Safe Workplace and Safety News
This is the safety news blog for the Safe Workplace web site. We cover workplace safety related news with a focus on how safety, or a lack of safety, impacts employers, employees and their families. We also cover topics such as safety training, safety tools, and legal issues related to safety. For regular safety news and information enter your email address in the box above the Subscribe button to the right (then click on the button).
Monday, February 15, 2010
OSHA cites C.A. Franc $539,000 For Willful Fall Hazard Violations
OSHA has fined the C.A. Franc construction company $539,000 following the investigation of a roofing worker who fell 40 feet to his death at a Washington worksite. The Valencia, Pa.-based roof installer – whose owner is Christopher A. Franc – was cited for 10 per instance willful citations for failing to protect workers from falls.
"Mr. Franc knowingly and willfully failed to protect his workers from falling to their death," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. "Despite repeated requests from workers that he provide fall protection, on this step roof, Mr. Franc refused to provide readily available protection. We will not tolerate this type of blatant and egregious disregard for the health and safety of workers."
OSHA began its investigation immediately following the worker's death on Aug. 15, 2009, and found the C.A. Franc company had failed to provide any fall protection to its employees working on a pitched roof 40 feet off the ground. In addition, Mr. Franc failed to train a newly hired college student in hazards and the necessary safety measures for roofing work. As a result of the investigation, the company has been cited for 10 alleged per-instance willful violations, one for each employee working unprotected on the roof, with a proposed penalty of $490,000, and one additional alleged willful violation for failing to train the new employee, with a penalty of $49,000.
General contractor Hospitality Builders Inc. also has been cited with one willful violation and a proposed penalty of $70,000 for failing to ensure that C.A. Franc workers had fall protection.
"This fall fatality was one of five that occurred during a 15-day span in the Pittsburgh area," said John M. Hermanson, OSHA's regional administrator in Philadelphia, Pa. "Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Failure to provide employees with fall protection is unconscionable. We urge construction companies to take the necessary action to ensure their workers are protected."
OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health. Detailed information about fall hazards and safeguards is available on OSHA’s Web site at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/construction.html.
"Mr. Franc knowingly and willfully failed to protect his workers from falling to their death," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. "Despite repeated requests from workers that he provide fall protection, on this step roof, Mr. Franc refused to provide readily available protection. We will not tolerate this type of blatant and egregious disregard for the health and safety of workers."
OSHA began its investigation immediately following the worker's death on Aug. 15, 2009, and found the C.A. Franc company had failed to provide any fall protection to its employees working on a pitched roof 40 feet off the ground. In addition, Mr. Franc failed to train a newly hired college student in hazards and the necessary safety measures for roofing work. As a result of the investigation, the company has been cited for 10 alleged per-instance willful violations, one for each employee working unprotected on the roof, with a proposed penalty of $490,000, and one additional alleged willful violation for failing to train the new employee, with a penalty of $49,000.
General contractor Hospitality Builders Inc. also has been cited with one willful violation and a proposed penalty of $70,000 for failing to ensure that C.A. Franc workers had fall protection.
"This fall fatality was one of five that occurred during a 15-day span in the Pittsburgh area," said John M. Hermanson, OSHA's regional administrator in Philadelphia, Pa. "Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Failure to provide employees with fall protection is unconscionable. We urge construction companies to take the necessary action to ensure their workers are protected."
OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health. Detailed information about fall hazards and safeguards is available on OSHA’s Web site at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/construction.html.
Labels: Construction / Installation, Construction Safety, fall protection, workplace fatalities
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Thursday, October 01, 2009
OSHA Revises Enforcement Policies For Fall Protection During Steel Erection
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently revised the steel erection compliance directive for the agency's Steel Erection Standard to change two enforcement policies related to tripping hazards and installation of nets or floors during steel erection.
One of the revised policies addresses the standard's requirement that employers install a floor or net within two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less.
The other policy states that employers must comply with the requirement that steel studs, known as shear connectors, be installed at the worksite. Shear connectors bind concrete to the steel.
"Falls are the leading cause of death among construction workers," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "We are intent on reducing the number of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry and believe these policy revisions will help us attain that goal."
Bureau of Labor Statistics 2007 data show that 1,204 fatalities occurred in the construction industry, 447 of which resulted from falls. The steel erection standard sets forth requirements to protect workers from the hazards associated with steel erection activities when constructing, altering, and repairing single and multi-story buildings, bridges, and other structures where steel erection occurs.
One of the revised policies addresses the standard's requirement that employers install a floor or net within two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less.
The other policy states that employers must comply with the requirement that steel studs, known as shear connectors, be installed at the worksite. Shear connectors bind concrete to the steel.
"Falls are the leading cause of death among construction workers," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "We are intent on reducing the number of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry and believe these policy revisions will help us attain that goal."
Bureau of Labor Statistics 2007 data show that 1,204 fatalities occurred in the construction industry, 447 of which resulted from falls. The steel erection standard sets forth requirements to protect workers from the hazards associated with steel erection activities when constructing, altering, and repairing single and multi-story buildings, bridges, and other structures where steel erection occurs.
Labels: Construction / Installation, Construction Safety, hazard prevention, safety management
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Monday, September 21, 2009
OSHA Document Describes Silica Control
Controlling Silica Exposures in Construction, a guidance document recently published by the OSHA addresses the control of worker exposure to dust containing crystalline silica, known to cause the lung disease silicosis.
The publication, intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace, includes methods for controlling silica such as wet cutting during construction operations. Wet cutting controls silica dust generated when using hand-held saws, grinders and jackhammers. Wetting materials at the point of impact makes the dust particles heavier and more likely to stick to each other, reducing the chance of dust becoming airborne.
Vacuum dust collection systems also effectively control silica by drawing dust particles away from the worker's breathing zone and depositing them into a filtered dust collection chamber.
"Workers in the construction trades not only suffer serious injuries and illnesses resulting from unsafe equipment but also from inhaling harmful dusts," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "Providing guidance for reducing potentially fatal hazards associated with occupational exposure to silica dust is one of this agency's priorities."
Employers should conduct periodic monitoring of silica exposure by testing air samples at the construction site to determine if the level of silica in the air exceeds the permissible exposure limit (PEL) outlined in the construction PEL standard. As one of OSHA's areas of emphasis, the agency has developed standards for silica to assure work practice controls are effective.
For more information, visit OSHA's Safety and Health Topics page on crystalline silica.
The publication, intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace, includes methods for controlling silica such as wet cutting during construction operations. Wet cutting controls silica dust generated when using hand-held saws, grinders and jackhammers. Wetting materials at the point of impact makes the dust particles heavier and more likely to stick to each other, reducing the chance of dust becoming airborne.
Vacuum dust collection systems also effectively control silica by drawing dust particles away from the worker's breathing zone and depositing them into a filtered dust collection chamber.
"Workers in the construction trades not only suffer serious injuries and illnesses resulting from unsafe equipment but also from inhaling harmful dusts," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "Providing guidance for reducing potentially fatal hazards associated with occupational exposure to silica dust is one of this agency's priorities."
Employers should conduct periodic monitoring of silica exposure by testing air samples at the construction site to determine if the level of silica in the air exceeds the permissible exposure limit (PEL) outlined in the construction PEL standard. As one of OSHA's areas of emphasis, the agency has developed standards for silica to assure work practice controls are effective.
For more information, visit OSHA's Safety and Health Topics page on crystalline silica.
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA, osha information
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
OSHA Proposes $136,000 Fine For Cobb County, Ga. Contractor
OSHA has proposed seven citations with penalties totaling $136,000 against Tritt Contracting Inc. for violating federal workplace safety standards.
The penalties follow an inspection of a construction site on Cedar Drive in Powder Springs, Ga., where OSHA found company employees working in dangerous conditions inside a 23-foot-deep trench.
OSHA alleges two willful violations with penalties totaling $100,000 for allowing employees to work in a trench without a safe means of escape and without an adequate worker protective system to prevent cave-ins. The agency defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.
The agency also has proposed a repeat violation with a $20,000 penalty for the company's failure to adequately train employees to recognize and avoid hazardous conditions, and for inadequately training employees to direct traffic around the worksite. The company was cited for violating the same standard in 2007.
Four serious violations with penalties totaling $16,000 have been issued for the company's failure to place warning signage to oncoming motorists of work being conducted in the roadway, not providing the employee directing traffic with proper traffic control equipment, allowing equipment to be placed within two feet of the trench and using a protective system inside the trench that was not designed by a professional engineer.
"OSHA will not allow employers to endanger their workers' lies by cutting corners on safety just to speed up work and minimize any inconvenience to residents and motorists," said Andre Richards, area director of OSHA's Atlanta-West office.
The company, based in Jasper, Ga., has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to contest the violations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office, 2400 Herodian Way, Suite 250, Smyrna, Ga.; telephone 770-984-8700.
Related Past Posts
Contractor Faces Maximum Fine For Cave-In Hazard
Trench Collapse Prompts Lawsuit
Construction Safety Satistics
The penalties follow an inspection of a construction site on Cedar Drive in Powder Springs, Ga., where OSHA found company employees working in dangerous conditions inside a 23-foot-deep trench.
OSHA alleges two willful violations with penalties totaling $100,000 for allowing employees to work in a trench without a safe means of escape and without an adequate worker protective system to prevent cave-ins. The agency defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.
The agency also has proposed a repeat violation with a $20,000 penalty for the company's failure to adequately train employees to recognize and avoid hazardous conditions, and for inadequately training employees to direct traffic around the worksite. The company was cited for violating the same standard in 2007.
Four serious violations with penalties totaling $16,000 have been issued for the company's failure to place warning signage to oncoming motorists of work being conducted in the roadway, not providing the employee directing traffic with proper traffic control equipment, allowing equipment to be placed within two feet of the trench and using a protective system inside the trench that was not designed by a professional engineer.
"OSHA will not allow employers to endanger their workers' lies by cutting corners on safety just to speed up work and minimize any inconvenience to residents and motorists," said Andre Richards, area director of OSHA's Atlanta-West office.
The company, based in Jasper, Ga., has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to contest the violations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office, 2400 Herodian Way, Suite 250, Smyrna, Ga.; telephone 770-984-8700.
Related Past Posts
Contractor Faces Maximum Fine For Cave-In Hazard
Trench Collapse Prompts Lawsuit
Construction Safety Satistics
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA Citations, OSHA Fines
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Thursday, July 09, 2009
Shake Hands With Danger
The following is a 28 minute video from the 70's about the dangers associated with earth-moving equipment operation. It shows many great simulated accidents on construction sites.
