NIOSH Establishes Office of Construction Safety and Health

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - www.cdc.gov/niosh — has established a new Office of Construction Safety and Health, with Christine Branche, Ph.D., NIOSH principal associate director, serving as acting director of the new office.

Over 11 million construction workers build and maintain roads, houses, workplaces and physical infrastructure, NIOSH said. This work includes many inherently hazardous tasks and conditions such as work at height, excavations, noise, dust, power tools and equipment, confined spaces, and electricity. To address the special problems in construction, it is critical that NIOSH ensures rigorous coordination of our construction safety and health research the agency said. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/construction/.

In related news, NIOSH announced a five-year, $25-million cooperative agreement award to CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring., Md., to serve as a leader in applied construction research, and disseminate effective interventions in the construction industry.

“We are pleased that CPWR will work with stakeholders and NIOSH to advance construction safety and health research,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. “They have a long and relevant history in the area, and we look forward to working with them.” The award to CPWR was based on competition resulting from the NIOSH National Construction Center Request for Application published in early 2009.

CSDA/OSHA Alliance Releases Electrical Safety Best Practices

The alliance between the Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association (CSDA) and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released its fourth best practice, Electrical Safety (CSDA-OBP-1004), which includes guidelines and preventive maintenance tips that should be applied every workday.

Electricity is widely recognized as a potential workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, burns, fires and explosions. Working on or around electrical conductors and equipment can be particularly dangerous because electrical energy often cannot be sensed until contact is made.

Find the document by visiting www.csda.org and clicking on the “OSHA Alliance” logo.

CPWR Updates Report on Preventing Crane-Related Deaths in Construction

CPWR also has published a revised updated report on “Crane-Related Deaths in Construction and Recommendations for Their Prevention.” A re-review of the original 2008 report found 632 identified deaths involving cranes versus the initial total of 323 deaths. The report gives seven recommendations to prevent fatalities and injuries; download it free at http://www.cpwr.com/research-cranereport.html.

Order Complete Set of ANSI/ISEA Standards at Deep Discount

ISEA is offering a complete set of its American National Standards and the use and selection guide for eye and face protection at 30% off the price of purchasing the publications individually. For $325 including shipping, safety officers can get all the following publications in a convenient three-ring binder:

American National Standard for Limited-Use and Disposable Coveralls- Size and Labeling Requirements, ANSI/ISEA 101-1996 (R2008)
American National Standard for Gas Detector Tube Units - Short Term Type for Toxic Gases and Vapors in Working Environments, ANSI/ISEA 102-1990 (R2009)
American National Standard for Air Sampling Devices - Diffusive Type for Gases and Vapors in Working Environments, ANSI/ISEA 104-1998 (R2009)
American National Standard for Hand Protection Selection Criteria, ANSI/ISEA 105-2005
American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear, ANSI/ISEA 107-2010
American National Standard for Air-Purifying Respiratory Protective Smoke Escape Devices, ANSI/ISEA 110-2009
American National Standard for Fixed and Portable Decontamination Shower Units, ANSI/ISEA 113-2008
American National Standard for High Visibility Public Safety Vests, ANSI/ISEA 207-2006
American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2003
American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection, ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009
American National Standard - Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies, ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2009
American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment, ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009
Eye and Face Protection Use and Selection Guide