Construction workers are at risk of death or serious injury if they enter an unprotected trench and the walls col¬lapse. A trench is defined as a narrow underground excavation that is deeper than it is wide, and is no wider than 15 feet or 4.5 meters [OSHA]. Hazards associated with trench work and excavation are well defined and preventable.

OSHA cited online pet supply company Chewy, Inc., after a worker suffered fatal injuries while operating a stand-up industrial truck. The company faces maximum penalties of $14,323 for exposing workers to struck-by and crushing hazards.

OSHA inspectors who arrived at a Florida construction site to investigate an employee’s near-fatal fall didn’t have to look far to find fall and other safety hazards at the project. Three of the four Florida-based residential contractors involved with the project earned citations for fall hazard-related violations. The four companies were cited for a total of 12 violations, with $220,114 in proposed penalties.

The new and improved line of helmets expands on Petzl’s industry standard personal protective equipment by offering new models, updated features, and a wide range of accessories to better address the constantly evolving needs of the construction and general industry sectors.   The VERTEX helmet (shown above) is designed with a six-point suspension system that conforms to the shape of the users head for maximum comfort.

OSHA releases its upcoming regulatory agenda, a treatment offers hope to those struggling with opioid addiction and contractors launch an effort to get motorists to drive safely in highway work zones. These were among the top stories featured on ISHN.com this week.

The spring 2019 regulatory agenda released by OSHA last week includes rulemakings in various stages that will be priorities for the agency in the near future. Included on the agenda:

Some 67 percent of highway contractors report that motor vehicles crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). In response, association officials have launched a new radio and media campaign urging drivers to slow down and remain alert in highway work zones.

Still using ladders and scaffolding at your workplace? Low-level access lifts—products designed to help you easily reach tasks at heights up to 20 ft—can replace them while bringing additional productivity- and safety-boosting benefits to your facility.

BCSP, together with the BCSP Foundation, are proud to announce the first ever Bi-Annual Research and Innovation Summit, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 6 and 7, 2019.