Is your power tool pairing with its battery and battery charger? The Power Tool Institute says if all three are made by the same manufacturer and designed to work together as a system, then the answer is yes. But, if you’re using a third-party battery or an adapter that purports to allow battery-switching between brands, the answer is a resounding no. You might wonder why choosing only batteries designed to match the tool system matters. But when you look inside, you see that it gets to the very heart of what makes a power tool run safely and efficiently. Power … Read more
OSHA Promotes Safety Stand-Downs during Suicide Prevention Week to Combat Surge in Construction Worker Suicides
While the hazards most often associated with workplace deaths in the U.S. construction industry – falling, being struck-by or crushed by equipment or other objects or suffering electrocution are well-known – a recent study finds that another potential killer is taking lives at an alarming rate. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that men working in construction have one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries. Their rate of suicide is about four times higher than the general population. While the CDC continues its research to understand the disparity, the U.S. Department of Labor’s … Read more
Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health to Meet Aug. 11
U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds stakeholders that the next meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, Aug. 11. Attendance at this meeting will be virtual only. Register to attend the meeting. Once registration is approved, OSHA will send individuals an email with information on how to join to connect. Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jim Frederick will offer remarks and provide agency updates. The meeting will also include OSHA Directorate of Construction industry updates, a discussion on … Read more
Mark Your Calendars for Safe + Sound Week Aug. 9-15
CPWR is an organizing partner in OSHA’s Safe + Sound Campaign — a year-round, nationwide effort to raise awareness of the value of workplace safety and health programs. According to CPWR, every workplace should have a program that includes management leadership, worker participation and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards. Each August, Safe + Sound Week recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. This year’s Safe + Sound Week takes place Aug. 9-15. Check out CPWR’s Safe + Sound page for construction-specific resources and … Read more
West Coast General Contractor Extends Award-Winning Safety Record
Continuing its longstanding commitment to safety, BNBuilders was recently awarded its second Associated General Contractors’ safety award this year. The firm was awarded the top 2021 Build Washington Award for Construction Safety from the AGC of Washington in the General Contractor-Building over 500,000 worker hours category, and was recognized at a virtual award ceremony on May 20. The firm was also recently awarded a Construction Safety Excellence Award from the AGC San Diego Chapter, with top recognition in the Building Division: 1,000,001 – 2,500,000 work hours category, presented at the virtual ceremony on Jan. 26. BNBuilders has numerous safety protocols, … Read more