OSHA begins National Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping to Determine Accuracy of Worker Injury and Illness Data

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is initiating a national emphasis program (NEP) on recordkeeping to assess the accuracy of injury and illness data recorded by employers. The recordkeeping NEP involves inspecting occupational injury and illness records prepared by businesses and appropriately enforcing regulatory requirements when employers are found to be under-recording injuries and illnesses. “Accurate and honest recordkeeping is vitally important to workers’ health and safety,” said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. “This information is not only used by OSHA to determine which workplaces to inspect, but … Read more

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Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Dens(TM) Interior Products First in Industry to Pass 12-Week Mold Test

ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC has once again raised the standard of excellence in the building products industry, as two of its premier Dens(TM) interior gypsum panel products have passed the industry’s most stringent mold resistance test. DensArmor Plus High-Performance Interior Panel* and DensShield Tile Backer each passed the 12-week test, conducted in accordance with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s ASTM D 6329 ** protocol. The test — three times longer and much more rigorous than ASTM D 3273, the current industry standard — was conducted by an independent third party, RTI International, at its facilities in Research Triangle … Read more

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AIA to Congress: Act Now to Jump Start Building Sector of Economy

Architect testifies about need for polices designed to help small businesses during economic crisis Washington, D.C. — October 7 — Tampa-based architect, Mickey Jacob, FAIA, unveiled the American Institute of Architects" (AIA) Rebuild & Renew plan for both short- and long-term economic recovery to the House Committee on Small Business at a hearing today. “Small business does not want a bailout. We want access to loans to bridge the economic downturn to help fund operational costs. We want relief from the premium costs of health insurance. We want incentives for people to build, buy, and renovate their homes and businesses. … Read more

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John Deere Launches New D-Series Skid Steers and CTLs with Customer-Inspired Features

MOLINE, Ill — The introduction of John Deere’s new D-Series skid steer loaders and compact track loaders (CTLs) is the culmination of years of careful research and a partnership with skid steer owners and operators from around the world — all to ensure D-Series operators have the comfort, features and performance needed to do their best work. “We’ve listened to what customers told us they wanted in skid steer and compact track loaders, and we’ve responded with nine new models that incorporate their suggestions,” said Gregg Zupancic, Deere’s product marketing manager for skid steers and compact track loaders. The 318D, … Read more

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OSHA Revises Enforcement Policies for Fall Protection during Steel Erection

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently revised the steel erection compliance directive for the agency’s Steel Erection Standard to change two enforcement policies related to tripping hazards and installation of nets or floors during steel erection. One of the revised policies addresses the standard’s requirement that employers install a floor or net within two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less. The other policy states that employers must comply with the requirement that steel studs, known as shear connectors, be installed at the worksite. Shear connectors bind concrete to the steel. “Falls are the leading cause … Read more

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