Labels: Construction Safety, Vehicle Safety
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Monday, June 29, 2009
Shanghai Building Tips Over
A thirteen story building in Shanhai, China tipped over on Saturday, remaining almost intact. One worker was killed. The initial investigation found the building tipped over after workers dug underneath it to put in an underground garage.Read about it on Yahoo News' Asia News.
Labels: Construction / Installation, Construction Safety, workplace fatalities
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Monday, April 27, 2009
OSHA Inspector Helps Avert Employee Injuries In Trench Collapse
When a compliance safety and health officer (CSHO) from OSHA’s Calumet City, Ill., Area Office arrived at a jobsite to conduct a trench inspection under the agency’s national emphasis program, he observed an employee working in an unprotected 7-foot deep trench. Although the employee worked for a village public works department, the CSHO identified the hazards and the construction employer agreed to voluntarily remove the employee from the unsafe trench. As the employee began exiting the trench, the side wall collapsed and the water main the employee was working on erupted sending approximately 4 feet of water into the trench. Because OSHA had no jurisdiction, a referral was made to the State of Illinois Department of Labor for further investigation. Detailed information on trench safety is available on OSHA’s trenching and excavation Safety and Health Topics Web page.Related Past Posts:
Trench Collapse Results In Lawsuit
Contractor Faces Maximum Fine For Trench Collapse
Labels: Construction Safety, hazard identifcation
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
ASSE Expresses Concerns About The New OSHA Cranes And Derricks Construction Rule
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) expressed a variety of concerns focused on the failure to reference widely accepted national voluntary consensus standards addressing crane safety in the proposed updated federal ‘Cranes and Derricks in Construction Rule’ in testimony by ASSE professional member Matt Burkart, a crane safety expert from Southampton, PA, who is a member of the A10 Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations Standards standard committee and chairman of the ASCE Construction Site Safety Committee at a public hearing held this week at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
The concerns reflect comments ASSE submitted in January to Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Acting Assistant Secretary Thomas M. Stohler for the record of the cranes and derricks rulemaking. In its comments, ASSE requested a hearing be held to discuss its concern that OSHA failed to reference the A10 or other national voluntary consensus standards addressing crane and derrick safety.
In ASSE’s January comments, ASSE President Warren K. Brown, CSP, ARM, CSHM, of Fairborn, OH, noted ASSE represents 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental (SH&E) professionals who work with employers to protect workers and employers’ property from safety, health and environmental risks.
"Our members are experts in managing workplace safety and health issues in every industry, in every state and across the globe. They belong to sixteen ASSE practice specialties," Brown said. "In fact, ASSE’s Construction Practice Specialty is ASSE’s largest practice specialty. ASSE is also the Secretariat for various ANSI voluntary consensus standards related to safe practices in construction, including the A10 Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations, the Z359 Fall Protection Code, and Z490.1-2001Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health and Environmental Training. The safe operation cranes and derricks on construction sites is of the utmost importance to ASSE’s members."
In his testimony, Burkart brought attention to OSHA’s failure to fulfill its duty under law to consider voluntary consensus standards in rulemaking.
"We cannot help but come to that conclusion when the Proposed Rule fails to reference even once the ASC A10 standard Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations. The ASC A10 Committee for Construction and Demolition Operations is one of the oldest ANSI committees, chartered in 1931 and enjoying 78 years of continuous leadership in developing construction safety standards," Burkart said. "The inability of OSHA to identify a key set of standards impacting crane safety is a significant failure by OSHA to perform meaningful background research and indicates the Agency failed to comply fully with Public Law 104-113."
Public Law 104-113, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1965, requires all federal agencies to "use technical standards that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies, using such technical standards as a means to carry out policy objectives or activities determined by the agencies and departments."
"ASSE’s members have had extensive and successful experience in helping develop occupational safety and health standards through consensus building in the ANSI voluntary standards development process, including national standards impacting the safe operation of cranes and derricks," Burkart explained. "We already work successfully in managing crane safety through these voluntary consensus standards. Therefore, we need clarity and consistency between the existing voluntary standard and a final OSHA standard."
In his testimony, Burkhart also stated ASSE's support for OSHA's general approach to helping ensure that crane operators are qualified or certified to operate the equipment covered here. Burkart went on to say, however, "We urge OSHA to rewrite the proposed provisions to require that operator certifications be accredited by the same nationally recognized accrediting agencies that accredit organizations certifying the professional competence of safety and health professionals. Without this level of rigor, ASSE fears that unknown entities with little experience in professional certification will be able to establish certifications that do not adequately demonstrate professional crane operator competence and put at risk the advances in crane safety we all want."
Burkart also urged OSHA to look closely at the negotiated rulemaking process used to develop this proposed rule to see if lessons can be learned to help improve the negotiated rulemaking process as a tool for engaging the entire safety and health community in OSHA’s rulemaking.
"While no approach to standards setting can be without challenges, negotiated rulemaking best mirrors the success of the voluntary consensus process and holds promise for some of the more difficult occupational safety and health issues," Burkart said on behalf of ASSE.
Other areas of the proposed rule that concern ASSE include hoisting and rigging; confusing equipment definitions such as for fall protection, competent person and ground conditions; concern that OSHA did not reference the national voluntary consensus standard with regard to use of different derricks; selection of manufacturer or employer procedures for assembly/disassembly and general requirements; power line safety; inspections; wire rope inspections; general requirements for signals; overall fall protection; work area control; operator qualification and certification; training; hoisting personnel; multiple-crane/derrick lifts; design, construction and testing; and, overhead and gantry cranes.
The current OSHA safety standard for cranes and derricks was written in 1971. In July 2004, a 23-member industry and union OSHA advisory committee issued a recommendation that OSHA update its outdated standards on crane and derrick safety and proposed a revised standard, including specific rules on crane assembly.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
OSHA Launches National Initiative On Cranes And Derricks
Tower Crane Safety
OSHA To Issue Proposed Cranes and Derricks Construction Standard
Unqualified Hardhats Feared As Fake Crane-Safety Papers Found
The concerns reflect comments ASSE submitted in January to Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Acting Assistant Secretary Thomas M. Stohler for the record of the cranes and derricks rulemaking. In its comments, ASSE requested a hearing be held to discuss its concern that OSHA failed to reference the A10 or other national voluntary consensus standards addressing crane and derrick safety.
In ASSE’s January comments, ASSE President Warren K. Brown, CSP, ARM, CSHM, of Fairborn, OH, noted ASSE represents 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental (SH&E) professionals who work with employers to protect workers and employers’ property from safety, health and environmental risks.
"Our members are experts in managing workplace safety and health issues in every industry, in every state and across the globe. They belong to sixteen ASSE practice specialties," Brown said. "In fact, ASSE’s Construction Practice Specialty is ASSE’s largest practice specialty. ASSE is also the Secretariat for various ANSI voluntary consensus standards related to safe practices in construction, including the A10 Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations, the Z359 Fall Protection Code, and Z490.1-2001Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health and Environmental Training. The safe operation cranes and derricks on construction sites is of the utmost importance to ASSE’s members."
In his testimony, Burkart brought attention to OSHA’s failure to fulfill its duty under law to consider voluntary consensus standards in rulemaking.
"We cannot help but come to that conclusion when the Proposed Rule fails to reference even once the ASC A10 standard Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations. The ASC A10 Committee for Construction and Demolition Operations is one of the oldest ANSI committees, chartered in 1931 and enjoying 78 years of continuous leadership in developing construction safety standards," Burkart said. "The inability of OSHA to identify a key set of standards impacting crane safety is a significant failure by OSHA to perform meaningful background research and indicates the Agency failed to comply fully with Public Law 104-113."
Public Law 104-113, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1965, requires all federal agencies to "use technical standards that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies, using such technical standards as a means to carry out policy objectives or activities determined by the agencies and departments."
"ASSE’s members have had extensive and successful experience in helping develop occupational safety and health standards through consensus building in the ANSI voluntary standards development process, including national standards impacting the safe operation of cranes and derricks," Burkart explained. "We already work successfully in managing crane safety through these voluntary consensus standards. Therefore, we need clarity and consistency between the existing voluntary standard and a final OSHA standard."
In his testimony, Burkhart also stated ASSE's support for OSHA's general approach to helping ensure that crane operators are qualified or certified to operate the equipment covered here. Burkart went on to say, however, "We urge OSHA to rewrite the proposed provisions to require that operator certifications be accredited by the same nationally recognized accrediting agencies that accredit organizations certifying the professional competence of safety and health professionals. Without this level of rigor, ASSE fears that unknown entities with little experience in professional certification will be able to establish certifications that do not adequately demonstrate professional crane operator competence and put at risk the advances in crane safety we all want."
Burkart also urged OSHA to look closely at the negotiated rulemaking process used to develop this proposed rule to see if lessons can be learned to help improve the negotiated rulemaking process as a tool for engaging the entire safety and health community in OSHA’s rulemaking.
"While no approach to standards setting can be without challenges, negotiated rulemaking best mirrors the success of the voluntary consensus process and holds promise for some of the more difficult occupational safety and health issues," Burkart said on behalf of ASSE.
Other areas of the proposed rule that concern ASSE include hoisting and rigging; confusing equipment definitions such as for fall protection, competent person and ground conditions; concern that OSHA did not reference the national voluntary consensus standard with regard to use of different derricks; selection of manufacturer or employer procedures for assembly/disassembly and general requirements; power line safety; inspections; wire rope inspections; general requirements for signals; overall fall protection; work area control; operator qualification and certification; training; hoisting personnel; multiple-crane/derrick lifts; design, construction and testing; and, overhead and gantry cranes.
The current OSHA safety standard for cranes and derricks was written in 1971. In July 2004, a 23-member industry and union OSHA advisory committee issued a recommendation that OSHA update its outdated standards on crane and derrick safety and proposed a revised standard, including specific rules on crane assembly.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
OSHA Launches National Initiative On Cranes And Derricks
Tower Crane Safety
OSHA To Issue Proposed Cranes and Derricks Construction Standard
Unqualified Hardhats Feared As Fake Crane-Safety Papers Found
Labels: ASSE, Construction Safety, OSHA, safety regulations
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Monday, February 02, 2009
Corners Cut And Beers Downed At OSHA Classes
In yesterday's edition the New York Daily News reported what they found when they sent a reporter to attend an OSHA 10 safety class. This is a ten hour training class that teaches the basics of construction job safety. Here is what they found as reported in the first paragraphs of the N.Y. Daily News article:
"Safety is for sale in the dimly lit Aqueduct North bar in the far reaches of the Bronx. Last Sunday, a group of hardhats hunkered down for what was supposed to be 10 hours of crucial construction safety training. One of the 'hardhats' was an undercover Daily News reporter. What he found was that the $125 course took just over two hours, factoring in time spent waiting for the instructor to show and breaks to grab a beer."
