Preventing slips, trips, and falls is paramount in many parts of the United States during January, February, and March, according to Zurich Risk Engineering.
The agency initiated an inspection as part of a local emphasis program in New Jersey, where the South Carolina-based company had two employees working approximately 13 feet above the ground without proper protection, according to OSHA.
Changes in the dismantling process exposed employees to crushing and struck-by hazards due to inadequate planning, failure to control movement, and failure to ensure the structural stability of the leg during its removal, the agency found.
OSHA has revised its Field Operations Manual to provide OSHA Compliance Officers with a single source of updated information and guidance to more effectively protect employees from occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
OSHA published in the Jan. 9, 2009 Federal Register final changes to its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) that, among other enhancements, allow participation by companies with mobile workforces. Changes are effective May 9.
More than 25 residential homebuilders, together employing more than 1,600 employees, participate in the program.
The pact will target specific hazards, including falls, combustible dusts, trenching/excavation, 'struck-by' object hazards associated with local petrochemical and construction industries, and more.
The seven goals listed today start with making protecting workers on the job a top priority for President Obama and the 111th Congress. Goal 3: Count all occupational injuries and illnesses.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), every year, thousands of adults and children are treated at U.S. hospital emergency rooms for head and neck injuries related to winter sports. As a result, many people are left with permanent health problems, are paralyzed, or lose their lives.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Atomic Skis GmbH, of Austri, have announced a voluntary recall of the Alpine Ski Bindings.
As we move closer as a nation to having a cell phone for every citizen, or at least every household, our constantly connected way of life is changing the American landscape. The tallest of the communication towers making our wireless evolution possible stretch up to 2,000 feet, a distance limited by the Federal Aviation Administration,which has determined that anything taller is a hazard to navigation.
The International Window Cleaning Association's annual convention will include a safety panel discussing high-rise issues, an IWCA safety certification review, and a full-day training session on Feb. 21.
Tower climbing has been called "the most dangerous profession." But Don Doty, chairman of the National Association of Tower Erectors, says the industry is much safer today than when NATE was formed. He discussed the turnaround and the state of safety in the industry in an Oct. 24, 2008, conversation and follow-up e-mail with Occupational Health & Safety's managing editor.
Wind towers reap the power of wind to generate electricity. How ironic, then, that wind towers can take the wind out of those who must repair, maintain, or inspect equipment there. According to one published account, three wind tower technicians were installing bolts in a turbine in a wind tower in Minnesota when their work ignited a fire. The tower quickly became engulfed in flames. One worker fell more than 200 feet and died; the other two escaped with injuries.
ASSE's Z359 Fall Protection Code Package contains each section of the ANSI/ASSE 2007 fall protection consensus standard.
Committee members discussed a possible technical report to accompany the proposed Z359.6-200X and Z359.7-200X Standards and decided to address comments and then re-circulate the proposed Z359.13-200X Standard on energy-absorbing lanyards and personal energy absorbers.
The world is watching as more wind turbines are popping up to generate enough power to sustain a city, a state, or maybe even a country. Information and predictions about the wind energy market change every day. Every time someone estimates the market to be on a certain growth path, it turns out to be even bigger.
The Health and Safety Executive said 455 agricultural workers have died in the past decade, and the annual death toll has remained high.
OSHA recently announced a final rule on improving the safety of longshoring employees who work with vertical tandem lifts (VTLs). The final rule will reduce hazards related to lifting two containers at a time using cranes by ensuring that safe work practices are followed. The rule was published in the December 10 Federal Register.
"These employees were just one misstep or tumble away from a fatal or disabling plunge," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's area director in Buffalo, N.Y.