The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released three new fact sheets that are free to download from OSHA's Publications webpage. A ladder jack scaffolds fact sheet* illustrates how to prevent injuries from falls when using work platforms supported by portable ladders. A confined spaces fact sheet* emphasizes the OSHA requirement for employers to develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue or emergency services in permit-required confined spaces. Lastly, a fact sheet on longshoring in marine terminals* describes how to prevent semi-tractor driver injuries during container lifting operations. 

A new SmartMarket Report from Dodge Data & Analytics takes a close look at 33 indicators of a safety culture in the construction industry, including measures of management commitment to safety and health, worker involvement in jobsite safety, company communications on safety and the degree to which safety is treated as a fundamental company value. The study found nearly equal numbers of companies showing high, moderate and low levels of engagement with these indicators, though large companies are more likely to be further along the safety culture spectrum than smaller companies. 

ABC recognized the country’s top construction projects as well as leading company-wide safety and diversity programs at the 26th annual Excellence in Construction® Awards gala March 2 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The 2015 National Safety Award Pinnacle, Excellence and Merit Winners are:

ABC is reminding its contractor member firms that their 2015 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Form 300A work-related injury and illness log summaries must be posted in a visible spot on all construction sites from Feb. 1 through April 30. 

A year after OSHA’s new injury and illness reporting requirements went into effect (Jan. 1, 2015); the agency launched a webpage to allow employers to electronically report cases. Employers now have three ways to report incidents: electronically through OSHA’s new web portal, www.osha.gov/report; by phone (1–800–321–OSHA or 1–800–321–6742); or by contacting the nearest OSHA Area Office.

ABC member companies were honored by the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT) as they accepted eight of nine Construction Industry Safety Excellence (CISE) awards at the Nov. 10 CURT National Awards gala in Houston, Texas.

OSHA Aug. 4 released a guide titled, “Training Requirements in OSHA Standards,” that compiles information related to the agency’s mandatory safety and health training for workers into a 266-page document that is divided into five chapters, including one focused on construction safety training.

OSHA July 29 issued a proposed rule clarifying an employer’s continuing obligation to make and maintain accurate records of reportable injuries and illnesses.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released an interpretation letter July 6 which states that the use of kinesiology tape to treat a work-related injury no longer needs to be recorded as medical treatment.