OSHA may “broaden the circumstances” under which certain employers would be permitted to comply with its Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction, according to a request for information and comment issued by the agency last week. Specifically, OSHA is looking for information on additional engineering and work practice control methods to effectively limit exposure to silica for the equipment and tasks currently listed on Table 1 of the standard.

Worker injuries linked to opioid-related deaths and suicides, a Total Worker Health report card and heat-related illness takes a toll on construction workers. These were among the top stories featured on ISHN.com this week.

Although they compose only six percent of the total U.S. workforce, construction workers accounted for 36 percent of all occupational heat‐related deaths from 1992 to 2016 – and climate change may have something to do with it. That’s one of the key findings from new research from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR).

Common to most construction sites in America is that both workers and managers wear Z89.1 compliant hard hats onsite as a symbol of safety, to protect from falling objects and also as a tool deflector.

Two speakers will address the topics of product installation and plant safety at the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Fall Conference (Sept. 30-Oct. 3). Richard Hawk, motivational safety speaker and trainer for Make Safety Fun, will give a keynote presentation entitled, "The Future of Safety in Manufacturing Plants." Matt Risinger, owner of Risinger & Co., specializes in architect-driven projects and will discuss installation techniques.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has found Altor Inc. - a construction company based in Washington Township, New Jersey and its president Vasilio Saites in contempt of court for failing to pay $412,000 in penalties assessed by OSHA. The agency cited Altor for numerous safety violations, including multiple willful violations of OSHA’s fall protection standards.

MetroNet Inc. has announced Chuck Muller as the company’s new Safety Manager. With more than 30 years of experience in damage prevention, Muller will be spearheading all safety and damage prevention efforts in each state that provides MetroNet services. He joins the team after serving on Indiana 811 as the Director of Member/Public Relations where he served as the subject matter expert on all Indiana 811 legislative issues.

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) is seeking public comments on its proposed reaffirmation of ANSI/ISEA 101-2014, American National Standard for Limited-Use and Disposable Coveralls – Size and Labeling Requirements. The document provides requirements for finished dimensions, labeling and packaging for limited-use and disposable coveralls. It also provides guidance on selecting the appropriate garment size for the wearer.