Read the entire article at the N.Y. Daily News
"Safety is for sale in the dimly lit Aqueduct North bar in the far reaches of the Bronx. Last Sunday, a group of hardhats hunkered down for what was supposed to be 10 hours of crucial construction safety training. One of the 'hardhats' was an undercover Daily News reporter. What he found was that the $125 course took just over two hours, factoring in time spent waiting for the instructor to show and breaks to grab a beer."
Read the entire article at the N.Y. Daily News
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA, Safety Training, VPP Safety Articles and Papers
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Friday, December 12, 2008
Lock Up Building Sites For Christmas
Here is an excellent reminder coming from Construction Contractor magazine:
"Victorian building sites must be well secured before the annual Christmas / New Year shutdown, WorkSafe has warned.
WorkSafe’s Construction and utility program director, Chris Webb said although building sites could be an adventure playground for children, they could also be extremely dangerous."
Read the entire article here.
"Victorian building sites must be well secured before the annual Christmas / New Year shutdown, WorkSafe has warned.
WorkSafe’s Construction and utility program director, Chris Webb said although building sites could be an adventure playground for children, they could also be extremely dangerous."
Read the entire article here.
Labels: Construction Safety, Department Of Labor
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Thursday, October 09, 2008
Falls, Electrical, Scaffold And Rigging Violations Are Top Cited Hazards In NYC
Fall hazards were the most frequently cited violation found at New York City construction sites by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) during a two-week enhanced enforcement effort this past summer.
As part of its New York City construction safety task force, OSHA detailed 12 inspectors to conduct 96 safety inspections at 46 construction sites throughout the city from June 23 to July 3. The sites were randomly selected to encompass a cross-section of high-risk construction activities including tower cranes, high-rise construction, poured-in-place concrete operations, steel erection, gut-rehab and other high-risk construction activities.
Citations were issued to 60 contractors for 129 violations with a total of $247,400 in proposed fines. The major categories of violations cited included fall hazards (39), electrical safety (29), scaffolds (17), cranes and rigging (13), welding/gas (10) and 20 other categories covering personal protective equipment, tools, material handling, concrete, hoists, stairs and ladders.
"These violations are consistent with the types of hazards we find on far too many jobsites and cannot be written off as the inevitable by-products of an inherently dangerous profession," said Richard Mendelson, OSHA's area director in Manhattan. "OSHA will use this information to further hone its inspection targeting, so we can direct our resources to those areas where we can have the most impact."
On Aug. 7, OSHA conducted a construction stakeholder safety meeting with industry representatives in which the agency analyzed trends in construction safety violations and recommended that all parties involved in New York City construction work to "raise the bar" on safety.
The meeting and the task force are among several OSHA efforts planned or underway to enhance construction safety in the city. These include an ongoing cross-training alliance with the New York City Department of Buildings and sending copies of citations to project owners, developers, employers' insurers, workers' compensation carriers and union training funds to raise awareness of occupational hazards found on city jobsites. In addition, OSHA will conduct a second round of concentrated construction inspections in the future.
"These findings reinforce the need for all parties - employers, developers, building trades, unions and employees - to work aggressively, effectively and continuously to minimize construction hazards," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York. "An effective approach is implementing and maintaining an effective safety and health management system through which employers and employees work together to identify and eliminate work-related hazards."
As part of its New York City construction safety task force, OSHA detailed 12 inspectors to conduct 96 safety inspections at 46 construction sites throughout the city from June 23 to July 3. The sites were randomly selected to encompass a cross-section of high-risk construction activities including tower cranes, high-rise construction, poured-in-place concrete operations, steel erection, gut-rehab and other high-risk construction activities.
Citations were issued to 60 contractors for 129 violations with a total of $247,400 in proposed fines. The major categories of violations cited included fall hazards (39), electrical safety (29), scaffolds (17), cranes and rigging (13), welding/gas (10) and 20 other categories covering personal protective equipment, tools, material handling, concrete, hoists, stairs and ladders.
"These violations are consistent with the types of hazards we find on far too many jobsites and cannot be written off as the inevitable by-products of an inherently dangerous profession," said Richard Mendelson, OSHA's area director in Manhattan. "OSHA will use this information to further hone its inspection targeting, so we can direct our resources to those areas where we can have the most impact."
On Aug. 7, OSHA conducted a construction stakeholder safety meeting with industry representatives in which the agency analyzed trends in construction safety violations and recommended that all parties involved in New York City construction work to "raise the bar" on safety.
The meeting and the task force are among several OSHA efforts planned or underway to enhance construction safety in the city. These include an ongoing cross-training alliance with the New York City Department of Buildings and sending copies of citations to project owners, developers, employers' insurers, workers' compensation carriers and union training funds to raise awareness of occupational hazards found on city jobsites. In addition, OSHA will conduct a second round of concentrated construction inspections in the future.
"These findings reinforce the need for all parties - employers, developers, building trades, unions and employees - to work aggressively, effectively and continuously to minimize construction hazards," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York. "An effective approach is implementing and maintaining an effective safety and health management system through which employers and employees work together to identify and eliminate work-related hazards."
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA Inspections
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OSHA Launches National Initiative On Cranes And Derricks
To coincide with the proposed rule on Cranes and Derricks in Construction, published in today's Federal Register, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has initiated a National Crane Safety Initiative to address safety hazards during construction crane operation.
The Crane Safety Initiative also builds on a number of steps taken by OSHA earlier this year to raise awareness on crane safety and increase enforcement of the current standards, including launching local emphasis programs in a number of regions to inspect high-rise construction, stakeholder outreach and additional training on crane safety.
"Three important features of this initiative are that it will provide information and outreach to the construction industry and other stakeholders, offer enhanced resources to OSHA inspectors who address crane safety and implement a National Emphasis Program on Crane Safety," said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported the 2007 fatality rate was the lowest in recorded history, including a reported five percent reduction in fatalities for the construction industry. This initiative builds upon this successful record."
Through its agency partners in the construction industry, OSHA will increase awareness of and provide information on how to avoid crane hazards. The agency's compliance safety and health officers will receive enhanced resources on crane safety. Additionally, the National Emphasis Program will incorporate increased targeted inspections of construction worksites to identify crane hazards and promote compliance with workplace crane safety requirements.
OSHA's proposed rule on cranes and derricks addresses the key hazards associated with construction cranes and derricks.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
Tower Crane Safety
OSHA To Issue Proposed Cranes and Derricks Construction Standard
Unqualified Hardhats Feared As Fake Crane-Safety Papers Found
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident
The Crane Safety Initiative also builds on a number of steps taken by OSHA earlier this year to raise awareness on crane safety and increase enforcement of the current standards, including launching local emphasis programs in a number of regions to inspect high-rise construction, stakeholder outreach and additional training on crane safety.
"Three important features of this initiative are that it will provide information and outreach to the construction industry and other stakeholders, offer enhanced resources to OSHA inspectors who address crane safety and implement a National Emphasis Program on Crane Safety," said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported the 2007 fatality rate was the lowest in recorded history, including a reported five percent reduction in fatalities for the construction industry. This initiative builds upon this successful record."
Through its agency partners in the construction industry, OSHA will increase awareness of and provide information on how to avoid crane hazards. The agency's compliance safety and health officers will receive enhanced resources on crane safety. Additionally, the National Emphasis Program will incorporate increased targeted inspections of construction worksites to identify crane hazards and promote compliance with workplace crane safety requirements.
OSHA's proposed rule on cranes and derricks addresses the key hazards associated with construction cranes and derricks.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
Tower Crane Safety
OSHA To Issue Proposed Cranes and Derricks Construction Standard
Unqualified Hardhats Feared As Fake Crane-Safety Papers Found
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA, osha information
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Friday, September 19, 2008
OSHA To Issue Proposed Cranes and Derricks Construction Standard
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced that a proposed rule for cranes and derricks in construction will be published shortly in the Federal Register.
A current copy of the proposed standard is available on OSHA's Web site at http://www.osha.gov/doc/proposedrule/Cranes_Derricks_Proposed_Rule.html for the public to review. The public comment period on the proposed rule will only begin after the proposal has been formally published in the Federal Register.
"The cranes and derricks proposed rule comprehensively addresses the hazards associated with the use of cranes and derricks in construction, including tower cranes," said Edwin G. Foulke Jr., assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. "This draft rule will both protect construction employees and help prevent crane accidents by updating existing protections and requiring crane operators to be trained in the use of construction cranes."
The cranes and derricks proposed rule would apply to the estimated 96,000 construction cranes in the U.S., including 2,000 tower cranes. The proposed standard addresses key safety issues associated with cranes, including ground conditions, the assembly and disassembly of cranes, the operation of cranes near power lines, the certification and training of crane operators, the use of safety devices and signals, and inspections of cranes. It significantly updates existing tower crane requirements and more comprehensively addresses tower crane safety, with respect both to erecting and dismantling, and to crane operations.
The proposed standard would establish four options for the qualification or certification of crane operators:
(1) certification through an accredited third-party testing organization
(2) qualification through an audited employer testing program
(3) qualification issued by the U.S. military
(4) qualification by a state or local licensing authority.
This proposed rule was developed through negotiated rulemaking by the Cranes and Derricks Advisory Committee (C-DAC). The federal Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health subsequently recommended that OSHA use that document for developing its proposed rule. Since then and as required by law, OSHA has conducted a regulatory flexibility analysis, small business review and paperwork burden analysis of the proposed rule. In addition, OSHA was required to write a preamble to the regulatory proposal that explains in detail the purpose and application of the proposed standard. That preamble is almost 1,000 pages. The members of C-DAC were sent an advance copy for review as part of their role in the negotiated rulemaking.
OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 37 years. This success is reflected in the latest data showing the lowest national fatality and injury and illness incidence rate that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has ever recorded.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to promote the safety and health of America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
Tower Crane Safety
Unqualified Hardhats Feared As Fake Crane-Safety Papers Found
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident
OSHA Citations Issued In Connection With Fatal NYC Crane Collapse
A current copy of the proposed standard is available on OSHA's Web site at http://www.osha.gov/doc/proposedrule/Cranes_Derricks_Proposed_Rule.html for the public to review. The public comment period on the proposed rule will only begin after the proposal has been formally published in the Federal Register.
