2 New OSHA Final Rules for 2016

by | Jun 10, 2016 | General Construction

Later on in June, one of OSHA’s two brand new final rules for 2016 go into effect. Whenever OSHA publishes a final rule, it’s important for companies to be informed. Not only because employers are expected to comply with the applicable regulations, but also to be aware of potential hazards that could harm employees.

These two new final rules are both applicable to the construction industry, so it’s important for us to take note.

SILICA EXPOSURE

The long-awaited final ruling on Silica dust inhalation is set to take effect on June 23rd, 2016. Silica dust inhalation is known to cause a variety of illnesses such as silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease. The new rule is comprised of two standards; one for the Construction Industry, and one for the General Industry and Maritime. The main reason behind this new ruling is to limit employee exposure to inhaling crystalline silica.

Here’s a summary of the key components of the new Silica Ruling and how it affects the Construction Industry:

  • Reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift.
  • Requires employers to:
    • use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL
    • provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure
    • limit worker access to high exposure areas; develop a written exposure control plan
    • offer medical exams to highly exposed workers and gives them information about their lung health
    • and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures
  • Provides flexibility to help employers, especially small businesses, protect workers from silica exposure.

EYE AND FACE PROTECTION

The other final OSHA ruling put in place for 2016 has to do do with employee eye and face protection when on the job, and went into effect on April 25th, 2016. The main reason behind this ruling is to update the references to the most recent national consensus standards (ANSI/ISEA). This change affects General Industry, Construction, Shipyards, Longshoring, and Marine Terminals.

Here’s a summary of the key components of the new Eye and Face Protection Ruling and how it affects the Construction Industry:

  • Recognizes the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, while deleting the outdated 1986 edition of that same national consensus standard.
  • The 2003 and 1989 (R-1998) versions of the ANSI standard already referenced in the standard will be retained.
  • Updates the construction standard by deleting the 1968 version of the ANSI standard that was referenced and now includes the same three ANSI standards referenced above to ensure consistency among the agency’s standards.

In addition to these new rules, OSHA is also looking into a few other regulatory changes that impact the following:

  • Slips, Trips, and Fall Prevention
  • Tracking of Workplace Injuries
  • Exposure to Beryllium
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Standards
  • Chemical Management and Permissible Exposure Limits

If you’re looking to start a new commercial or residential construction project, renovation, or just curious about what we offer at Baratto Brothers, contact us today by filling out our contact form, stopping in to say hello, or by giving us a call at (218) 692-1070. We’re here to help you sift through your options, and come up with an affordable plan that delivers the results you’re looking for. We’ll do everything we can to become your Builder for Life.

 

 

 

 

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OSHA and the Construction Industry

by | Jan 8, 2016 | General Construction

In the 1970’s, the Occupational Safety and Health Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, otherwise known as OSHA. Operating within the Department of Labor, OSHA’s role is to help minimize workplace hazards and implement safety and health programs. They seem to be doing a pretty good job too, considering workplace fatality rates have dropped 66% since OSHA began working with employers in the 70’s; while occupational illness and injury rates have dropped 67%. This is no small feat, considering U.S. employment has almost doubled since then.

There are a bunch of industry standards every business with one employee or more has to follow, so if you work for a business or own one, you’ve probably at least heard of OSHA. They provide a list of employer responsibilities in regards to keeping employees safe, and they give advice for employees on their rights in the workplace. It’s very likely, you’ve seen their signage up in your workplace’s break room or some other prominent location. OSHA provides very detailed regulations regarding safety standards that each business must adhere to. The construction industry is one OSHA has its eye on, as it can be a hazardous and sometimes dangerous workplace. They even list out regulations specific to construction, and inspections (both announced and unannounced) are not uncommon.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of the 4,251 worker fatalities in 2014, fatal work injuries involving contractors accounted for 20.5% (874). We think you’ll agree, that’s a pretty scary number. At Baratto Brothers Construction, we take OSHA’s standards and regulations very seriously. Our employees are family members, and it’s our job to protect them on every job site – and it’s not only because of the sometimes dangerous locations we have to work on; like high roof pitches and tight enclosed spaces.

The last thing any construction company would ever want is to lose an employee, but especially while on the clock. Unfortunately, it still happens. OSHA has a list of leading causes of work-related deaths for contractors, which they’ve dubbed Construction’s “Fatal Four.” According to their website, by eliminating the “Fatal Four,” 508 workers would be saved a year.

What are Construction’s “Fatal Four” exactly?

  • Falls – 349 of the 874 deaths in construction in 2014 (39.9%)
  • Electrocutions – 74 (8.5%)
  • Struck by an object – 73 (8.4%)
  • Caught-in/between – 12 (1.4%)

Much of this type of workplace tragedy can be avoided by following OSHA’s guidelines and using some common sense on both the employer and the employee. Baratto Brothers is committed to ensuring our contractors are safe and secure, and we have always done our utmost to train them on job site safety. Reducing OSHA’s numbers of workplace accidents and injuries is a priority for us and have been from day one. There’s nothing better than another great year with our employees; especially one where no one has become an OSHA workplace accident statistic.

If you’re looking to start a new commercial or residential construction project, renovation, or just curious about what we offer at Baratto Brothers, contact us today by filling out our contact form, stopping in to say hello, or by giving us a call at (218) 692-1070. We’re here to help you sift through your options, and come up with an affordable plan that delivers the results you’re looking for. We’ll do everything we can to become your Builder for Life.

 

 

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