Respirable Silica Dust Protection, Phase II: What You Need to Know

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By Jim Bohn The OSHA regulation outlining requirements for exposure to respirable silica dust has been in place for months. But not every organization has taken the steps necessary to meet the guidelines. This is a reminder that every company that works with concrete, stone or other masonry materials must meet the OSHA requirements. (Q) What if you’re working in a small area where the dust suction attachment won’t fit? Dust exposure, regardless of the environment, must be controlled. If you’re in an environment where your power tool system is too big, this will require a company to conduct independent … Read more

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Construction Group Uses Mobile Tech to Make Highway Work Zones Safer

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Fifty-four percent of highway contractors reported that motor vehicles had crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. In response, association officials have launched a new mobile advertising campaign urging drivers who routinely pass through certain work zones to slow down and be alert. “There are simply too many cars crashing into too many work zones, putting too many lives at risk,” said Spokesman Ken Kubacki, chairman of AGC’s Highway and Transportation Division;  Western Region Projects executive, Granite Construction … Read more

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3 Safety Tips Beyond the Gear

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By Michael Barnes Ensuring that workers on a construction site are staying safe and responsible can be an overwhelming task for everyone involved. At any given time, there are numerous high-risk tasks being performed and it can be easy to overlook simple precautions that could prevent serious or even fatal injuries. Some examples of common risks that deserve ample recognition and attention include fall, struck-by, electrical and fire hazards. While protective gear is certainly important, the real challenge is in finding ways to go “beyond the gear” to eliminate these types of hazards, and more. There are three simple, but … Read more

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OSHA Proposes Rule to Ensure Crane Operators are Qualified To Safely Operate Equipment

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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed a rule to increase the safety of America’s construction sites. In addition to providing long-term clarity regarding crane operator certification requirements, the proposal reinstates the employer duty to ensure a crane operator is qualified to safely operate equipment. Under the proposed rule, a change to the categories of certifications for crane operators would ensure more operators are able to meet the requirement. The proposal discontinues a 2010 requirement, which never went into effect, that crane operator certification must include the crane lifting capacity for which the operator is certified. The … Read more

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Western Specialty Contractors Launches Program to Re-Evaluate Safety on Changing Jobsites

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The construction industry is fast-paced and ever-changing. Change can be exciting for workers and their supervisors, but it can also be challenging. Not taking the time to ask the right questions about safety when a job changes can potentially lead to unsafe choices, accidents and delays. Starting in May, Western Specialty Contractors launched its S-T-E-P-P-S (Stop, Think, Employees, Public, Property, Safety) Program designed to get workers to ask the right questions about safety during job changes and develop the answers that will prevent accidents. “Since their jobs change every day, Western is requiring that every worker and their foremen STOP … Read more

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