Construction Safety


Makers of Landscaping Paraphernalia Charged with 142 Violations

Managers at the cited companies in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi "have displayed a systemic indifference to the safety and health of their own employees, resulting in a dangerous work environment," said Cindy Coe, OSHA's regional administrator in Atlanta.

a trench cutting machine in action

HSE Warns of Trench Cutter Safety Devices' Misuse

An Aug. 18 Safety Alert warns construction companies and utilities that machines used to cut trenches may be equipped with safety devices that do not function as designed.

ASSE Honors 16 Members for Safety Excellence

A committee of peers chose the candidates for their contributions to each of the society’s various practice specialties, covering diverse fields, from academics to transportation.

The rear view is obstructed in this truck, so an alarm or a ground guide is required.

Virginia Adopts Reversing Vehicle Safety Rule

Construction and general industry vehicles with an "obstructed view to the rear" must have a working and audible backup alarm, or a ground guide must indicate it is safe to back up.

a tombstone

Solis: 3.6 Fatality Rate Not Good Enough

Although BLS' preliminary total of 5,071 deaths in 2008 means the fatal injury rate for U.S. workers dropped to 3.6 per 100,000 from the previous year's 4.0, celebration may be premature: Delayed processing by state agencies may bump the totals more than in past years, BLS said.

Construction Firm Cited Following Electrocution Death in Texas

Among the citations contributing to the proposed penalties totaling $133,000, the firm is charged with two willful violations for failing to electrically test rubber insulated gloves at intervals not exceeding six months and failing to ensure that workers do not approach energized electrical equipment closer than two feet.

Two Defendants Plead Guilty in Counterfeit Pipe Coupling Scheme

Only manufacturers licensed by the American Petroleum Institute after meeting strict quality control standards, and who are subject to continued monitoring by API, are authorized to manufacture and sell products containing an API certification mark.

Houston Construction Firm Cited for Improper Erection, Inspection of Scaffolds

The repeat violations contributing to the proposed penalties totaling $144,900 included failing to provide guardrails on scaffolds at different working levels, provide access ladders and toe boards, and ensure all working levels were fully planked.



Trucking Company Fined $9,100 Following 'Senseless' Fatality

Preparing to pump a load of liquid asphalt for road construction from one parked truck to another, the worker was killed when one of the trucks unexpectedly rolled into the other, pinning the worker between the two trucks.

Uncle Sam Welcomes Returning Facilities Chief

When 1 million federal workers want to complain to their landlord, Bob Peck will again be behind the desk in the top of the pyramid. GSA's new commissioner of Public Buildings will oversee an annual budget of more than $8 billion and more than 6,200 employees.

Crane Hazards Could Cost Concrete Manufacturer $65,800

"The employer regularly lifted 60-107 tons of precast concrete beams with cranes ill-equipped to handle this kind of load, exposing workers to a variety of hazards," said Mark Stelmack, area director of OSHA's Wilkes-Barre office.

Nearly $16,000 in Proposed Fines Following Worker Fatality

OSHA has cited Progressive Protein LLC of Omaha for alleged safety and health violations following a fatal accident.

Weather Advisories Warn NYC Building Sites Must Be Secured

The third severe weather advisory of the summer from the city's Department of Buildings listed eight proactive steps to take for construction sites and five for buildings.

South Africa's Labour Department Targets Steel, Farming

Employers who received non-compliance notices a few weeks ago will be revisited by inspectors Aug. 11-12, the department said.

Kansas Construction Firm Fined $13,300 Following Fatality

OSHA has cited Diamond Sawing and Coring LLC of Summerfield, Kan., for alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.

U.S. Steel, EPA to Hold Public Meeting on Cleanup in Gary, Indiana

Representatives will discuss and answer questions about the use, operation, and air monitoring of the remediation waste disposal unit at Gary Works, one of the largest steel plants in the country.

Strategically Piloting Safety Success

Times are tough, management's tight, but the pressure's still on to reduce losses and achieve sterling Safety results. Wiser heads realize that an old apple tree won't magically produce delicious pears; you've got to plant different crops.

flags of many countries

Safety Cooperation Advances on Several Fronts

Safety authorities around the world, working together in some cases, have focused recently on health issues, construction falls, hospital-associated infections, and aviation safety.

Managing Major Risk Factors

The construction industry expanded at an exponential rate in recent years, not only in countries such as the United States, but also in emerging mega-economies such as China. The UAE experienced a construction boom in the past few decades. But as the global economy faces recession, construction has become stunted in many areas around the world.

this respirator was exhibited during A+A 2007

Safety's Must-See Event Returns

The 2007 installment is a tough act to follow, but A+A 2009 looks ready to defend its title Nov. 3-6, 2009, as the world's largest trade show for workplace safety and health.

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