Updated Coronavirus Guidance Available for Construction Workers, Employers 

CPWR continues to expand the resources it offers to help construction employers take necessary precautions to keep workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Its COVID-19 page includes an updated version of the CPWR/NABTU guidance, available in English and Spanish; links to the latest information from key agencies like the CDC, NIEHS, NIOSH and OSHA and resources from industry partners like the Laborers’ Safety & Health Fund of North America and Milwaukee Tools. CPWR encourages readers to email them with relevant information, including materials on COVID-19 they have developed, and examples of how the industry has been supporting the nationwide response, such as making … Read more

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Construction Firms Plan Nationwide Coronavirus Safety Stand Down April 9

On Thursday, April 9, hundreds of construction firms across the country will stop work and hold coronavirus-focused safety stand downs as part of a nationwide safety campaign organized by the Associated General Contractors of America. During the stand downs, crews will stop work, break into small, socially distanced groups and reinforce the new safety procedures and practices that all construction workers must follow to protect themselves and the public from the spread of the coronavirus. The primary objective of the safety stand downs is to protect workers and the public amid the COVID-19 outbreak. However, several of the participating firms … Read more

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Autodesk, AGC Equip Women in Construction with Right-Fitting Safety Harnesses

Autodesk Construction Solutions and the Associated General Contractors of America are awarding grants to 21 construction firms to provide more than 300 fall protection safety harnesses designed for women. The grants are designed to address one of the most significant safety hazards for construction craft professionals and recruit more women into high-paying construction careers. “We recognize the need for more women to join the construction industry to help fill the labor gap, and keeping them as safe as possible must be top priority,” said Allison Scott, director at Autodesk Construction Solutions. “For 300 women in construction, AGC and Autodesk are … Read more

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OSHA Issues Guidance for Respiratory Protection during COVID-19 N95 Shortage

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued interim enforcement guidance to help combat supply shortages of disposable N95 filtering face piece respirators. The action marks the department’s latest step to ensure the availability of respirators and follows President Trump’s Memorandum on Making General Use Respirators Available. Due to the impact on workplace conditions caused by limited supplies of N95 FFRs, employers should reassess their engineering controls, work practices and administrative controls to identify any changes they can make to decrease the need for N95 respirators. If respiratory protection must be used, employers may consider use … Read more

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Construction Industry Council: Best Practices in Use to Protect Workers, Public from Virus Spread

The construction industry is taking essential safety measures to protect workers and the public from the spread of the coronavirus. Operating under the designation as an essential business as modified by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in the downstate New York region crews are pressing forward with infrastructure renewal and environmental protection projects. While certain projects have been slowed or delayed due to staffing shortages, contracting employers and organized labor leaders are hopeful key personnel and crews can continue to deliver on public projects. Contractors continue to push ahead to protect and upgrade water resources and the utility sectors. Electrical workers are … Read more

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