"The cranes and derricks proposed rule comprehensively addresses the hazards associated with the use of cranes and derricks in construction, including tower cranes," said Edwin G. Foulke Jr., assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. "This draft rule will both protect construction employees and help prevent crane accidents by updating existing protections and requiring crane operators to be trained in the use of construction cranes."
The cranes and derricks proposed rule would apply to the estimated 96,000 construction cranes in the U.S., including 2,000 tower cranes. The proposed standard addresses key safety issues associated with cranes, including ground conditions, the assembly and disassembly of cranes, the operation of cranes near power lines, the certification and training of crane operators, the use of safety devices and signals, and inspections of cranes. It significantly updates existing tower crane requirements and more comprehensively addresses tower crane safety, with respect both to erecting and dismantling, and to crane operations.
The proposed standard would establish four options for the qualification or certification of crane operators:
(1) certification through an accredited third-party testing organization
(2) qualification through an audited employer testing program
(3) qualification issued by the U.S. military
(4) qualification by a state or local licensing authority.
This proposed rule was developed through negotiated rulemaking by the Cranes and Derricks Advisory Committee (C-DAC). The federal Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health subsequently recommended that OSHA use that document for developing its proposed rule. Since then and as required by law, OSHA has conducted a regulatory flexibility analysis, small business review and paperwork burden analysis of the proposed rule. In addition, OSHA was required to write a preamble to the regulatory proposal that explains in detail the purpose and application of the proposed standard. That preamble is almost 1,000 pages. The members of C-DAC were sent an advance copy for review as part of their role in the negotiated rulemaking.
OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 37 years. This success is reflected in the latest data showing the lowest national fatality and injury and illness incidence rate that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has ever recorded.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to promote the safety and health of America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
Tower Crane Safety
Unqualified Hardhats Feared As Fake Crane-Safety Papers Found
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident
OSHA Citations Issued In Connection With Fatal NYC Crane Collapse
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Tuesday, September 16, 2008
OSHA Citations Issued In Connection With Fatal NYC Crane Collapse
NEW YORK -- The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued citations to three contractors with proposed penalties totaling $313,500 for alleged violations of safety standards after investigating the catastrophic March 15 collapse of a tower crane in New York City that killed seven people. The accident took place at 303 E. 51st St. in midtown Manhattan.
Cited were Rapetti Rigging Services Inc., the crane's erector; Reliance Construction Group, the project's general contractor; and Joy Contractors Inc., the project's concrete and superstructure contractor. Rapetti was cited for alleged problems associated with rigging the crane and lack of fall protection, while Reliance and Joy were cited for lack of fall protection, fire protection and other hazards unrelated to the crane collapse.
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke Jr. said, "This case illustrates in stark terms that failure to follow required procedures can have wide-ranging and catastrophic consequences."
Rapetti Rigging has been issued three willful citations with penalties totaling $210,000 for allegedly failing, among other things, to comply with the crane manufacturer's specifications and limitations when erecting and raising the tower crane, to protect synthetic rigging slings from damage, to inspect the slings for damage or defects before use, and to remove a defective sling from service.
"Ultimately, the crane collapse was a failure to follow basic, but essential, construction safety processes," said Richard Mendelson, OSHA's area director in Manhattan.
Rapetti also has been issued five serious citations, with $10,000 in proposed fines for fall hazards. Employees working on the crane’s mast and at the edge of the 18th floor level and other areas lacked proper fall protection. Penalties proposed against Rapetti total $220,000.
Joy Contractors has been issued one repeat and 14 serious citations with proposed penalties totaling $74,000. The repeat citation alleges the lack of fall protection for employees working 180 feet above the ground. OSHA cited Joy in March 2007 for a similar hazard at a Mt. Pleasant, N.Y., worksite. The serious citations allege failure to train employees in jobsite hazards, unsafe work area debris, fire hazards, fall hazards, unsafe material storage, and hazards created by the eccentric loading of concrete shoring and formwork.
Reliance Construction Group has been issued 11 serious citations with a total of $19,500 in proposed penalties. The citations allege failure to train employees in jobsite hazards, unsafe work area debris, fire hazards, fall hazards, and hazards created by the eccentric loading of concrete shoring and formwork.
This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Manhattan Area Office; telephone 212-620-3200. OSHA’s inspection of the May 30 crane collapse at 91st Street and First Avenue in New York City is still ongoing.
Cited were Rapetti Rigging Services Inc., the crane's erector; Reliance Construction Group, the project's general contractor; and Joy Contractors Inc., the project's concrete and superstructure contractor. Rapetti was cited for alleged problems associated with rigging the crane and lack of fall protection, while Reliance and Joy were cited for lack of fall protection, fire protection and other hazards unrelated to the crane collapse.
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke Jr. said, "This case illustrates in stark terms that failure to follow required procedures can have wide-ranging and catastrophic consequences."
Rapetti Rigging has been issued three willful citations with penalties totaling $210,000 for allegedly failing, among other things, to comply with the crane manufacturer's specifications and limitations when erecting and raising the tower crane, to protect synthetic rigging slings from damage, to inspect the slings for damage or defects before use, and to remove a defective sling from service.
"Ultimately, the crane collapse was a failure to follow basic, but essential, construction safety processes," said Richard Mendelson, OSHA's area director in Manhattan.
Rapetti also has been issued five serious citations, with $10,000 in proposed fines for fall hazards. Employees working on the crane’s mast and at the edge of the 18th floor level and other areas lacked proper fall protection. Penalties proposed against Rapetti total $220,000.
Joy Contractors has been issued one repeat and 14 serious citations with proposed penalties totaling $74,000. The repeat citation alleges the lack of fall protection for employees working 180 feet above the ground. OSHA cited Joy in March 2007 for a similar hazard at a Mt. Pleasant, N.Y., worksite. The serious citations allege failure to train employees in jobsite hazards, unsafe work area debris, fire hazards, fall hazards, unsafe material storage, and hazards created by the eccentric loading of concrete shoring and formwork.
Reliance Construction Group has been issued 11 serious citations with a total of $19,500 in proposed penalties. The citations allege failure to train employees in jobsite hazards, unsafe work area debris, fire hazards, fall hazards, and hazards created by the eccentric loading of concrete shoring and formwork.
This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Manhattan Area Office; telephone 212-620-3200. OSHA’s inspection of the May 30 crane collapse at 91st Street and First Avenue in New York City is still ongoing.
Labels: Construction / Installation, Construction Safety, OSHA Citations, OSHA Fines
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Monday, August 18, 2008
OSHA Establishes Regional Emphasis Program On Cranes In The Construction Industry
The OSHA Region VI office in Dallas, Texas, has established a Regional Emphasis Program covering employees in the construction industry who perform crane operations. The program conducts safety inspections of workplaces in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and sites in New Mexico that are under federal OSHA jurisdiction.
"This Regional Emphasis Program (REP) was established as an enforcement initiative for the inspection of cranes used in construction, with the goal of preventing serious and fatal injuries to employees working on and around cranes," said Regional Administrator Dean McDaniel. "The REP will address various hazards associated with cranes, including but not limited to, being struck by objects, electrocution, crane tip-over, being caught in or between machinery, and falls. Past inspection evidence indicates these hazards are the leading causes of accidents where cranes are used in the construction industry."
The emphasis program is intended to supplement existing OSHA targeting programs, focusing additional resources as necessary to monitor job sites, promote compliance, and promote awareness of safety and health hazards during construction activities involving cranes. OSHA will utilize a number of tools to address this issue, including enforcement, outreach, training, on-site consultation, partnerships, alliances and the agency's Voluntary Protection Programs.
Under OSHA's construction crane standard, 29 C.F.R. 1926.550, there is a general requirement for employers to inspect construction cranes prior to each use, during use and annually. OSHA also has specific standards that apply to different types of cranes. The OSHA standard requires that employers conduct tower crane inspections prescribed by the manufacturer.
For more information contact OSHA area offices in the region: Austin, Texas, 512-374-0271; Baton Rouge, La., 225-298-5458; Corpus Christi, Texas, 361-888-3420; Dallas, Texas, 214-320-2400; Fort Worth, Texas, 817-428-2470; Houston North, Texas, 281-591-2438; Houston South, Texas, 281-286-0583; Little Rock, Ark., 501-224-1841; Lubbock, Texas, 806-472-7681; Oklahoma City, Okla., 405-278-9560. OSHA's Region VI also has two district offices: El Paso, Texas, 915-534-6251 and San Antonio, Texas, 210-472-5040.
"This Regional Emphasis Program (REP) was established as an enforcement initiative for the inspection of cranes used in construction, with the goal of preventing serious and fatal injuries to employees working on and around cranes," said Regional Administrator Dean McDaniel. "The REP will address various hazards associated with cranes, including but not limited to, being struck by objects, electrocution, crane tip-over, being caught in or between machinery, and falls. Past inspection evidence indicates these hazards are the leading causes of accidents where cranes are used in the construction industry."
The emphasis program is intended to supplement existing OSHA targeting programs, focusing additional resources as necessary to monitor job sites, promote compliance, and promote awareness of safety and health hazards during construction activities involving cranes. OSHA will utilize a number of tools to address this issue, including enforcement, outreach, training, on-site consultation, partnerships, alliances and the agency's Voluntary Protection Programs.
Under OSHA's construction crane standard, 29 C.F.R. 1926.550, there is a general requirement for employers to inspect construction cranes prior to each use, during use and annually. OSHA also has specific standards that apply to different types of cranes. The OSHA standard requires that employers conduct tower crane inspections prescribed by the manufacturer.
For more information contact OSHA area offices in the region: Austin, Texas, 512-374-0271; Baton Rouge, La., 225-298-5458; Corpus Christi, Texas, 361-888-3420; Dallas, Texas, 214-320-2400; Fort Worth, Texas, 817-428-2470; Houston North, Texas, 281-591-2438; Houston South, Texas, 281-286-0583; Little Rock, Ark., 501-224-1841; Lubbock, Texas, 806-472-7681; Oklahoma City, Okla., 405-278-9560. OSHA's Region VI also has two district offices: El Paso, Texas, 915-534-6251 and San Antonio, Texas, 210-472-5040.
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA, OSHA Inspections
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Monday, August 04, 2008
California To Investigate Worker Heat Deaths
"Labor officials said Friday they were investigating whether a rash of early season heat waves had caused the deaths of a record number of California workers by summer's peak.
