The state of Minnesota is implementing a new set of standards to reduce on job risk for window washers. The standard requires employers whose workers are suspended more than 14-feet above grade to have a comprehensive written safety plan and provide employee training for window-washing and building-maintenance activities. It also addresses and outlines worker safety [...]

We hear a ton of safety myths everyday that have no basis on research or facts. These consist of things that sound great that people say to get our attention. In many instance the people spewing these fantasies may even believe them themselves. However, as safety professionals we can’t live in a fantasy world, we [...]

A study of workers compensation claims across 38 states shows the average cost of a fall for roofers and carpenters is more than double the average cost of all other occupational classifications. The OSHA study, which looked at data from 2005-2007, found the average cost of falls from elevation at $106,000 for roofers, $97,000 for [...]

To facilitate the resolution of legal challenges filled against its new posting requirement, the National Labor Relations Board is postponing the effective date until April, 30 2012. The delay is the second in the past three months to a posting approved in Sept. 2011 that would require more than six million private-sector employers by the [...]

OSHA has rescinded a January 2009 letter of interpretation regarding the use of a particular shock-absorbing lanyard in aerial work platforms. The original letter of interpretation stated because of the requirement of certain lanyards to have an anchor point at a height of 18.5 feet, their usage would likely not comply with OSHA standards when [...]

The Workers Safety and Compensation Commission released its first draft of proposed safety regulations for Canada’s Northwestern Territories and Nunavut earlier this month. This digest is the first volume in a series of three. It includes a summary of the proposed Occupational Health and Safety Regulations consultation carried out between September 2010 and March 2011. [...]

The deadline for residential construction employers to comply with OSHA’s new fall protection initiative is Sept. 15. The new directive requires all residential builders to comply with 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1926.501(b)(13). Under 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13) workers engaged in residential construction over six (6) feet above the ground level are to be protected by conventional fall protection. For roofers, the 25 foot, ground to- eave height threshold no longer applies, [...]

“Oh I’m a general contractor so it’s the subcontractor’s responsibility.” “I’m a subcontractor so it’s the general contractor’s responsibility.” One of the common myths involving a general and subcontractor is safety is the other person’s responsibility. OSHA has decided everybody is responsible for safety. If you have a jobsite you have to be compliant with [...]

Petzl America Inc. of Clearfield, Utah, is voluntarily recalling about 375,000 Scorpio and Absorbica shock-absorbing lanyards sold between 2002 and 2011. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall July 12. Some of the lanyards are missing a safety stitch on the attachment loop, which could cause the lanyard to separate from the climbing [...]

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the forthcoming release of a new rule that is aimed at streamlining and simplifying standards while reducing employer burdens. “We estimate that the final rule, without reducing employee protection, will result in annual cost savings to employers exceeding $43 million and significant reductions in [...]