Construction Safety


IWCA Seeking Comments on Window Cleaning Safety Standard

The standard is intended to serve as a guide for window cleaners, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, architects, consultants, designers, and building owners.

ASSE Kicks off Annual 'Safety-on-the-Job' Poster Contest

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.

OSHA Forms New Alliance with American Fire Sprinkler Association

“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.

Sept. 26: Red 'Letter' Day for OSHA

The agency posted 14 letters of interpretation last Friday on topics ranging from HazCom to emergency eyewash, safe sharps, and construction safety training.

Boston-Area Contractors Turn Out En Masse for Crane 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.

Five Safety Professionals Awarded 2008 Distinguished Service Award

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.

NIOSH Issues Guidance for Controlling Hazardous Dust During Tuckpointing

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.

Central Ohio Builders Partner with OSHA, Agree to Share Best Practices

"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.



UK Observes First-Ever National Fork Lift Safety Week

"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.

Connecticut's Worker Deaths Totaled 38 Last Year

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.

OSHA Sets Oct. 6 Hearing on Per-Employee Citation Rule

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.

NIOSH Roof Guardrail Touted in NORA Construction Newsletter

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.

Cranes and Derricks Standard to Be Published Oct. 3

It will create four options for qualification or certification of crane operators and apply to an estimated 96,000 cranes in the United States.

Arizona City to Pay $240,000 for Asbestos Violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday that an Arizona city will pay $240,000 to resolve a 2007 complaint against it for allegedly violating the asbestos provisions of the Clean Air Act.

ICC Develops New Standard for Building in Hurricane, High Wind Areas

The standard is an update to SSTD 10-99 and includes new provisions such as prescriptive designs for wind speeds up to 150 mph with three-second gusts, designs for cold-formed steel framing, and exterior wall coverings for high wind.

3 Contractors Connected with Fatal NY Crane Collapse Fined $313,500

"This case illustrates in stark terms that failure to follow required procedures can have wide-ranging and catastrophic consequences," said OSHA chief Edwin G. Foulke Jr.

Oregon OSHA Increases Tower Crane Inspections

The agency said it will evaluate the program's effectiveness and findings in July 2009.

Implosion Safety, Disaster Preparedness on Tap at Demolition Academy

Courses include a Demolition-Specific OSHA 10-Hour Certification, offered in both English and Spanish on Oct. 15 and training in confined space rescue and aerial lift equipment safety.

NIOSH Posts New Indoor Environmental Quality Topic Pages

Construction and renovation projects in office settings can adversely affect building occupants by the release of airborne particulates, biological contaminants, and gases. Careful planning for IEQ and the prevention of exposure during these activities is essential.

7 Companies Cited Following Fatality at Florida Hotel Renovation Site

The employee died in February after part of the structure failed and collapsed while workers were cutting concrete floor and wall sections of the Palm House Hotel in Palm Beach, Fla.

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