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Fall Protection – v-Tool from OSHA

April 17, 2012 by

Falls are among the most common causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. It’s vital that contractors set up work places that minimize the risk of employees falling. OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of six feet in the construction industry, and also that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance.

To aid contractors in compliance, OSHA has developed several tools. Below is a safety video they have put together, specifically geared at scaffolding hazards.

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10-Hour OSHA Certification Course

March 1, 2012 by

We cannot stress enough how vital OSHA training can be to your business. If you’ve not already done so, think about reserving your spot in the upcoming OSHA 10-Hour Certification Course. The training will be split into two sessions: Wed, March 28 and Wed, April 11th – each from 4:00 to 9:30pm with dinner included. The course fee for BAGB Members is $220, and $260 for Non-Members.  

Topics covered include:

Introduction to OSHA
General Safety & Health Provisions
Electrical
Fall Protection
Personal Protective & Lifesaving Equipment
Materials Handling, Storage, Use & Disposal
Hand & Power Tools
Scaffolds
Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators & Conveyors
Excavations
Stairways & Ladders

Course Fee includes 10 hours of training, all handouts, a copy of OSHA Standards for Construction 29 CFR Part 1926, dinner both nights, and certification card of completion from OSHA. For more info, visit the BAGB website.

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MA Contractor Fined $42,000 for Violations

February 9, 2012 by

In a citation issued just over a week ago, a Reading, MA contractor is facing a proposed $42,000 in fines for 10 alleged serious violations of safety standards at a Topsfield worksite for exposing workers to fall hazards. The violations include:

Failing to provide personal fall protection
Failing to train workers to recognize fall hazards
Failing to provide head and eye protection
Failing to properly set up, secure and inspect ladders for damage.

Additionally, an improperly erected scaffold had damaged components, exceeded the maximum allowable height of 20 feet and had not been inspected for defects prior to the start of work.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. If there was a question before about the enforcement of the Fall Protection Guidelines, there shouldn’t be now. It is vital that all contractors take the steps necessary to protect their workers and put effective fall protection measures in place.

Detailed information on scaffolding and fall hazards and safeguards is available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/scaffolding/index.html and http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/construction.html, and as always, we’re here to answer your questions and provide direction. Stay safe!

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