Every month, we at W.S. Safety like to share construction safety related news from around the globe. Here are a few highlights that we found newsworthy from December
News from the construction safety industry:
In early December, the Considerate Constructors Scheme invited members of the construction industry to a reception at the Imperial War Museum. The get-together was to support the launch of the Construction Industry Helpline by the Lighthouse Club. This helpline with provide 24/7 support regarding a range of topics including finance, depression, occupational health and well-being, illness and bereavement. The helpline is available to the construction industry’s workforce and its families. For more information click here.
It has been reported by the Health and Safety Executive that almost 20% of construction sites in Devon, Dorset and Cornwall fail health and safety spot-checks regarding the proper protection of workers. Helena Allum, HSE principal inspector of construction in the region was quoted as saying, “These results show that while the majority of employers in the refurbishment sector are getting it right, a significant part of the industry is seriously failing its workers.” Click here to read the story.
A Working at Heights Training Program Standard has been issued by the Ontario government and will be regulated by the Regulations for Construction Projects. Making new training for construction employees who are working at heights mandatory as of April 1, 2015. Ensuring everyone is using fall protection systems is trained and protected on the job. Training will include, Rights and responsibilities related to working at heights, hazard identification, ladder safety and proper just of personal protective equipment. For more on the program, click here.
A construction company in Orange Park, FL was cited for exposing workers to dangerous falls during framing work. OSHA issued one willful citation for allowing employees to conduct roofing work on a pitched structure without fall protection. The definition of a willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health. The penalty was $53,900.00. To read the story, click here.
News from OSHA:
It has been a busy year for OSHA. They have been finalizing the rules for reporting incidents in the upcoming year. Starting on January 1, 2015, the newest rules on reporting work related incidents will go into effect. This new rule will require employers to notify OSHA when an employee is killed within eight hours of the incident and to report any work-related hospitalizations, amputation or loss of an eye within 24 hours. Thomas E. Perez, U.S. Secretary of Labor endorsed these new requirements stating, “Workplace injuries and fatalities are absolutely preventable, and these new requirements will help OSHA focus its resources and hold employers accountable for preventing them.” To read the article, click here.
For more clarification regarding the new OSHA rules that will be in effect starting January 1, OSHA provided their first-ever Twitter chat. Using the hashtag “#Reporting2015”, OHSA Fielded several questions from stakeholders about the new rule during the hour long discussion. For more on the chat, click here.
When it comes to OSHA inspections, it is important to be prepared. This December we came across an article that list some tips on how to plan a successful OSHA inspection which include documenting details, employee interviews and the length of time OSHA has between a violation and the issuing of a citation. To read the article, click here.
