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Most frequently cited OSHA standards for heavy construction other than building construction
The stimulus package means increased opportunities for general and special trade contractors engaged in heavy construction such as highways, streets, bridges, sewers, and tunnels. A central focus of OSHA is to address the most frequently cited OSHA standard in this industry, 'specific excavation requirements', by mitigating trenching hazards caused by soil failure and a lack of protection such as trench boxes. Additionally, regulations require the presence of a 'competent person' to ensure safe excavation at a construction site. Here is OSHA's guide for daily inspection of trenches and excavation.
The second most frequently cited violation is requirements for protective systems.
American Trucking Association issues guide for agriculture season
The American Trucking Association's Agricultural Food and Transporters Conference has released a guide, The Manager's Guide to Safe Trucking During Agriculture Planting and Harvest Season aimed at keeping truck drivers safe during peak agriculture production periods.
Since planting and harvest seasons do not comply with exact schedules, exemptions to the federal maximum of 11 driving hours a day are made to allow truck drivers in certain areas of the country to transport agricultural products during this period.
CDC releases report on worker fatalities in tree care industry
A report published in the April 24, 2009 issue of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report notes 1,285 worker deaths associated with the tree care industry were reported in the United States between 1992 and 2007.
Most of the deaths (74%) occurred in the landscaping industry. At the time of death, 44% were either trimming or pruning a tree. The most common cause of death was being struck by or against an object (42%), usually a tree branch. This was followed by falls (34%) and contact with electric current (14%) as leading causes of death.
Guide to prevent amputation in printing industry
OSHA has identified the General Commercial Lithographic Printing SIC code as a high hazard industry for amputation rates. Printing Industries of America has developed a package, What You Need to Know for Safe Equipment Operation, aimed at reducing amputation injuries associated with equipment operation that includes a multimedia training module, check lists, fact sheets and a power point for training purposes.