Tag: workers

Laborers Host Silica Webinar

Posted on by Andria Hine

Join the Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America on Thursday, August 11 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (EDT) for its next webinar, “Complying with OSHA’s New Silica Standard: What You Need to Know.” Open to all LIUNA signatory contractors and affiliates, this webinar will cover the following:

  • A brief overview of the new standard
  • Compliance choices for contractors, including Table 1 and alternate options
  • Effective engineering controls for silica exposure
  • When respirators are and aren’t required in the new standard
  • Requirements related to prohibited work practices, medical surveillance, recordkeeping and training

REGISTER HERE

 

 

OSHA Delays Effective Date for Anti-Retaliation Provisions in New Tracking Rule

Posted on by Andria Hine
Source: OSHA July 15 QuickTakes: Corrected

OSHA is delaying enforcement of the anti-retaliation provisions in its new injury and illness tracking rule to conduct additional outreach and provide educational materials and guidance for employers. Originally scheduled to begin Aug. 10, 2016, enforcement will now begin Nov. 1, 2016. Under the rule, employers are required to inform workers of their right to report work-related injuries and illnesses without fear of retaliation; implement procedures for reporting injuries and illnesses that are reasonable and do not deter workers from reporting; and employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers for reporting injuries and illnesses.

AGC of America’s Take on the Delay

On July 13, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) announced that the agency will delay enforcement of an anti-retaliation provision in its newly revised record keeping rules. This provision could deter the use of practices such as mandatory post-incident drug testing and safety incentive programs based on injury and illness rates. While the extension does provide employers with additional time to examine their policies, it does not eliminate the broader concerns regarding the position the agency has taken on such programs.  Specifically, OSHA mentions in the preamble to the new rule that employers who require mandatory post-incident drug testing and implement safety incentive programs based on injury and illness rates could be in violation of the new regulation.  AGC views the position taken by OSHA as both inappropriate and unlawful and is currently working with outside counsel to explore options for litigation.

The original effective date for enforcement was set for August 10, 2016, but has been extended to November 1, 2016. The effective date for electronically submitting injury and illness data to OSHA will remain July 1, 2017.

Work Zone Safety Tips

Posted on by admin_ici

Every day, highway, heavy and utility construction workers are exposed to traffic hazards as part of their daily work routine. Some of the hazards include moving construction vehicles, noise from motors and vehicles, limited visibility, night work and limited lighting, close proximity to traffic, inclement weather and slips, trips and falls.

Although work zone hazards vary, and there are no “one size fits all” procedures, here are a few tips to help workers protect themselves in work zones.

When working in traffic, be sure to wear the required personal protective equipment such as:

  • Reflective, high-visibility vests or clothing
  • Hard hats
  • Eye protection
  • Protective footwear

To help the motorist while protecting construction workers:

  • Have a traffic control plan, and periodically review it to see if it needs to be changed. Set the work zone to avoid unclear lane markings and lane confusion.
  • Use flaggers trained to use standard traffic control devices and signals. Be sure the flaggers are readily visible to traffic.
  • Observe traffic conditions to determine the volume condition of the work zone.
  • Avoid working in high traffic volume hours. Whenever possible, work during low traffic conditions.
  • Avoid standing or parking in places that block road signage.
  • Remove construction debris that can become a hazard for motorists as well as construction workers.
  • Remove worn, old, non-reflective traffic control devices from service.
  • Shield boom lifts and lift trucks from impact by oncoming motorists.
  • Use appropriate and sufficient lighting for night work areas.

Other tips to help keep the work zone safe include:

  • Avoid complacency on the job.
  • Get plenty of rest so that you’re alert while working.
  • Be sure all underground and overhead utilities are located and marked.
  • Minimize the amount of time employees need to be exposed to traffic. Get in; get done; and get out.
  • Limit the amount of personnel and equipment in the work zone to only those that are necessary for the job at hand.
  • Do not assume that equipment operators can see you. Make eye contact with the operator before crossing in front of or behind him.
  • Create out-of-bounds areas that are off limits to employees due to the traffic hazard.
  • Ensure that backup alarms on vehicles are functioning properly.
  • Do not run through moving traffic or machines.
  • Provide an emergency egress/escape route in case of emergency, and make sure employees know what it is.

Follow these tips, and do all you can to ensure your safety and the safety of your co-workers.

Download the recording form here.

 

Top Four Construction Hazards

Posted on by admin_ici

According to OSHA, the top four causes of construction fatalities are falls, struck-by, caught in and between and electrocutions. Here are some guidelines to help prevent them.

Prevent Falls:

  • Wear and use personal fall arrest equipment.
  • Install and maintain perimeter protection.
  • Cover and secure floor openings and label floor opening covers.
  • Use ladders and scaffolds safely.

Prevent Struck-by:

  • Avoid positioning yourself between moving and fixed objects.
  • Wear high-visibility clothes near equipment/vehicles.
  • Separate foot and vehicular traffic.
  • Use overhead protection to prevent being struck by falling objects.
  • Stack materials properly.
  • Use proper rigging techniques.

Prevent Caught In and Between:

  • Make sure adequate trench protective systems are in place before you enter a trench or excavation.
  • Make sure the trench or excavation is protected either by sloping, shoring, benching or trench shield systems.
  • Isolate moving and rotating equipment parts.
  • Do periodic equipment inspections.

Prevent Electrocutions:

  • Locate and identify utilities before starting work.
  • Use lockout/tagout equipment properly.
  • Locate and maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines when operating any equipment. Learn the safe distance requirements.
  • Use portable electric tools that are grounded or double insulated.
  • Use ground-fault circuit interrupters for protection.
  • Be alert to electrical hazards when working with ladders, scaffolds or other platforms.

It’s possible to avoid these top four construction hazards with a little planning, so you can go home safely.

Download the recording form here.