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
CPWR Offers Resources to Help Protect Construction Workers from Head Injuries
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
Paul Levin Promoted to Senior VP of Health, Safety & Environment at Sundt Construction
Paul Levin has been promoted to senior vice president of health, safety & environment at Sundt Construction. Levin, a 36-year construction industry veteran, has spent 29 years with Sundt, where he’s been instrumental in advancing the company’s safety program, while advocating for a new approach to safety throughout the construction industry. Throughout his tenure at Sundt, Levin has played a key role in earning the company 11 National AGC Safety Awards, including the CSE Grand Award twice. His work in safety excellence also garnered Sundt the American Society of Concrete Contractors W. Burr Bennett for Safety Excellence award on two … Read more
Confusion Over Safety Equipment Puts Workers at Risk
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
DPR Construction Hosts Summit to Transform, Advance Jobsite Safety
While construction has made great strides in safety over the past decade, the industry still has one of the country’s highest rates of workplace injury. In response, DPR Construction gathered nearly 100 people including trade partners, safety experts and industry leaders for a summit aimed at helping the industry take the next steps to keep workers safe. The summit’s interactive workshops and discussions highlighted the variety of behaviors throughout the project lifecycle where participants can positively affect safety, not simply rely on regulations and personal protective equipment. DPR is hosting a series of these conversations throughout the northeast U.S. to … Read more