Construction Safety


U.S. Files Major Settlements with Portland Cement, Container Glass Plants

"[T]hese settlements call for tough new controls and innovative technologies to cut down on harmful air emissions that threaten the health of millions of Americans," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

residential fire sprinkler

Three States Adopt Sprinkler Requirements

NFPA applauds Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and California for their actions on requiring home fire sprinklers per an initiative the association launched last year.

OSHA Booklet Outlines Hexavalent Chromium Standards, Dangers

Requirements for exposure limits, exposure monitoring and determination, protective work clothing and equipment, medical surveillance, communication of hexavalent chromium hazards, and recordkeeping are described.

The ASSE Utilities Branch will address EHS issues in solar and wind power generation, among other areas.

ASSE Forms Agricultural and Utilities Branches

The society cited growth and interest in these sectors' safety for launching them. The Utilities Branch will address EHS issues in solar and wind power generation, water and wastewater, and telecommunications, among other areas.

Rebuild Haiti with Seismic Safety Principles in Mind, ICC Urges

“Structures built to the most modern codes should resist minor earthquakes without suffering damage and ride out severe earthquakes without collapsing,” said ICC CEO Richard P. Weiland.

OSHA, NIOSH to Hold 'Action Summit' on Latino Worker Health, Safety

"[W]e will shine a spotlight on the hazards and challenges faced by this vulnerable sector of the nation's workforce so that we can begin crafting new, badly needed strategies to prevent thousands of injuries and deaths every year," said OSHA chief David Michaels.

New Study Finds Table Saw Injuries Remain Consistently High

Woodworking is a popular hobby, with table saws being owned and used by an estimated 6 to 10 million people in the United States. A recent study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that from 1990-2007, an estimated 565,670 non-occupational table saw-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, averaging 31,500 injuries per year. Although a 27 percent increase in the number of injuries was found over the 18-year study period, there was no change in the rate of injuries per 10,000 U.S. population.

Strong Interest in New ANSI/ASSE Construction Standards

Tim Fisher, ASSE's director of Practices and Standards, said ASSE is developing technical briefs for ANSI/ASSE A10.47-2009, "Work Zone Safety for Highway Construction," and ANSI/ASSE A10.16-2009.



3 Confined Space Deaths Lead to Fines

"Unfortunately, this incident was a classic example of a multiple-fatality event where would-be rescuers are themselves overcome in their attempt to save the initial victim," said Kay Gee, OSHA's area director for Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.

ASSE Launches 'Prevention Through Design' Standard Initiative

According to the society, recent studies indicate that approximately 40 percent of work-related fatalities are design related.

Contractor Digs Up $55K Penalty for Cave-In, Other Hazards

"No one ever thinks the trench he or she is working in will collapse, but the fact is cave-ins happen in seconds, crushing and burying workers beneath tons of soil and debris before they have a chance to react or escape," said Brenda Gordon, OSHA's area director for southeastern Massachusetts.

NYC Construction Deaths Fell 84 Percent Last Year

The NYC Buildings Department says the three construction fatalities in 2009 -- a sharp decrease from 19 the year before -- were the fewest in the past four years.

Crane & Hoist Conference Set to Debut in Houston

The event, held in conjunction with Reach Expo 2010, will feature a variety of noted professionals in the overhead crane and rigging industry.

Integrated Green Construction Code Poised for 2010 Debut

"This will be the first time code officials, owners, and designers will have an integrated regulatory framework to put into practice that meets the goal of greening the construction and design of new and existing buildings," said Code Council CEO Richard P. Weiland.

Are We Bought In Yet?

Buy-in. It is a critical element to a valued safety and health process. The problem is, no one seems to be able to agree on how best to get there from here.

Robert Augeri

Safety Tips for Roadway Work Zones

June 3, 2008, turned into a nightmare for Chris and Janet Augeri. Instead of celebrating their son Rob's 31st birthday, they were making plans for his funeral.

The morning routine for Baker Concrete Construction Inc. coworkers involves stretch and flex and Mission Task Analysis.

Baker's Recipe for Better Safety

Trust and involvement are vital components of the Incident and Injury Free safety program that has improved results for Baker Concrete Construction Inc.

ASSE's 8th Annual Kids' Safety-on-the-Job Poster Contest Deadline Near

During the holiday season, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is encouraging youth aged 5-14 years old to enter its 8th annual kids' "Safety-on-the-Job" poster contest. To win, children simply have to draw an example of being safe at work on a poster. The contest is open not only to ASSE members' children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, but also to children and schools sponsored by ASSE members.

Hydraulic Institute Closes '09 Releasing 3 New Standards

The standards are designed for anyone involved in pumps, including users, consultants, contractors, construction firms, manufacturers of pumps, seals, motors, instrumentation, controls, and pump software developers and systems integrators.

OSHA's San Antonio Office Gets Gift of Status Upgrade, More Staff

The agency's newest area office serves 17 central Texas counties and offers bilingual assistance to the predominantly Hispanic population.

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