Despite an enforcement push to protect employees toiling in the searing conditions outdoors, 12 people have died of possible heat-related causes in the first seven months of this year alone, according to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health."
The above is from an article in The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
Half of the fatalities were in agriculture, with the other half at construction sites, in oil fields, while hauling chemicals and working at a warehouse.
California recognized the potential for heat related fatalities early in the year. Health and safety inspectors have be conducting increased inspections, as well as running an increased number of workshops for farm labor contractors.
An article in Saturday's Los Angeles Times goes into more detail and points out that just providing adequate drinking water and shade for rest breaks will make a difference.Labels: argriculture safety, Construction Safety, hot weather safety
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Monday, July 07, 2008
Tower Crane Safety
Last week the Huffington Post blog had a commentary about construction injuries that pointed out:
"Last week, the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing to address whether OSHA is adequately enacting and enforcing construction safety rules. "
"With as many as 1,250 deaths each year, construction workers face death on the job 20 times more often than miners and 10 times more often than police officers or firefighters. While 8 percent of the U.S. workforce is employed in construction, construction workers suffer 22 percent of workplace fatalities."
With the recent crane related deaths and injuries in New York, Las Vegas, Miami and Dallas, there is a growing focus on construction related injuries and deaths, in particular crane related injuries and deaths.
If you'd like more information about tower cranes, one resource is the SMART Association web site. SMART is an association of Washington State businesses who work together to provide companies with the resources necessary to manage and control risk.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
Unqualified Hardhats Feared As Fake Crane-Safety Papers Found
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident
OSHA Citations Issued In Connection With Fatal NYC Crane Collapse
"Last week, the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing to address whether OSHA is adequately enacting and enforcing construction safety rules. "
"With as many as 1,250 deaths each year, construction workers face death on the job 20 times more often than miners and 10 times more often than police officers or firefighters. While 8 percent of the U.S. workforce is employed in construction, construction workers suffer 22 percent of workplace fatalities."
With the recent crane related deaths and injuries in New York, Las Vegas, Miami and Dallas, there is a growing focus on construction related injuries and deaths, in particular crane related injuries and deaths.
If you'd like more information about tower cranes, one resource is the SMART Association web site. SMART is an association of Washington State businesses who work together to provide companies with the resources necessary to manage and control risk.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
Unqualified Hardhats Feared As Fake Crane-Safety Papers Found
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident
OSHA Citations Issued In Connection With Fatal NYC Crane Collapse
Labels: Construction Safety
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Monday, June 30, 2008
OSHA Takes Extra Steps To Combat New York City Construction Hazards
Rise in city construction deaths and accidents 'unacceptable'
OSHA is taking new steps to combat the rise in construction fatalities in New York City, where 20 employees have died in construction-related accidents since January.
For two weeks beginning today, OSHA is bringing a dozen additional inspectors into the city to conduct proactive inspections of high-rise construction sites, cranes and other places where fatalities and serious accidents have been occurring. Additionally, ongoing inspections will continue under existing local emphasis programs, or as a result of complaints, referrals or accidents.
OSHA will review its findings to gauge the impact of these additional inspections and determine what other steps might need to be taken to address this deadly trend.
"There is no one - among regulators, employers, employees, unions and trade associations - who will accept these lost lives as the byproduct of work in a dangerous industry," said Louis Ricca Jr., OSHA's acting regional administrator in New York. "We must all commit to maintaining safety as the number one job priority each and every day."
Richard Mendelson, OSHA's area director in Manhattan, added: "The number and frequency of construction-related deaths and accidents in the city, and their associated human cost, is unacceptable. We're using every available resource and tool - enforcement, outreach, education, persuasion, even peer pressure - to better identify and proactively eliminate hazards, and to compel employers and employees to do likewise."
In addition to enforcement activities, OSHA is pursuing other measures to drive home the importance of construction safety to employers, employees and the construction industry. Since May, OSHA has been sending copies of violation citations issued to employers on city construction sites to the employers' insurance or workers' compensation carriers, and to construction project owners and developers, in order to raise their awareness of occupational hazards found on city job sites. Citations involving training violations at union sites will be sent to the unions representing the workers and to their training funds.
OSHA will continue its ongoing alliance with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), under which OSHA and DOB cross-train their inspectors and managers on each agency's construction safety standards, regulations and procedures, with a focus on the most common construction hazards likely to harm employees. OSHA also plans to hold outreach meetings with unions and the construction industry to garner their feedback on construction safety issues and elicit their support in reporting hazards and encouraging compliance with safety standards.
OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2007 and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last eight years. In fiscal year 2007, OSHA found nearly 89,000 violations of its standards and regulations.
OSHA is taking new steps to combat the rise in construction fatalities in New York City, where 20 employees have died in construction-related accidents since January.
For two weeks beginning today, OSHA is bringing a dozen additional inspectors into the city to conduct proactive inspections of high-rise construction sites, cranes and other places where fatalities and serious accidents have been occurring. Additionally, ongoing inspections will continue under existing local emphasis programs, or as a result of complaints, referrals or accidents.
OSHA will review its findings to gauge the impact of these additional inspections and determine what other steps might need to be taken to address this deadly trend.
"There is no one - among regulators, employers, employees, unions and trade associations - who will accept these lost lives as the byproduct of work in a dangerous industry," said Louis Ricca Jr., OSHA's acting regional administrator in New York. "We must all commit to maintaining safety as the number one job priority each and every day."
Richard Mendelson, OSHA's area director in Manhattan, added: "The number and frequency of construction-related deaths and accidents in the city, and their associated human cost, is unacceptable. We're using every available resource and tool - enforcement, outreach, education, persuasion, even peer pressure - to better identify and proactively eliminate hazards, and to compel employers and employees to do likewise."
In addition to enforcement activities, OSHA is pursuing other measures to drive home the importance of construction safety to employers, employees and the construction industry. Since May, OSHA has been sending copies of violation citations issued to employers on city construction sites to the employers' insurance or workers' compensation carriers, and to construction project owners and developers, in order to raise their awareness of occupational hazards found on city job sites. Citations involving training violations at union sites will be sent to the unions representing the workers and to their training funds.
OSHA will continue its ongoing alliance with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), under which OSHA and DOB cross-train their inspectors and managers on each agency's construction safety standards, regulations and procedures, with a focus on the most common construction hazards likely to harm employees. OSHA also plans to hold outreach meetings with unions and the construction industry to garner their feedback on construction safety issues and elicit their support in reporting hazards and encouraging compliance with safety standards.
OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2007 and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last eight years. In fiscal year 2007, OSHA found nearly 89,000 violations of its standards and regulations.
Labels: Construction Safety
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident at New Dallas Cowboys Stadium
This article comes from today's edition of the Dallas News. The article is about a crane accident that took place last Thursday. It states:
"Two of three workers hospitalized after a crane accident at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium have been released from the hospital, officials said today."
"Thursday’s accident happened about 2 p.m. between the stadium’s dual arches just outside the northeast end zone. The workers were assembling a crane when a cable connector “failed” on the erecting crane, which allowed the cables and some other parts to fall, according to a written statement from Manhattan Construction, the project’s contractor."
This accident is drawing attention in the news both because it is crane accident, and because it is the third "high profile" accident that has taken place during the construction of the new stadium.
Read the complete story in the Dallas News
Labels: Construction Safety
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Monday, June 16, 2008
Unqualified Hardhats Feared As Fake Crane-Safety Papers Found
Sunday's edition of the New York Daily News reported that workers involved in erecting and dismantling towers cranes in New York City may not be qualified to be doing that type of work. A worker was found to have a fake OSHA 30 card that he received from his foreman.
The Daily News articled reported that:
"The worker, Luis Alvarez, a 32-year-old Mexican immigrant, said he was given the wallet-sized card by a construction foreman in case federal job-safety inspectors questioned him.
The card - also required for certain construction supervisors and workers in high-risk jobs - certifies the holder has completed 30 hours of safety training and passed a rigorous 40-question U.S. Labor Department
The federalOccupational Safety and Health Administration issues the certificates, known as OSHA 30 cards.
Alvarez told The News he was handed the card after a two-hour safety lecture. He said he did not take a test."
OSHA 30 cards became required for all workers who erect and take down tower cranes following two tower crane collapses and nine deaths since March 15th.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
Tower Crane Safety
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident
OSHA Citations Issued In Connection With Fatal NYC Crane Collapse
The Daily News articled reported that:
"The worker, Luis Alvarez, a 32-year-old Mexican immigrant, said he was given the wallet-sized card by a construction foreman in case federal job-safety inspectors questioned him.
The card - also required for certain construction supervisors and workers in high-risk jobs - certifies the holder has completed 30 hours of safety training and passed a rigorous 40-question U.S. Labor Department
The federalOccupational Safety and Health Administration issues the certificates, known as OSHA 30 cards.
Alvarez told The News he was handed the card after a two-hour safety lecture. He said he did not take a test."
OSHA 30 cards became required for all workers who erect and take down tower cranes following two tower crane collapses and nine deaths since March 15th.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
Tower Crane Safety
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident
OSHA Citations Issued In Connection With Fatal NYC Crane Collapse
Labels: Construction Safety, safety regulations
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Monday, June 02, 2008
Union Ban On Killer Hose
News from Australia concerns the dangers of high pressure water lances. The Illawarra Mercury News reports on the death of a worker using a high pressure water lance and the supsequent union ban on the use of similar equipment. The article reports:
"Mr Kolomaka, 39, died after he was hit in the chest by an ultra high-pressure stream of water while cleaning a catchment sump at BlueScope's Springhill site last Thursday.
"Mr Kolomaka, 39, died after he was hit in the chest by an ultra high-pressure stream of water while cleaning a catchment sump at BlueScope's Springhill site last Thursday.
Wollongong Police Inspector Mark Lavers said Mr Kolomaka lost control of the hose while breaking up sediment at the bottom of a large pit in an area known as the 21 Dump.
'His colleague was standing 5m to 7m behind him controlling the water flow by a foot-activated pedal,' Insp Lavers said."
Do you see anything wrong with what happened as described above? Use this link to read the entire article.Labels: Construction Safety, Industrial Safety, workplace fatalities, workplace safety
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Nevada OSHA Boosts Work Site Safety
I have previously posted about articles in the Las Vegas Sun concerning the construction deaths in Las Vegas. The latest Las Vega Sun article, in this past Saturday's paper, reports that as of August 1st "Nevada will begin requiring contractors to place temporary flooring or safety netting beneath employees working on high-rise projects, the state Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Friday."
