Falls and Ladder Misuse Fill Three of OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations

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It’s a streak no one should be happy about. For the 13th year in a row, fall protection (general requirements) is OSHA’s No. 1 safety violation. Additionally, ladders came in third and fall protection (training requirements) was eighth in the agency’s annual list of its Top 10 violations. The list was revealed this fall at the National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo and covers fiscal year 2023. By the numbers, Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501) racked up 7,271 violations in that time, Ladders (1926.1053) had 2,978 and Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) had 2,112. Three violations in … Read more

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Mental Wellness in Construction

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By Elizabeth Crowley Construction workers have always played a visible role in our nation’s prosperity and economic health. After all, they literally build our cities, go to heights where few other people venture and help modernize our world. Construction workers are known for their strength, determination and grit, but there is also a darker and, sadly, unconfronted reality to their work environment that needs more attention. Namely, the high rates of substance abuse, suicide and depression among our workforce. In fact, construction workers are five times more likely to die from suicide than from work-related injuries, and four times more … Read more

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OSHA, Noble Texas Builders Partner to Keep Workers Safe at Collegiate Academy Construction Project

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Noble Texas Builders formed a strategic partnership to promote worker safety during construction of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – McAllen Independent School District Collegiate Academy in McAllen. The one-year partnership will address falls, struck-by, caught-in/between and electrical hazards. The goal is to prevent work-related fatalities, control and eliminate serious workplace hazards and continue Noble’s safety and health program. The partners will collaborate on several measures to achieve its goal, including promoting employee reporting to address potential safety and health issues. The partners will also host best practice “Lunch and Learn” … Read more

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Research Projects Focus on Preventing Suicide and Opioid-Related Deaths in Construction

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In January 2023, CPWR invited proposals from construction professionals and researchers across the U.S. to tackle the issue of suicide and opioid-related deaths in the construction sector. Nineteen proposals were submitted and reviewed by experts, resulting in five projects receiving $50,000 each from a private donor. The evaluation of programs and interventions for their efficacy and scalability was a top priority in the selection process. The researchers will report on their findings in 2024. Evaluating the Implementation and Effectiveness of New Peer-Support Programs in Two Building Trades Unions — Washington University in St. Louis The Greater St. Louis Construction Laborers … Read more

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Department of Labor Proposes Rule to Clarify PPE Standard, Ensure Safety of Construction Industry Workers

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The U.S. Department of Labor announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify the personal protective equipment standard for the construction industry. The current standard does not state clearly that PPE must fit each affected employee properly, which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s general industry and maritime standards do. The proposed change would clarify that PPE must fit each employee properly to protect them from occupational hazards. The failure of standard-sized PPE to protect physically smaller construction workers properly, as well as problems with access to properly fitting PPE, have long been safety and health concerns in the construction … Read more

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