DOL Finalizes Rule on Proper Fit Requirements for PPE in Construction

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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment standard for construction. The final rule explicitly requires the equipment to properly fit any construction worker who needs it, improving protections from hazardous conditions. “I’ve talked to workers in construction, particularly women, who have spoken of personal protective equipment that didn’t fit or was simply unavailable at the jobsite in their size,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “PPE must fit properly to work. I’m proud of the broad support from both employers and unions for OSHA’s … Read more

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CPWR Offers Resources to Help Protect Construction Workers from Head Injuries

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Between 2021 and 2022, almost 450 construction workers suffered a fatal head injury, and another 11,600 had injuries severe enough to force them to miss work. The causes of these injuries take many forms, including being struck by a falling object or moving equipment; falling and hitting one’s head against an object or surface and coming in contact with overhead hazards, such as equipment or electrical wires. CPWR has developed materials that show how to protect workers from these injuries, including a new version of our guide to selecting head protection, a Hazard Alert Card and a Toolbox Talk, and … Read more

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New Study Examines Construction Worker Safety, Mental Health

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Research findings indicate construction contractors continue to make progress responding to issues affecting worker safety and health, such as heat and mental health, but many areas for improvement remain. The new study, Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2023 SmartMarket Report, examines occupational safety and health challenges across the industry and shines a light where more effort is needed. It was conducted by Dodge Construction Network and CPWR. Key findings include: Working in extreme heat is increasingly common in construction, posing significant safety and health risks to workers. To combat this problem: 52% of contractors in the study report making … Read more

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Confusion Over Safety Equipment Puts Workers at Risk

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When it comes to worker safety, understanding the differences between various types of protective equipment is not just important, it’s critical. A new study conducted by J.J. Keller and the International Safety Equipment Association reveals alarming levels of confusion and misconceptions among professionals about head protection equipment, from hard hats to safety helmets. This confusion is dangerous, leading to improper use and, ultimately, a higher risk of injuries and fatalities on the job. According to the study, while 72% of respondents believed they understood the distinctions between different types of head protection, such as hard hats, safety helmets and bump … Read more

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US Department of Labor launches Severe Injury Report Dashboard

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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration unveiled an online tool giving users the ability to search its severe injury report database and view trends related to workplace injuries occurring in states covered by federal OSHA. The Severe Injury Report dashboard allows users to search and download data by year, industry, state, establishment name, and Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System codes. The dashboard includes information on all severe injuries reported by employers covered under federal OSHA since 2015. OSHA encourages workers and employers to use the dashboard to learn how severe injuries happen in their industries … Read more

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