I urge you to also read the comments at the end of the article.
I urge you to also read the comments at the end of the article.
Labels: Construction Safety, fall protection
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Monday, May 19, 2008
Interpreting Protections Away
The Sunday edition of the Las Vegas Sun continues that newspaper's look at OSHA and construction safety. This article states that OSHA uses directives, which are interpretations of safety requirements, to weaken or abolish the established safety requirements. The article states that in this way, although a safety requirement is on the books, it will not be enforced.
The Las Vegas Sun article states: "OSHA in recent years has issued interpretations of long-standing safety requirements that, in some cases, effectively change or abolish those requirements without public review, critics argue. For nearly three decades after OSHA was created by a Democratic Congress and signed into law in 1972 by a Republican president, the agency issued what are known as compliance directives to instruct field officers in enforcement of OSHA laws.
The Las Vegas Sun article states: "OSHA in recent years has issued interpretations of long-standing safety requirements that, in some cases, effectively change or abolish those requirements without public review, critics argue. For nearly three decades after OSHA was created by a Democratic Congress and signed into law in 1972 by a Republican president, the agency issued what are known as compliance directives to instruct field officers in enforcement of OSHA laws.
But in the past decade, OSHA’s construction standards division began using compliance directives more broadly. They were used to interpret safety standards and to tell employers which standards could lead to safety violations."
But labor advocates say the use of directives to interpret or change the meaning of construction safety standards is improper. The directives do not go through the same public review as the standards themselves did.'A party can challenge a standard within 60 days when it’s issued, but with compliance directives you don’t have the right as a worker or union to challenge it, and it becomes a way of changing the rule,' said Peg Seminario, AFL-CIO’s director of safety and health."
You can read the entire article at the Las Vegas Sun
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA, politics
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Monday, May 12, 2008
Keeping the Heat On OSHA
Yesterday's Las Vegas Sun newspaper had a substantial article about construction accidents in Las Vegas and the plans of a U.S. House of Representatives panel to "hold a hearing to review construction safety standards and the conduct of government agencies responsible for overseeing workplace safety."
The article reports that "California Democratic Rep. Lynn Woolsey said the workforce protections subcommittee she leads plans to hold a hearing this summer to investigate the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regulations of the construction industry."
The article also reports on what the U.S. Senate committee led by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has been doing. It then goes on to describe a bill that has been introduced in both the House and the Senate: "Kennedy and Woolsey have introduced identical bills to increase penalties on employers for workplace safety violations. The bills have been introduced in past congressional sessions but had little traction until Democrats rose to power in 2007."
In covering the other side of this issue the article reports that "Construction industry groups and key Republican lawmakers think any legislation to bolster fines moves the agency in a wrong direction, toward penalizing violators rather than working with contractors to prevent accidents from happening."
Overall this article provides a good summary of what has been happening in congress. You can read the entire article at: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/may/11/keeping-heat-osha/
The article reports that "California Democratic Rep. Lynn Woolsey said the workforce protections subcommittee she leads plans to hold a hearing this summer to investigate the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regulations of the construction industry."
The article also reports on what the U.S. Senate committee led by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has been doing. It then goes on to describe a bill that has been introduced in both the House and the Senate: "Kennedy and Woolsey have introduced identical bills to increase penalties on employers for workplace safety violations. The bills have been introduced in past congressional sessions but had little traction until Democrats rose to power in 2007."
In covering the other side of this issue the article reports that "Construction industry groups and key Republican lawmakers think any legislation to bolster fines moves the agency in a wrong direction, toward penalizing violators rather than working with contractors to prevent accidents from happening."
Overall this article provides a good summary of what has been happening in congress. You can read the entire article at: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/may/11/keeping-heat-osha/
Labels: Construction Safety, safety politics
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Tuesday, May 06, 2008
OSHA Settlement On December Trench Fatality
The Chicago Tribume reports that A. W. Oaks & Sons, reached a $13,300 settlement with OSHA last week for three safety violations resulting from a December 2007 trench collapse that killed one worker. The settlement is $3,500 less than the amount of the original citation.
Read the article at the Chicago Tribune web site.
Read the article at the Chicago Tribune web site.
Labels: Construction Safety
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Millstadt Trench Collapse Prompts Lawsuit
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports today that the family of a victim of a trench collapse has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Followell Construction. Yankey Eickelman and Walter T. Eickelman were killed March 10 when an eight to ten foot deep trench and crushed them. They had been hired as subcontractors by Followell Construction.
The article reports that:
"The suit accuses Followell Construction of negligence in operation of the construction site, where workers were building a new sewage treatment plant. It alleges the company relaxed safety standards that directly caused the death of Ron Yankey, a plumber working in a ditch at the site."
"'At the time the sides of the ditch were not shored nor secured, and no cage was within the ditch to allow Ronnie to work,'" the suit said, for the first time publicly accusing the company of not using a safety mechanism."
OSHA is currently investigating the incident.
The article is available at: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf
The article reports that:
"The suit accuses Followell Construction of negligence in operation of the construction site, where workers were building a new sewage treatment plant. It alleges the company relaxed safety standards that directly caused the death of Ron Yankey, a plumber working in a ditch at the site."
"'At the time the sides of the ditch were not shored nor secured, and no cage was within the ditch to allow Ronnie to work,'" the suit said, for the first time publicly accusing the company of not using a safety mechanism."
OSHA is currently investigating the incident.
The article is available at: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf
Labels: Construction Safety
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Monday, April 21, 2008
Influenced, OSHA bends
There are more problems in Las Vegas. In last Friday's edition the Las Vegas Sun reports:
"State safety officials sharply reduced violations and fines against the Orleans [Boyd Gaming Corp] for its role in two worker fatalities last year after one of Gov. Jim Gibbons’ top political appointees became involved in the investigation, the Sun has learned."
They also report that "The case so angered Boyd’s safety manager, Don Barker, and OSHA inspector John Olaechea, who investigated the accident, that both men quit their jobs."
This is about an incident in which two employees where killed and a third injured. The article states that this happened on "Feb. 2, 2007. While attempting to fix a pipe that was causing a sewage backup, Orleans plumber Richard Luzier fell into a manhole. Engineer Travis Koehler entered to save him. Both lost consciousness. A third employee, David Snow, went down to save the other two and also became unconscious. Luzier and Koehler died at the scene. Snow recovered after spending several weeks on life support."
You can read the complete article on the Las Vegas Sun web site.
"State safety officials sharply reduced violations and fines against the Orleans [Boyd Gaming Corp] for its role in two worker fatalities last year after one of Gov. Jim Gibbons’ top political appointees became involved in the investigation, the Sun has learned."
They also report that "The case so angered Boyd’s safety manager, Don Barker, and OSHA inspector John Olaechea, who investigated the accident, that both men quit their jobs."
This is about an incident in which two employees where killed and a third injured. The article states that this happened on "Feb. 2, 2007. While attempting to fix a pipe that was causing a sewage backup, Orleans plumber Richard Luzier fell into a manhole. Engineer Travis Koehler entered to save him. Both lost consciousness. A third employee, David Snow, went down to save the other two and also became unconscious. Luzier and Koehler died at the scene. Snow recovered after spending several weeks on life support."
You can read the complete article on the Las Vegas Sun web site.
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA Fines
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Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Must Workers Ask for Protection?
Safety Business Legal Reports (Safety.BLR.com) reported on the result of a March 2004 incident in which an OSHA inspector observed, video taped and interviewed construction workers installing a new roof without fall protection. OSHA originally issued three citations. A hearing with an administrative law judge resulted in two citations being dropped. The remaining citation had a fine of $56,000. This fine appealed to the 3rd Circuit.
The construction foremen presented several arguments attempting to show that the employees were at fault, not the construction company. The judge's decision, as reported in this article was:
"The foremen argued in court that there had been one or two harnesses, not the property of that crew, on the site, but that the workers had neither asked to use them nor hunted for them. Said judges, in effect, "It's the employer's duty to provide the equipment, not the employees' duty to look for it." So judges affirmed the OSHRC fine."
You can read the entire article at: Safety.BLR.com
The construction foremen presented several arguments attempting to show that the employees were at fault, not the construction company. The judge's decision, as reported in this article was:
"The foremen argued in court that there had been one or two harnesses, not the property of that crew, on the site, but that the workers had neither asked to use them nor hunted for them. Said judges, in effect, "It's the employer's duty to provide the equipment, not the employees' duty to look for it." So judges affirmed the OSHRC fine."
You can read the entire article at: Safety.BLR.com
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA Citations, OSHA Fines
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Nearly Three Workers Killed And 123 Injured Every Day
The following is a press release from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse. This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 7-11)
Washington, D.C. — In 2006, 1,010 people were killed in roadway work zone crashes. According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, more than 1,000 people are killed and 45,000 injured annually in roadway construction zones accidents. The facility released the statistics today as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is aimed at drawing greater public attention to this serious—and often overlooked—public health issue.
Washington, D.C. — In 2006, 1,010 people were killed in roadway work zone crashes. According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, more than 1,000 people are killed and 45,000 injured annually in roadway construction zones accidents. The facility released the statistics today as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is aimed at drawing greater public attention to this serious—and often overlooked—public health issue.
A newly redesigned and comprehensive state-of-the-art website contains a wealth of information dedicated to improving safety in these sites for both motorists and workers. Transportation design, construction and safety executives, public officials, the news media and general public are encouraged to check out www.workzonesafety.org to find:
- “Best practice,” information
- Accident and crash data
- Key safety engineer contact information
- Laws and regulations
- Public education campaigns
- Training and conferences
- Research and publications
- Spanish language material
The American Road & Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation (ARTBA-TDF) and the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) designed the Internet site under a contract from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
ARTBA-TDF has another unique program aimed at putting a “public face” on the safety risks associated with road construction zones. Established in 1999 with a generous contribution from brothers Jack and Stan Lanford, two Virginia highway contractors and past ARTBA chairmen, the “Highway Worker Memorial Scholarship” provides post-high school financial assistance to the children of highway workers who have been killed or permanently disabled on the job.
More than 50 scholarships have been given to worthy students from around the country. The program is the ARTBA Foundation’s modest way of giving something back to the families who lost loved ones in work zone accidents.
Check out this special video to learn more about how you can help support the scholarship.
For further information about any of ARTBA’s safety and training programs, contact Brad Sant at 202-289-4434.
