety inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with this plan:

• Daily site inspections by contractor's competent person
• Weekly safety inspections by university facilities personnel
• Monthly comprehensive safety audits
• Third-party safety audits as required

Documentation

All construction projects must maintain the following documentation:

• Project-specific safety plans
• Training records for all personnel
• Inspection and audit reports
• Incident reports and investigation findings
• Equipment certifications and maintenance records
• Permits and authorizations

Contractor Selection and Requirements

UTSA will only contract with construction firms that demonstrate a strong commitment to safety. Contractor selection criteria includes:

• EMR rating not exceeding 1.0
• Comprehensive written safety program
• Dedicated safety personnel
• Satisfactory safety record with OSHA and Texas Department of Insurance
• Demonstrated experience with similar projects

Continuous Improvement

UTSA is committed to continuous improvement of construction safety through:

• Annual review and update of this Construction Safety Plan
• Analysis of incident trends and implementation of preventive measures
• Employee and contractor feedback mechanisms
• Participation in industry safety organizations and best practice sharing
• Regular communication of safety performance metrics

Conclusion

Successful implementation of this Construction Safety Plan requires the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders involved in construction activities at UTSA. By prioritizing safety in every phase of construction, the university protects its most valuable assets its people while ensuring the successful completion of facilities that support its academic mission.