OSHA Proposes Rule to Alter, Enforce Long Delayed Crane Operator Qualifications

Last November, OSHA issued a final rule that would finally allow them to enforce language, which has been in their standards since 2010, requiring construction crane operators to be formally qualified to operate the equipment.  The first day of enforcement for that rule had been set for November 10, 2018, but the agency has recently proposed a new rule that would pull back some of the initial requirements.

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Report: Using “Subs of Subs” Causing Rise in Construction Deaths

Finding enough labor to complete jobs has been a problem for many companies in the construction industry over the past few years.  Amid a construction “boom” in many areas, general and subcontractors are accepting jobs without enough people to work them, so some have turned to hiring “subs of subs” to supplement their work, a report published by The Tennessean says

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OSHA Enforcement of New Beryllium Exposure Standard is Now in Effect for Construction Industry

In March, OSHA announced that they would be enforcing their previously delayed beryllium exposure limit for the construction industry on May 11, 2018.  The agency has recently confirmed that enforcement date in a memorandum on May 9, 2018.

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Report: First 6 Months OSHA Silica Regulations Yields 116 Violations

OSHA newer and more stringent regulations regarding employee’s exposure to respirable crystalline silica officially went into effect on September 23, 2017.  The new reduced the permissible exposure limit of the substance, which is found mostly in products containing sand (like concrete, mortar, and brick), from 250 micrograms per cubic meter of air down to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air averaged over an 8 hour shift.

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2 Construction Workers Rescued While Dangling 6 Stories High After Scaffolding Failed

For the third time in a year, construction workers have had to be rescued while dangling mid-air by fire rescue teams in Southern Florida. Last year, there were two incidents in Sarasota, Florida that involved failed suspended scaffolding in as many months.  Just last week, another incident in Palmetto Bay required the Fire Department to intervene.

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Here Are 55 Free Toolbox Safety Talks in English and Spanish

The construction industry has never been one to freely share information without charging a fee.  That’s changed slightly recently, with some major players willing to provide useful tools and information to help us become better.  For instance, we recently shared that Procore has released hundreds of free continuing education courses on their education platform.  Another useful site we’ve found recently has shared dozens of toolbox talks to help your team on the jobsite learn about safety.

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Common Animal and Insect Hazards in Construction Work

[guest post] The reality is that construction workers, who already face hundreds of hazards just by working in the industry, are also often at risk for becoming injured or ill due to contact with wildlife. 

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OSHA Now Let’s You Search for Authorized OSHA 10 & 30 Outreach Trainers

It should be obvious that formal safety training is extremely important to running a successful safety program on any construction site.  The most common route for construction employers to train their staff is through OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses, but, in the past, it was pretty confusing to determine who was actually authorized to teach the courses and where to find them.

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Summer Dangers on Construction Sites

[guest post] Spring is here and before we know it, summer will follow. In both seasons, weather conditions can present dangers to construction workers. Without education and preparation, workers may find that they are seriously ill or injured during work. 

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[VIDEO] Massive Crane Collapses on Florida Job Site, Narrowly Missing Several Workers

Crane collapses on construction jobsites are usually pretty terrifying, especially when the jobsite is full of workers.  A construction site in St. Petersburg, Florida got extremely lucky when a large construction crane collapsed and narrowly missed several running workers.

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