New ‘Best Built Plans’ Program Can Help Reduce Strains, Sprains on Jobsite

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Manually lifting and moving heavy materials on jobsites can result in strain, sprain and related soft tissue injuries. These types of injuries are a leading cause of disabling injuries in the construction industry. Working with a community of practice that included researchers, insurers and industry stakeholders, CPWR’s Research to Practice and Training staff surveyed and interviewed contractors to understand the motivators and barriers to engaging in materials handling practices that would minimize the risks for these types of injuries. Based on their responses, CPWR developed a program, Best Built Plans, to provide contractors and workers with practical tools and information … Read more

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Steel Erectors Association of America Partners with Safe+Sound Campaign

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Steel Erectors Association of America is partnering with OSHA’s national Safe+Sound Campaign. The Safe+Sound Campaign encourages every workplace in the U.S. to have a safety and health program, a proactive approach to identifying and managing workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness. SEAA collaborated with OSHA in the development of a fact sheet for structural steel and precast concrete contractors. The fact sheet provides reminders of the potential hazards facing this industry, including falls, struck by incidents and lifting/lowering over exertion. The document also provides resources to help contractors address these hazards. Successful safety and … Read more

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Understanding Hi-Viz Apparel Requirements

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By Greg Plunkett Most construction superintendents know that high-visibility gear is critical to worker safety, especially for those working around moving vehicles and equipment on jobsites. But there are so many different options – with different color-ways, different reflective tape patterns and different sleeve lengths – how do you choose the right hi-viz apparel for the job? The first thing to understand is there’s a federal mandate that requires select workers to wear high-visibility apparel. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 2009 (MUTCD 2009), which is translated and enforced by each state and has been interpreted by the Occupation … Read more

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OSHA, CareerSafe Form Alliance to Protect Safety and Health of Young Workers

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration signed an alliance agreement with CareerSafe to provide youth, aged 16-24, educators and administrators with information and resources on the most common hazards encountered by new workers. During the two-year alliance, participants plan to work together to promote safety and health awareness among youth in career and technical education programs regarding workplace hazards, particularly in construction, agriculture and healthcare; facilitate discussions on occupational safety and health training for youth and entry-level workers and engage youth in OSHA initiatives related to falls, and safety and health programs. Formed in 2003, CareerSafe provides … Read more

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Respirable Silica Dust Protection, Phase II: What You Need to Know

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By Jim Bohn The OSHA regulation outlining requirements for exposure to respirable silica dust has been in place for months. But not every organization has taken the steps necessary to meet the guidelines. This is a reminder that every company that works with concrete, stone or other masonry materials must meet the OSHA requirements. (Q) What if you’re working in a small area where the dust suction attachment won’t fit? Dust exposure, regardless of the environment, must be controlled. If you’re in an environment where your power tool system is too big, this will require a company to conduct independent … Read more

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