Utilities

The rate of fall injuries leading to days away from work increased in 2013, according to data released Dec. 16 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A weekend session of Congress resulted in passage of a $1.1 trillion budget agreement that will provide stable funding to OSHA and other federal safety agencies.

The telecommunications industry must ensure the clear communication of worker safety, just as it strives to provide clear wireless communication to the public.

Washington – Educational outreach efforts about a free service that helps locate and mark underground pipes, lines and cables may have contributed to a decrease in damaged utility lines despite an increase in construction activities, according to the latest Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report from the Common Ground Alliance.

Washington – Business leaders and government agencies are scheduled to host a workshop on Oct. 14 to discuss how to prevent deaths and injuries in the telecommunications industry.

Washington – In an effort to ensure uniform enforcement of workers who use hoists to reach communication tower workstations, OSHA has issued a new inspection directive to agency compliance officers.

Tallahassee, FL – Florida legislators have expanded the state’s “Move-Over Act” to include protections for workers who operate or ride in or on sanitation and utility service vehicles.

Washington – OSHA has delayed its enforcement of recently revised standards that pertain to electric power generation, transmission and distribution installations.

Annapolis, MD – Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation has been tasked with creating a workgroup to study potential occupational safety and health prequalification requirements for the state’s public works contractors.

After 13 workers died at communication tower worksites in 2013 – more than the previous two years combined – OSHA and other stakeholders are taking a closer look at the safety of the industry.