Labels: Construction Safety, workplace fatalities
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Thursday, April 03, 2008
Industrial Safety - Never Heard Of It
I usually travel to Moscow twice a year, as well as visiting other parts of Russia. The Russian people are wonderful, friendly and offer unbeatable hospitality. I love the time I spend in Russia. I had nothing to do with this YouTube video, but sometimes what I've seen in Russia reminds me of things I saw on construction sites in the U.S. in the early 70's. From what I read Russia is working hard at improving workplace safety, but sometimes when the priority is to get the job done, safety becomes secondary.
Labels: Construction Safety
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OSHA Under Fire
The series of articles, in the Las Vegas Sun, about OSHA's lack of enforcement continues today in an article called OSHA up for rare inquiry.
The article reports that: "Nine construction workers have died in eight accidents at CityCenter, Cosmopolitan, Fontainebleau, Trump and Palazzo over the past 16 months. The Sun reported this week that Nevada OSHA investigators have found a pattern of safety violations on construction sites but routinely withdrew or watered down their citations after meeting privately with contractors."
The public response to this series in the Las Vegas Sun can be read in some of the comments added to the article, such as:
"I cannot help but believe that OSHA is on the take. So many fatalities and so little action. It just does not make sense. The fines are so minimal to begin with. If you compare the dollars here, the fines being levied against these companies when a life is lost is not even their weekly payroll."
The article reports that: "Nine construction workers have died in eight accidents at CityCenter, Cosmopolitan, Fontainebleau, Trump and Palazzo over the past 16 months. The Sun reported this week that Nevada OSHA investigators have found a pattern of safety violations on construction sites but routinely withdrew or watered down their citations after meeting privately with contractors."
The public response to this series in the Las Vegas Sun can be read in some of the comments added to the article, such as:
"I cannot help but believe that OSHA is on the take. So many fatalities and so little action. It just does not make sense. The fines are so minimal to begin with. If you compare the dollars here, the fines being levied against these companies when a life is lost is not even their weekly payroll."
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA, OSHA Citations
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Tuesday, April 01, 2008
OSHA's Problem
As I read the news across the internet a topic I have not covered here has been what appears to be a growing discontent with OSHA's enforcement activities, or perceived lack of enforcement activities. This has seemed to me to be more of a political issue than a safety issue. I've wondered whether the type and the tone of attacks on OSHA will change after this November's election.
However, an article in yesterday's Las Vegas Sun, called "OSHA Goes Easy", highlights a growing problem for OSHA, and for safety professionals. I suggest reading the article and all of the comments added by Las Vega Sun readers. There is also a video included as a part of the article. The caption for the video reads:
"For family members featured in this video, the light response from government authorities has compounded the mourning process. Others wonder: Is safety sacrificed in the rush to build? CityCenter developer MGM Mirage says no. 'We’re very concerned about safety in everything we do, whether it’s a room remodel or something as enormous and complex as CityCenter,' MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said. 'For the number of people on the site and the amount of activity going on, we can be very proud of the fact that we have a very safe environment in which to work.'"
I find Mr. Feldman's statement to be disturbing. It as though he is saying that if you have a large number of people on a job site, then some accidents and even a death are acceptable. Hopefully that is not what he meant.
But what about OSHA's finding and reduction of the fine? What most of the public does not understand is that the level of an OSHA fine is not intended to provide punishment for a death, it is intended to reflect the seriousness of the hazard and how the company has responded both in the past and present. But, as this article shows, that's not what the public sees.
What do you think? Has OSHA's focus on programs such as VPP been a good thing or should they be putting more emphasis on enforcement and imposing fines? Please feel free to add your comments here.
However, an article in yesterday's Las Vegas Sun, called "OSHA Goes Easy", highlights a growing problem for OSHA, and for safety professionals. I suggest reading the article and all of the comments added by Las Vega Sun readers. There is also a video included as a part of the article. The caption for the video reads:
"For family members featured in this video, the light response from government authorities has compounded the mourning process. Others wonder: Is safety sacrificed in the rush to build? CityCenter developer MGM Mirage says no. 'We’re very concerned about safety in everything we do, whether it’s a room remodel or something as enormous and complex as CityCenter,' MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said. 'For the number of people on the site and the amount of activity going on, we can be very proud of the fact that we have a very safe environment in which to work.'"
I find Mr. Feldman's statement to be disturbing. It as though he is saying that if you have a large number of people on a job site, then some accidents and even a death are acceptable. Hopefully that is not what he meant.
But what about OSHA's finding and reduction of the fine? What most of the public does not understand is that the level of an OSHA fine is not intended to provide punishment for a death, it is intended to reflect the seriousness of the hazard and how the company has responded both in the past and present. But, as this article shows, that's not what the public sees.
What do you think? Has OSHA's focus on programs such as VPP been a good thing or should they be putting more emphasis on enforcement and imposing fines? Please feel free to add your comments here.
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA Fines, politics, workplace fatalities
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Monday, March 03, 2008
What To Do Before There Is A Fatal Accident
"In the roofing industry, opportunities for crisis—in the form of employee injuries or fatalities—present themselves more often than in most other industries. According to U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Bureau of Labor Statistics Data, 100 roofing workers were killed in occupation-related incidents during 2006, 80 from falls alone."
The above is the opening paragraph from an article from Professional Roofing Magazine by Ashley St. John, that is called "Roofing contractors share how they handled job-site fatalities." The article describes two fatal accidents and how managers responded.
The last third of the article is dedicated to describing how to create a crisis-management plan for your company. The article states:
"As is evidenced by Baxter's and Gooding's accounts, confronting a severe injury or fatality can be one of the most stressful situations you ever will encounter. Having a written crisis-management plan already in place is key to helping you face the pressures presented during this chaotic time."
The article then presents a summary of the National Roofing Contractors Association recommendations. These are recommendations I think apply in any industry.
The above is the opening paragraph from an article from Professional Roofing Magazine by Ashley St. John, that is called "Roofing contractors share how they handled job-site fatalities." The article describes two fatal accidents and how managers responded.
The last third of the article is dedicated to describing how to create a crisis-management plan for your company. The article states:
"As is evidenced by Baxter's and Gooding's accounts, confronting a severe injury or fatality can be one of the most stressful situations you ever will encounter. Having a written crisis-management plan already in place is key to helping you face the pressures presented during this chaotic time."
The article then presents a summary of the National Roofing Contractors Association recommendations. These are recommendations I think apply in any industry.
Labels: Construction / Installation, Construction Safety, fall protection, workplace fatalities
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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Crane Contacts A Power LIne - The Results Shown On Video
The following is a three minute video showing what happens when a crane comes in contact with a power line.
Labels: Construction Safety, safety videos, workplace safety
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Monday, February 25, 2008
Best Of The Worst
The Minnesota OSHA web site includes a page of photographs taken by Minnesota OSHA staff members during 2005 and 2006. They show workers who are in imminent danger, meaning in a situation that presents a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could occur immediately or before the danger can be eliminated through normal enforcement procedures.
The picture voted as the "best of the worst" by Minnesota OSHA inspectors is shown to the right.
MNOSHA became aware of these situations through reports received from employees, the general public or direct observation by an investigator.
You can see the photos, and the stupid things people do at: http://www.doli.state.mn.us/06photo_main.html
Labels: Construction Safety
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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
$464K OSHA Fine For Safety Hazards in WTC Tower Fire
A 40 story building in New York City, that was damaged by the fall of the World Trade Center, is in the process of being demolished. OSHA has proposed a fine of $464,500 for safety hazards, that became apparent during an August 18th fire in the building, which resulted in the death of two firefighters.
Staten Island Live printed an Associated Press report on the OSHA fine yesterday. The article reports that OSHA issued a total of 44 citations, 9 citations to general contractor Bovis Lend Lease ($193,000) and 25 citations to subcontractor John Galt Corp. ($271,500)
The demolition work is being done on the the former Deutsche Bank tower in lower Manhattan. The article states that: "The contractors failed to inspect the standpipe that was broken on the day of the fire, depriving firefighters of a water supply to fight the blaze, blocked emergency stairwells with construction materials and failed to prevent workers from smoking, OSHA said."
You can read the entire AP article at Staten Island Live.
Staten Island Live printed an Associated Press report on the OSHA fine yesterday. The article reports that OSHA issued a total of 44 citations, 9 citations to general contractor Bovis Lend Lease ($193,000) and 25 citations to subcontractor John Galt Corp. ($271,500)
The demolition work is being done on the the former Deutsche Bank tower in lower Manhattan. The article states that: "The contractors failed to inspect the standpipe that was broken on the day of the fire, depriving firefighters of a water supply to fight the blaze, blocked emergency stairwells with construction materials and failed to prevent workers from smoking, OSHA said."
You can read the entire AP article at Staten Island Live.
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA Citations, OSHA Fines
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Monday, December 03, 2007
Top Ten Precautions To Take When Exposed to Cold Weather
The following is a press release from ESIS.
What Every Construction and Outdoor Worker Should Know
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can result in injuries as serious as frostbite and hypothermia. ESIS, Inc., ("ESIS®") a risk management services company of ACE USA, recently released a top ten list of precautions construction and other outdoor workers should take when exposed to cold weather.
"Cold weather takes away body heat. Too much heat loss can cause the inner body temperature to fall to dangerously low levels causing hypothermia and even death," said Allen Abrahamsen, Assistant Vice President, Construction Safety Services for ESIS® Risk Control Services.
About 700 deaths a year are attributed to hypothermia alone, which results when the body’s internal temperature drops below 95°F. In addition:
• Exposed body parts may freeze in extreme cold weather (e.g. frostbite).
• Cold weather can aggravate existing medical conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis.
• Cold weather affects dexterity, mental skills, and coordination.
• Prolonged exposure to even moderately cold weather can cause injuries.
• Working in cold weather increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries such as back strain.
TOP TEN PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN EXPOSED TO COLD WEATHER
Cold Temperature Exposures, Injuries, and Controls on the Jobsite
1. Wearing the proper clothes may be the most significant precaution to reducing cold stress. Wearing appropriate clothes for cold weather involves using three layers of clothing. Also use layering to protect the head, hands, and feet.
2. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably warm, sweet beverages. Thirst is suppressed in a cold environment and dehydration may occur when fluid intake is reduced.
3. Increase caloric intake when working in cold environments. Workers in cold environments who wear heavy, protective clothing expend more heat and so require 10-15 percent more calories.
4. A Work Warm-Up Schedule should be used to provide periodic times for warm-up breaks. Additional breaks should be provided as the wind velocity increases and/or the temperature drops.
