WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a Request for Information that seeks comments on how to prevent injuries and deaths from reinforcing concrete activities in construction, and from vehicles and mobile equipment backing into workers in construction, general industry, agriculture and the maritime industry. OSHA will use the comments received to learn more about how workers get injured and what solutions exist to prevent injury and death, including possible regulatory action. Workers in the concrete industry use reinforcing methods to strengthen concrete. These workers face potentially life-threatening hazards including impalement, collapsed walls, and slips, trips and … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that the 12,000th commercial project has earned LEED certification. Since its launch in 2000, the LEED green building program has been transforming the way built environments are designed, constructed, operated and maintained. “Twelve years after the first 12 projects earned LEED certification, the green building community has reached a significant milestone,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chair, USGBC. “The momentum for green buildings is rippling around the globe, enhancing the built environment for generations to come.” The 12,000th project is the LEED Gold Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Paid … Read more

Regulation protects workers from dangerous chemicals, helps American businesses compete worldwide WASHINGTON, DC — To better protect workers from hazardous chemicals, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has revised its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations’ global chemical labeling system. The new standard, once implemented, will prevent an estimated 43 deaths and result in an estimated $475.2 million in enhanced productivity for U.S. businesses each year. “Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious dangers facing American workers today,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “Revising OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard … Read more