Safety in the communications tower industry will be the focus of "Tower Week," an international event running from Nov. 2 to Nov. 6, 2015. Organized by the Prefabricated Access Suppliers' and Manufacturers' Association (PASMA), Tower Week was established to promote the safe use of towers and bring focus to ideas, the exchange of information and the development of height safety in general.

OSHA is requesting information from the public about worker safety hazards in communication tower construction and maintenance activities. The agency says the information will assist it in determining what measures to take to prevent worker injuries and fatalities.

Ebola featured prominently in the EHS-related news featured on ISHN this week – including an article on how employers can prepare to safeguard their workers from the illness. In other news. OSHA opened the comment period on its PELs update and federal agencies joined forces with a top telephone carrier to reduce communications tower worker deaths.

Chad Weller was a communication tower technician. He worked to bring you the cell service you use every day to text your friends or navigate your route to work. He loved his job, and he took great pride in providing this service for you and me.

A company whose workers were “free climbing” – climbing without safety lines has earned citations from OSHA for one willful and eight serious safety violations. Proposed penalties total $52,500.