On EHS Today writer Sandy Smith shares a news story about OSHA citing  Acies Group LLC for three repeat violations and one serious violation related to fall hazards at a construction worksite in Lebanon, N.J. Proposed penalties total $47,000.

“Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry,” said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA’s Avenel Area Office. “It is vital that employers protect their workers from these deadly hazards, and provide an overall safe and healthful workplace.”

As the summer months approach and more construction jobs appear outdoors are you making sure that your employees have the necessary fall protection equipment? As you can see the fines can be extremely costly for your business. More importantly the welfare of your business depends on the safety of your workers.

“OSHA initiated an investigation on Jan. 19 as part of a local emphasis program focused on fall hazards in the construction industry after investigators observed workers being exposed to fall hazards as high as 24 feet while performing masonry work on the exterior of a building.”

There are several ways to avoid fall hazards first and foremost starting with the proper fall protection equipment. Ensure that you have easily accessible shock-absorbing lanyards, harnesses, and fall protection kits to meet all the needs of your employees. Make sure employees are trained on the proper use of the equipment. Also make sure you have correct sizes so workers are comfortable and more likely to always wear the fall protection equipment.

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As the weather gets nicer, warmer and the daylight lasts longer, more outdoor construction projects will be picking up. With working outdoors, the potential to be exposed to heights increases.

Last week, a NJ contractor was sited by OSHA, for 3 repeat violations, totaling over $47,000 for exposing his workers to fall hazards as high as 24 feet while performing masonry work on the exterior of a building.

“Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry,” said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA’s Avenel Area Office. “It is vital that employers protect their workers from these deadly hazards, and provide an overall safe and healthful workplace.”

Each year, on average, between 150 and 200 workers are killed and more than 100,000 are injured as a result of falls at construction sites. Source www.osha.gov.

For more information on OSHA’s Fall Protection standards and helpful tips, please click here.

For a wide variety of fall protection devices, visit Seton for all your lanyard and harness needs.

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