Construction Safety


Alaska Labor Commissioner: Focus on Crane Safety

It is critical for employers to ensure employees assisting with the lift are properly trained--including signaling, load limits, and rigging techniques--and are aware of the hazards of operating a crane.

A Call for Leadership

With springtime comes the surge of construction activity—an exciting time, and possibly a dangerous time, too. Lots of new sites begin work as soon as the severe weather breaks. New crews, different trades, and subcontractors work in close proximity with seasoned workers, temporary employees, and even interns.Multicultural and -lingual sites are common.In such settings, how do you know who is at risk for injury?

Unsafe Crane Conditions Result in $159,000 in Fines for Rebar Firm

An investigation of the Philadelphia facility resulted in three willful and 51 serious violations.

ASSE to Host Webinar on New Construction Safety Standard

A10 Committee members will lead the discussion and answer questions during the event, designed to introduce components of the new standard and how it can be implemented in construction and demolition operations. Last week, NAHB President Sandy Dunn said the standard, in it present form, "will be useless for the construction industry."

Defective Cranes, Scaffolds Part of $78,100 Fine for Mississippi Manufacturer

Inspectors found serious safety violations with employees operating cranes with broken, missing, and leaking parts, and the agency determined that monthly safety inspections were not being performed.

Tower Erectors' Group Unhappy with Dateline Depiction

"What caught my eye was just the unprofessionalism of the climbers," the group's executive director says.

Iowa Enforcing Higher Work Zone Speeding Fines

A state worker who had been hit four times by moving vehicles testified to Iowa legislators earlier this year about why the bill was needed.



NAHB Accuses ASSE of Subverting ANSI Process

"In effect, ASSE has created its own version of consensus and has adopted an unworkable program, despite strong objection from the construction industry," said NAHB President Sandy Dunn.

ASSE Suggests Changes to Proposed Confined Space Standard

ASSE member Gary Lopez, CSP, testified that the proposed rule showed "lack of full appreciation of the on-the-job realities ASSE's members face every day as they strive to help workers protect themselves when entering confined spaces."

Labor Department Funds Additional YouthBuild Projects

YouthBuild is an alternative education program that offers young people training and practical experience for construction industry careers. The program draws participants through employment in home construction and rehabilitation projects in their communities.

Four Victims Identified from Crane Collapse at Houston Refinery

A large crane fell onto a smaller one Friday at the LyondellBasell Houston Refining facility. OSHA began its investigation this morning as the crane's owner identified four employees who died as a result.

NYC Mayor Announces Changes to Strengthen Construction, Demolition Safety

The changes are outlined in a report, "Strengthening the Safety, Oversight and Coordination of Construction, Demolition and Abatement Operations," that was presented to the mayor by a working group.

Last Appeal Against Construction Ergonomics Standard Denied

The ANSI Appeals Board Panel dismissed the appeal from the Construction Industry Employer Coalition, according to ASSE, the standard's secretariat.

NORA Conference to Highlight Workplace Safety 'Ideas, Partnerships'

The July 29 event in Denver will survey accomplishments under the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), which entered its second decade in 2006.

Connecticut Contractor Faces $140,000 in Fines for Electrocution, Fall Hazards

Seven repeat offenses for similar fall hazard violations in 2006 and 2007 alone resulted in $100,000 in proposed penalties.

New Developments Boost Work Zone Safety

An ANSI standard may be finalized by the end of this year, Connecticut's new penalties for drivers who injure workers take effect Oct. 1, and the Subpart K federal rule will take effect Dec. 1.

New ASTM Group Works on Safe Handling of Annealed Glass Standard

The task group will focus on practical personal protective equipment for employees as well as standardizing levels of protection for various tasks in handling annealed glass.

Minneapolis' New I-35 Bridge Nearly Completed, DOT Says

Deputy Secretary Barrett, who toured it last week, praises the safety and progress of the construction. The collapse that killed 13 people happened Aug. 1, 2007.

Fall Hazards Net Contractor $157,600 in Proposed Penalties

A lack of fall protection equipment and PPE were among the repeat violations OSHA cited.

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