OSHA's National Safety Stand-Down during the week of May 2nd prompted a focus on construction safety in the business press and other media outlets, and by the industry as a whole.
One notable development came from Gilbane Building Co. which has encouraged OSHA to mandate the use of safety harnesses for any construction worker operating above 6 feet high. Gilbane has implemented this policy on its own, creating a stricter internal standard than what OSHA requires.
OSHA requires harnesses for steelworkers operating above 25 feet. Workers on scaffolds above 10 feet must connect to a harness, but are only required to use one attachment. Gilbane’s says its more stringent policy has prevented at least 20 potentially fatal falls over the past five years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that private construction fatalities increased 9% to 899 in 2014, the highest number since 2008. The increase came with a sharp rise in construction activity.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2019
New edition of Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete available
American Concrete Institute document includes major technical changes.
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2019
Coaching pays off for new managers
Study finds increased engagement and readiness for new roles.
Codes and Standards | Aug 12, 2019
New curtain wall design guidelines released
AAMA document includes mandatory language, optional language, and detailed technical commentary.
Codes and Standards | Aug 9, 2019
Cities modify density zoning to spur more affordable housing projects
Solutions include eliminating single-family zoning and allowing taller apartments in higher-density zones.
Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2019
More designers focusing on acoustic properties of buildings
Recognition that structures should be acoustically satisfying.
Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2019
Illinois law makes all single-occupancy restrooms gender-neutral
All must comply by January 1.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2019
New technology, aligning training with local trends among keys to workforce development
Construction industry must also invest in training, recruiting high school students.
Codes and Standards | Aug 1, 2019
Planners, city official rethink parking requirements on new projects
Reducing number of parking spots frees up land for ‘more purposeful’ uses.
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2019
USGBC-LA chooses first ‘Net Zero Accelerator’ technologies
Wide range of solutions address numerous environmental challenges.
Codes and Standards | Jul 30, 2019
Solar brokerage will provide financing for small/medium businesses
First to fund solar for smaller-scale commercial operations.