Construction Safety


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.

NYC Codes Require New Safety Measures for Construction Sites

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and other city officials recently announced the launch of the new City of New York Construction Codes, the first modernization of the Building Code since 1968.

Equipment Manufacturers to OSHA: Act Now on Crane Safety Standards

"We understand the governmental requirements and process that have to be followed, but this unending delay is totally unacceptable," wrote AEM President Dennis Slater in a letter to DOL Secretary Elaine Chao and OSHA head Edwin Foulke.

HHS/CDC Ends Howard’s Tenure as NIOSH Director

“We do not know why such a highly competent leader and administrator of an agency that has been, by any measure, a success in the eyes of our members across the country and the entire safety and health community should not be reappointed,” wrote ASSE President Michael W. Thompson, CSP, in May.

OSHA, Dow Chemical Renew Alliance

"The ideas shared by Dow and OSHA in the past have helped to identify and prevent occupational hazards, and we are eagerly anticipating more success ahead," said OSHA chief Edwin Foulke.

DOL Seeks Nominations for 2009 ERISA Advisory Council

The U.S. Department of Labor is soliciting nominations to fill five three-year vacancies on the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans, known as the ERISA Advisory Council. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Aug. 31, 2008.

Best practices keep demolition's dangers to a minimum.

Ensuring Job Site Awareness

Although the prevailing perception is that the demolition industry by its very nature is a dangerous business, the truth is that the industry’s continued commitment to safety education and best practices is creating a relatively safe industry in which to work.

Michigan Task Force Eyes Employee Misclassification

Today's public hearing by the interagency group will include the state's lieutenant governor.

NAHB Releases New Scaffold Safety Video

The presentation is made up of two 30-minute segments--one in English, the other in Spanish--demonstrating how to safely build, use, and dismantle the most common types of scaffolding found in residential construction.

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