The agency detailed 12 inspectors to conduct 96 safety inspections at 46 construction sites throughout the city from June 23 to July 3. Citations were issued to 60 contractors for 129 violations with a total of $247,400 in proposed fines during the period.
"What's particularly disturbing is that this employer--who has been cited for fall protection violations in the past--allowed these hazards to continue even in the midst of an ongoing OSHA inspection," said Robert Kowalski, OSHA's area director in Bridgeport, Conn.
The long-awaited new OSHA rule governing use of cranes and derricks has been published in today's Federal Register. Comments and hearing requests are due by Dec. 8, 2008. The rule is a complete revision of Section 1926.550 of Subpart N of 29 CFR part 1926, the construction standards; Subpart N is one of the originally adopted OSHA regulations.
OSHA recently awarded $6.7 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants to 36 recipients encompassing labor unions, community colleges, and other nonprofit organizations for safety and health training and educational programs.
Proper equipment and PPE are critical for safe operation of a chain saw, a potentially dangerous tool that is tougher to handle than it appears. The most important components of a chain saw user’s PPE ensemble may be his eye and face protection, although protective gloves and footwear are included.
A senior building maintenance employee was working on a building that was undergoing renovations. The job included the installation of an emergency exit light above a doorway. The maintenance employee was positioned on a 10-foot fiberglass stepladder. As he was rechecking the 110-volt electrical wiring using a multi-meter tester, he experienced a strong electrical shock sensation. He was reaching above and behind the light at the time and fell approximately 8 feet to the floor. He sustained a fractured left heel, as well as a compression fracture of his lower back. This employee was hospitalized, according to the OSHA accident report.
NCCCO said the new offering follows the intent of OSHA's imminent cranes and derricks standard and will try "to close the loop" in crane operations.
The standard is intended to serve as a guide for window cleaners, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, architects, consultants, designers, and building owners.
ASSE has launched its 7th annual kids' "Safety-on-the-Job" poster contest, which is open to ASSE members' children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and will have a Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2009, deadline.
“Serious injuries can occur while performing tasks commonly associated with fire sprinkler installation. It is our goal to provide useful information and resources to protect the safety and health of these employees,” said OSHA chief Edwin Foulke Jr.
The agency posted 14 letters of interpretation last Friday on topics ranging from HazCom to emergency eyewash, safe sharps, and construction safety training.
A panel of OSHA and contractor representatives outlined the criteria and documentation needed in the selection of a tower crane versus a mobile crane or other equipment and reviewed and discussed the hazards associated with the different tower crane types.
The award is the highest honor bestowed on an individual safety professional by the NSC in recognition of outstanding service to the field of safety and health.
The crystalline silica dust released during tuckpointing operations is very hard to control. The dust may be carried throughout the workplace. When workers use compressed air to clean their clothes, tools, and equipment, even more dust is added to the air.
"If we can provide these employers and their employees with the knowledge and ability to anticipate, identify, and eliminate work-related hazards, we will get that much closer to eliminating job-related injuries," said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA's area director in Columbus.
"We want people to be aware that whenever they see a fork lift truck--whether it's at work or in their local garden centre or DIY store--they need to be careful, they need to keep clear, and they must certainly never assume the operator has seen them," said FLTA Chief Executive David Ellison.
Falls resulted in 10 deaths in 2007 and accounted for the largest percentage of workers--about 26 percent--who lost their lives on the job. This includes falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolding.
Contractors say the proposal, which OSHA issued to clarify that certain respiratory and training standards apply on a per-employee basis, is a threat. And the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's comments predict a court will strike it down.
The bracket-safety rail system adjusts to seven roof pitches and can be used on flat roofs and working surfaces, the NORA Construction Sector co-chairs report.