On April 28, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and CPWR — The Center for Construction Research and Training announced the re-launch of the construction fall prevention campaign, the national initiative to prevent falls at construction sites. Falls continue to be the leading cause of work-related injury and deaths in construction.   According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of two construction workers die each day in the United States. Deaths and injuries from falls represent a major and persistent, yet preventable public health problem. In 2011, … Read more

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — HITT Contracting Inc. announced that the Kaiser Permanente Gaithersburg Medical Center project was presented with an Eagle Award from Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. in the Healthcare – $25-100 Million category.   This marks the first time a HITT project has been recognized with this prestigious national award. “ABC is proud to recognize HITT Contracting for its outstanding work on the Kaiser Permanente Gaithersburg Medical Center project,” said Michael D. Bellaman, ABC president and CEO. “This project embodies a commitment to innovation, safety and superior craftsmanship through creativity and skill.”     The Kaiser Permanente Gaithersburg … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health May 23-24 in Washington, D.C. ACCSH, established under the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, advises the secretary of labor and assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health on construction standards and policy matters. The full committee agenda includes remarks from Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health and updates from the directorate of construction. In addition, the committee will consider … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — OSHA has issued a final rule that applies the requirements of the August 2010 cranes and derricks in construction standard to demolition work and underground construction. Application of this rule will protect workers from hazards associated with hoisting equipment used during construction activities. “It is important that construction workers in these sectors receive the same safety protections as other construction workers,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “Extending this rule to demolition and underground construction work will help save lives and prevent injuries.” This final rule applies the same crane … Read more