Construction Industry Safety and Health

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Contractors have been put on notice: ensure you use fall protection systems, or face fines. In May 2011, a WorkSafe WA inspector observed a self-employed roofing contractor working on a roof at a construction site in Mandurah. He had been engaged by a roofing company to fit all the roofing material, including flashing and capping.

The World Steel Association (worldsteel) has announced plans for a Steel Safety Day that will focus on the safety and health of the people who work in the steel industry. The event is timed to coincide with World Safety Day, International Labour Organisation event which is held each year on April 28.

Workers who perform tasks at elevation - such as structural metalworking, roof assembly and repair, tree trimming, and green energy construction - are at risk of falls from heights, with frequently serious or even fatal consequences.

FALLS ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN CONSTRUCTION. In 2010, there were 264 fall fatalities (255 falls to lower level) out of 774 total fatalities in construction. These deaths are preventable. Falls can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple steps: Plan. Provide. Train.

A Missouri roofing company cited for fall hazards in four separate inspections since 2010 has continued to endanger its employees, according to OSHA, which has cited Andres Roofing Co. Inc. for four repeat safety violations with proposed penalties of $52,800.

The public comment period on OSHA’s proposal to reduce worker exposure to silica dust ended this week, leaving the agency with more than 2,700 responses to process. The rule would decrease the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica dust – a substance that causes cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in those who are exposed to it.

OSHA’s proposal to safeguard workers by reducing silica exposures disregards “the unique nature of roofing work” and may actually making roofers’ jobs more dangerous, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

Maryland lawmakers introduced a bill this week that would require companies to meet safety standards as a prequalification for working on public projects in the state. House Bill 951 (with 22 sponsors) and Senate Bill 774 (with 13 sponsors) were introduced by Maryland Delegate Brian McHale (D-46) and Senator Karen Montgomery (D-14).