5. Avoid taking certain drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and medication that inhibit the body's response to cold or impairs judgment.
6. Avoid the cold if you are becoming exhausted or fatigued. Energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
7. Shield work areas from drafty or windy conditions. Provide a heated shelter for workers with prolonged exposure to equivalent wind-chill temperatures of 20 F or less.
8. Select the warmest hours of the day when braving the cold. Minimize activities that reduce circulation.
9. Educate employees on symptoms of cold-related stresses: heavy shivering, uncomfortable coldness, severe fatigue, drowsiness, and/or euphoria.
10. Use the buddy system. Always work in pairs when working in extreme weather conditions so partners can monitor one another and obtain help quickly in an emergency.
According to Mr. Abrahamsen, the impact of cold weather on the health of employees, as well as quality and productivity is often underestimated. "Construction is about producing a quality product on time and on budget," said Mr. Abrahamsen, "Since cold weather generally has an indirect impact on these measures, it's not immediately identifiable as a cause of decreased safety, quality, and productivity." Injuries due to cold stress can develop slowly and unobtrusively. The symptoms may go undetected until a worker’s health or life is in danger. These tips can help employers and employees to protect themselves against cold stress exposure and injury on the jobsite.
ESIS Risk Control Services is widely respected within the construction industry for its emphasis on proactive measures, strong focus on client education, and solid expertise in lessening the potential for risk in construction operations. Their "hands on" experience of more than 80 years of construction-related loss control activities enable the engineer to assist in developing solutions that can be effective in the unique environment of the dynamic construction site.
Organized in 1953, ESIS, Inc. (ESIS) provides sophisticated risk management services designed to help reduce our clients’ total cost of loss. ESIS takes a holistic approach that blends people, process and technology to offer programs that are customized to meet each client’s needs. ESIS is part of ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operating division of the ACE Group of Companies, headed by ACE Limited (NYSE: ACE). ACE USA is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard & Poor’s. ACE USA, through its underwriting companies, provides insurance products and services throughout the U.S. Additional information about ACE USA and its products and services can be found at www.aceina.com. Additional information about ESIS, Inc. and its products and services can be found at www.esis.com. The ACE Group of Companies provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse group of clients around the world.
What Every Construction and Outdoor Worker Should Know
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can result in injuries as serious as frostbite and hypothermia. ESIS, Inc., ("ESIS®") a risk management services company of ACE USA, recently released a top ten list of precautions construction and other outdoor workers should take when exposed to cold weather.
"Cold weather takes away body heat. Too much heat loss can cause the inner body temperature to fall to dangerously low levels causing hypothermia and even death," said Allen Abrahamsen, Assistant Vice President, Construction Safety Services for ESIS® Risk Control Services.
About 700 deaths a year are attributed to hypothermia alone, which results when the body’s internal temperature drops below 95°F. In addition:
• Exposed body parts may freeze in extreme cold weather (e.g. frostbite).
• Cold weather can aggravate existing medical conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis.
• Cold weather affects dexterity, mental skills, and coordination.
• Prolonged exposure to even moderately cold weather can cause injuries.
• Working in cold weather increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries such as back strain.
TOP TEN PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN EXPOSED TO COLD WEATHER
Cold Temperature Exposures, Injuries, and Controls on the Jobsite
1. Wearing the proper clothes may be the most significant precaution to reducing cold stress. Wearing appropriate clothes for cold weather involves using three layers of clothing. Also use layering to protect the head, hands, and feet.
2. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably warm, sweet beverages. Thirst is suppressed in a cold environment and dehydration may occur when fluid intake is reduced.
3. Increase caloric intake when working in cold environments. Workers in cold environments who wear heavy, protective clothing expend more heat and so require 10-15 percent more calories.
4. A Work Warm-Up Schedule should be used to provide periodic times for warm-up breaks. Additional breaks should be provided as the wind velocity increases and/or the temperature drops.
5. Avoid taking certain drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and medication that inhibit the body's response to cold or impairs judgment.
6. Avoid the cold if you are becoming exhausted or fatigued. Energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
7. Shield work areas from drafty or windy conditions. Provide a heated shelter for workers with prolonged exposure to equivalent wind-chill temperatures of 20 F or less.
8. Select the warmest hours of the day when braving the cold. Minimize activities that reduce circulation.
9. Educate employees on symptoms of cold-related stresses: heavy shivering, uncomfortable coldness, severe fatigue, drowsiness, and/or euphoria.
10. Use the buddy system. Always work in pairs when working in extreme weather conditions so partners can monitor one another and obtain help quickly in an emergency.
According to Mr. Abrahamsen, the impact of cold weather on the health of employees, as well as quality and productivity is often underestimated. "Construction is about producing a quality product on time and on budget," said Mr. Abrahamsen, "Since cold weather generally has an indirect impact on these measures, it's not immediately identifiable as a cause of decreased safety, quality, and productivity." Injuries due to cold stress can develop slowly and unobtrusively. The symptoms may go undetected until a worker’s health or life is in danger. These tips can help employers and employees to protect themselves against cold stress exposure and injury on the jobsite.
ESIS Risk Control Services is widely respected within the construction industry for its emphasis on proactive measures, strong focus on client education, and solid expertise in lessening the potential for risk in construction operations. Their "hands on" experience of more than 80 years of construction-related loss control activities enable the engineer to assist in developing solutions that can be effective in the unique environment of the dynamic construction site.
Organized in 1953, ESIS, Inc. (ESIS) provides sophisticated risk management services designed to help reduce our clients’ total cost of loss. ESIS takes a holistic approach that blends people, process and technology to offer programs that are customized to meet each client’s needs. ESIS is part of ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operating division of the ACE Group of Companies, headed by ACE Limited (NYSE: ACE). ACE USA is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard & Poor’s. ACE USA, through its underwriting companies, provides insurance products and services throughout the U.S. Additional information about ACE USA and its products and services can be found at www.aceina.com. Additional information about ESIS, Inc. and its products and services can be found at www.esis.com. The ACE Group of Companies provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse group of clients around the world.
Labels: Construction Safety, workplace safety
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Friday, November 30, 2007
OSHA Issues Confined Spaces in Construction Proposed Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to enhance the protection provided to construction employees working in confined spaces. The agency is accepting public comments on the proposed standard until January 28, 2008.
"The existing construction standard for confined spaces would be updated and comprehensively revised to better protect construction employees from atmospheric and physical hazards," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "This rule will reduce the number of construction injuries and fatalities and greatly improve safety and health in the workplace."
The proposed rule addresses construction-specific issues and uses a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to confined space safety by setting out how to assess the hazards, classify the space, and implement effective procedures to protect employees. The proposed rule would require controlling contractors to coordinate confined space operations among a site's multiple employers.
Interested parties are invited to submit comments on the proposed rule by January 28, 2008. Comments may be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal; send three copies to the OSHA Docket Office, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20210; telephone 202-693-2350; or fax to 202-693-1648. Comments must include the agency name and the docket number of this rulemaking, Docket No. OSHA-2007-0026. See the Federal Register notice for more information on submitting comments.
"The existing construction standard for confined spaces would be updated and comprehensively revised to better protect construction employees from atmospheric and physical hazards," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "This rule will reduce the number of construction injuries and fatalities and greatly improve safety and health in the workplace."
The proposed rule addresses construction-specific issues and uses a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to confined space safety by setting out how to assess the hazards, classify the space, and implement effective procedures to protect employees. The proposed rule would require controlling contractors to coordinate confined space operations among a site's multiple employers.
Interested parties are invited to submit comments on the proposed rule by January 28, 2008. Comments may be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal; send three copies to the OSHA Docket Office, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20210; telephone 202-693-2350; or fax to 202-693-1648. Comments must include the agency name and the docket number of this rulemaking, Docket No. OSHA-2007-0026. See the Federal Register notice for more information on submitting comments.
Labels: Construction Safety
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Wednesday, August 08, 2007
OSHA Offers New Construction Compliance Assistance Module
Yesterday OSHA debuted a new Construction Module for its Compliance Assistance Quick Start Web tool, the agency's Web-based tool that introduces employers and employees, especially those at new or small businesses, to the compliance assistance resources on OSHA's Web site.
The Construction Module provides a step-by-step guide to help employers and workers in the construction industry comply with OSHA's construction standards. Visitors to the page can generate a set of compliance assistance materials tailored to their jobsites.
"This new Compliance Assistance Quick Start module is another example of how OSHA is making valuable information immediately and easily accessible to employers, employees and businesses so they can build and sustain safe and healthy work environments," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jonathan L. Snare. "It's important we make every effort to help put this kind of material in the hands of those who need it."
The Construction Module introduces users to the OSHA standards addressing the leading hazards at construction sites, such as falls and electrical hazards, and provides links to the relevant OSHA compliance assistance resources, including OSHA quick cards, fact sheets, booklets, posters and Web pages. The Module also includes information on training, record keeping and developing a work site safety and health program. In addition, it features a collection of OSHA's Spanish-language materials for the construction industry.
Compliance Assistance Quick Start is on OSHA's Compliance Assistance Web page and provides step-by-step guidance on how to identify OSHA requirements and guidance materials that may apply to specific workplaces. In addition to the new Construction Module, Compliance Assistance Quick Start has modules for general industry workplaces and Hispanic outreach.
The Construction Module provides a step-by-step guide to help employers and workers in the construction industry comply with OSHA's construction standards. Visitors to the page can generate a set of compliance assistance materials tailored to their jobsites.
"This new Compliance Assistance Quick Start module is another example of how OSHA is making valuable information immediately and easily accessible to employers, employees and businesses so they can build and sustain safe and healthy work environments," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jonathan L. Snare. "It's important we make every effort to help put this kind of material in the hands of those who need it."
The Construction Module introduces users to the OSHA standards addressing the leading hazards at construction sites, such as falls and electrical hazards, and provides links to the relevant OSHA compliance assistance resources, including OSHA quick cards, fact sheets, booklets, posters and Web pages. The Module also includes information on training, record keeping and developing a work site safety and health program. In addition, it features a collection of OSHA's Spanish-language materials for the construction industry.
Compliance Assistance Quick Start is on OSHA's Compliance Assistance Web page and provides step-by-step guidance on how to identify OSHA requirements and guidance materials that may apply to specific workplaces. In addition to the new Construction Module, Compliance Assistance Quick Start has modules for general industry workplaces and Hispanic outreach.
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA
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