Construction

Seattle — The owner of a West Seattle construction company has been sentenced to 45 days in jail for his role in a fatal trench collapse, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

Demolition work presents multiple hazards. Planning can go a long way in helping prevent worker injury and illness.

Perth, Australia — Around 1 out of 4 Australian workers experience ringing in the ears – called tinnitus – and those in the construction, automotive, transportation and agricultural industries may be at higher risk, results of a recent study suggest.

National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 11-15. This year’s theme is “Work zones are a sign to slow down.”

Washington — Protecting construction workers from electrical hazards is the topic of a March 22 webinar hosted by OSHA and a trio of organizations.

Silver Spring, MD — Complacency, ineffective communication from management, lack of input and buy-in from workers, and isolation of upper management from jobs are some of the common issues that make the job hazard analysis process ineffective, according to a recent case study from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training.

Washington — OSHA is reviewing comments on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat exposure, administrator Doug Parker said during a Feb. 25 meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health’s work group on heat injury and illness prevention.

Sacramento, CA — A new initiative spearheaded by a California Department of Industrial Relations task force is aimed at ensuring employers on publicly funded construction sites are following labor laws and providing workers’ compensation insurance.

Little Rock, AR — The Arkansas Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Highway Police and other state organizations, has launched a campaign aimed at reducing incidents and fatalities in work zones.

Employers need to create a program to ensure hot work is performed safely. Here’s what OSHA says an effective program looks like.