Construction Safety


Asbestos Contractor Fined $484K for Putting Workers in Harm's Way

According to OSHA, workers at the site lacked proper respirators and protective clothing and had not been informed of the presence of asbestos at the site, and the employer failed to determine the asbestos exposure level and establish a regulated work area for asbestos removal and handling.

Cart with modified handle

Move Big Loads Safely

You're in the market for a material handling product, something that can help your employees move those loads quickly and safely. You surf the Web and flip through catalogs, but how do you start to narrow your choices? The same way best-in-class manufacturers create innovative products: research, testing, and knowledge.

Military hazmat training exercise

Contemporary Issues in Process Hazard Analysis

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), a regulatory requirement under OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.119(e), is a collection of methodologies to address process hazards. Societal and technological changes are affecting sources, intensity, and frequency of hazards. For instance, digital controls and smart instruments have reduced maintenance requirements inherent with analog instruments.

Faster Detection Aids Safety

OSHA and other federal agencies track electrical accidents of all kinds, but not arc flash incidents specifically. The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working to change that through a collaborative research project to conduct extensive testing on arc flash. At present, only data on all electrical accidents are available.

Fueling Cultural Change

Strongest leaders know that real Safety goes beyond what you think or say; it’s revealed when there’s no time to think.

Electrical Contractor Achieves 2 Million Hours, No Lost Time

Safety Director Ted Sommer said the company "strives every day to meet our goal of zero incidents through preplanning, training, and open coordination among the trades."

Partnership Aims to Boost Safety in Construction of Peoria Airport Addition

"We want to ensure all construction companies -- big and small -- are prepared to effectively control the workplace hazards their employees may encounter," said Nick Walters, OSHA's area director in Peoria, Ill.

several tower cranes in action at a commercial construction site

UK Tower Crane Rules in Final Approval Stage

A publicly available register of tower cranes will be launched April 6, 2010, if the regulations go forward from here.



Construction Users Roundtable Presents Safety Awards

"The CURT Construction Industry Safety Excellence Award winners have once again established new levels of safety performance, achievement, and innovation that proves zero incidents can be achieved," said Greg Landis, co-chairman of the CURT Safety Committee.

Contractor Cited for Cave-in Hazard in Downtown Boston Trench

"An unprotected trench is a potential grave, since its sidewalls can collapse in an instant, crushing and burying workers before they have a chance to react or escape," said Brenda Gordon, OSHA's area director for Boston and southeastern Massachusetts.

Worker's Arc Flash Burning on SUNY Campus Leads to $88K Fine

"This is a clear example of the grave consequences that can result when basic electrical safeguards are not provided and used," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's area director in Buffalo.

The Transportation Construction Coalition says passage of a five- or six-year highway funding reauthorization bill is essential.

Heavy Construction Firms Reeling

Representatives of the Transportation Construction Coalition told reporters Friday that passage of a five- or six-year highway funding reauthorization bill is essential to their industry and their companies.

The Health and Safety Executive is warning renovation workers about the dangers of asbestos with a monthlong campaign

HSE Starts 'Hidden Killer' Asbestos Campaign

At a large trade show this week and in national radio advertisements, the British OSH agency is urging renovation contractors and workers to be aware of potential asbestos exposures and the possibility of contracting mesothelioma and other deadly illnesses.

Fall Protection Definitions & Nomenclature Standard Gets an Update

Approved by ANSI on Oct. 27, the revised Z359.0-2009 is now available to download at no cost on ASSE's Web site.

A+A 2009 Equals 2007's Attendance

"For the companies, they have to be at this show if they want to be in the market," said Birgit Horn, A+A 2009 director.

An image of people at A+A Messe Dusseldorf.

Huge Crowds Fill A+A's Halls

Attendees from around the world are filling some of the lavish booths occupied by the largest PPE companies, including the Uvex unit of Sperian Protection, Honeywell Safety Products, MSA, Ansell, and more.

Dr. David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH, assistant secretary of Labor for occupational safety and health

HELP Committee Decides to Bypass Full Hearing for Potential OSHA Chief

The Senate panel overseeing Dr. David Michaels' nomination has instead chosen to go with a mostly written question-and-answer format, with an option for individual members to meet with the nominee if they choose.

Mason with motion capture sensors

Lift Teams Share the Load

No two ways about it: Masonry is hard work and stressful on the body. Masonry workers have the highest rate of back injuries causing days away from work among all of the construction trades. The rate is more than one and a half times higher than the average rate for all construction workers.

Crane and Grain Service Fined $9,300 Following Worker's Electrocution

OSHA said the alleged serious violations stem from the employer using a flexible cord that was not properly wired, improper use of ladders that were damaged, and lack of ladder training.

Bechtel Group's $10K Donation to ASSE Puts OHS Scholarships Up for Grabs

To be eligible for one of the three Bechtel Group Foundation scholarships resulting from this donation, a student must be enrolled full-time (12 hours or more per semester) and pursuing an undergraduate degree in occupational safety and health or a closely related field, preferably with an emphasis on construction safety.

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