John Ridgeway’s Post

The construction industry, known for its physically demanding nature, is particularly vulnerable to the escalating risks posed by extreme heat. Recognising this, the US based Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has taken a significant step towards mitigating heat-related illnesses and fatalities with a proposed new heat rule. This landmark initiative aims to establish clear guidelines and standards for employers to protect workers from the dangers of excessive heat. It mandates heat illness prevention plans, requires heat-related incident reporting and emphasises worker training and emergency response. By introducing these regulations, OSHA seeks to create a safer work environment for millions of employees. You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/e7NRYC43 #healthandsafety #construction #engineering

Health and safety in the workplace is SO important!

A new rule seeks to protect workers from extreme heat! Discover what this means for the construction industry and how it aims to enhance safety on the job. https://lnkd.in/enRFTWU3 #ConstructionSafety #WorkerProtection #HeatSafety

Unsafe Acts: 1. 88% of workplace accidents are caused by employee errors (NSC). 2. 70% of workplace injuries are attributed to unsafe employee behaviors (OSHA). 3. Top 5 most common unsafe acts: - Failure to follow procedures (35%). - Lifting improperly (23%). - Using equipment improperly (17%). - Ignoring safety protocols (15%). - Taking unnecessary risks (10%) (BLS). 4. Employees aged 25-34 are most likely to engage in unsafe acts (42%) (BLS). 5. Construction industry has the highest rate of unsafe acts (55.6 per 100 full-time workers) (BLS). Unsafe Conditions: 1. 12% of workplace accidents are caused by environmental factors (NSC). 2. Top 5 most common unsafe conditions: - Slippery surfaces (27%). - Inadequate lighting (22%). - Poor ventilation (17%). - Broken equipment (15%). - Electrical hazards (12%) (OSHA). 3. Manufacturing industry has the highest rate of unsafe conditions (46.3 per 100 full-time workers) (BLS). 4. Falls from elevations due to unsafe conditions account for 15% of workplace fatalities (OSHA). 5. 22% of workplace injuries are caused by exposure to harmful substances or environments (BLS). *Combined Statistics:* 1. 95% of workplace accidents are preventable (NSC). 2. 75% of workplace injuries and illnesses are caused by combination of unsafe acts and conditions (OSHA). 3. Employers can reduce workplace injuries by 50% by implementing effective safety programs (OSHA). Sources: - National Safety Council (NSC) - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) #HSE#workplace safety#safety awarness

“In 2022, 395 of the 1069 recorded construction fatalities were falls” (BLS Data). Join the National Safety Stand-Down efforts this week as we work with others in the industry to raise awareness about the dangers of workplace falls and what we can do to prevent them. #ConstructionSafetyWeek #ConstructionSafety #NationalSafeyyStandDownWeek #StandDownWeek

Yesterday, OSHA released its proposed rule on preventing heat injuries in indoor and outdoor settings (available at https://lnkd.in/g2PtAhwy). The proposed rule would require implementation of a written heat injury and illness prevention plan, oversight by a heat safety coordinator, and the provision of an acclimatization program and employee training on heat safety. Covered employers would also be required to conduct regular heat risk assessments and monitor temperatures in the workplace. Further, at certain threshold temperatures of 80 and 90 degrees, certain employer obligations are triggered - such as providing access to drinking water, paid rest breaks, and cool break areas. The proposed standard would apply to employers conducting indoor and outdoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction. Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, a 120-day public comment period will begin.

Cold Weather: Stay Hydrated and Prepared As temperatures drop, working outdoors in construction becomes more challenging. At C.J. Hughes Construction we prioritize safety and remind our team that cold weather doesn’t eliminate the need for hydration and vigilance. Key Safety Tips for Winter Work: -Stay Hydrated: Cold weather suppresses thirst, but your body still loses water through breathing and exertion. Use insulated bottles to keep water from freezing and encourage regular hydration breaks. -Dress for the Weather: Layering is critical—start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating mid-layers, and top it off with a wind- and waterproof outer layer. Insulated gloves, hats, and boots are essential. -Prevent Cold Stress: Take breaks in warm areas to avoid hypothermia and frostbite. Monitor yourself and coworkers for signs like shivering, confusion, or numbness. -Maintain Equipment: Cold can cause machinery to malfunction. Regularly inspect and service tools to prevent accidents. Following these guidelines not only ensures safety but also improves productivity during harsh weather conditions. For additional safety tips, visit OSHA's Cold Weather Guidelines or explore more winter construction safety measures here. https://lnkd.in/dnuYxTJ Stay safe, stay warm, and remember to hydrate!

🎉So we are looking back at the workplace in the 1970s as part of the 50th birthday of the Health and Safety at Work Act🎉 The evolution of construction sites over the last 50 years, it's clear that the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) of 1974 has been a game-changer. This legislation has revolutionized the industry, fostering a culture of safety and well-being. ✨ The research reveals that overall workplace fatalities, serious injuries and accidents have reduced significantly.  Fatalities have fallen by 88% since 1974, and non-fatal accidents have been reduced by 72% since 1986/87. ✨📝 Here are some significant changes: 1. 🌟 Enhanced Safety Standards**: The HSWA established comprehensive safety standards, leading to the implementation of rigorous safety protocols and regular site inspections. This has drastically reduced workplace accidents and injuries. 2. 🌟 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**: The Act mandated the use of PPE, such as helmets, gloves, and high-visibility clothing, significantly minimizing the risk of injury on-site. 3. 🌟 Training and Awareness**: Ongoing safety training and awareness programs have become standard practice. Workers are now better informed about potential hazards and safe practices, leading to a more safety-conscious workforce. 4. 🌟 Risk Assessments**: The requirement for detailed risk assessments has ensured that potential dangers are identified and mitigated before work begins. This proactive approach has improved overall site safety. 5. 🌟 Health Monitoring**: Regular health checks and monitoring of workers' conditions have become commonplace, addressing issues like exposure to hazardous materials and ensuring long-term well-being. 6. 🌟 Emergency Preparedness**: Enhanced emergency response plans and drills ensure that workers are prepared for any situation, reducing the impact of accidents when they occur. ✨ The Health and Safety at Work Act has been instrumental in transforming construction sites, prioritizing the health and safety of workers and making the industry safer and more responsible. As we continue to build and innovate, let's remember the importance of these standards and strive to uphold them in every project 💛 #Construction #HealthAndSafety #HSWA #WorkplaceSafety #ConstructionSafety #Innovation #Progress Dr Gary Latta CFIOSH, CMgr FCMI Stephen Galley CMIOSH MSc PgDip OSHCR

The latest HSE statistics have been released, revealing a troubling increase in workplace fatalities. In 2023/2024, there were 138 work-related deaths, up from 136 the previous year. The data highlights a significant rise in fatalities in the construction sector, with 51 deaths in this industry alone—up from 45 last year. These statistics reflect a huge concern for the state of health and safety in our workplaces, particularly in high-risk industries like construction. Read on for more: https://bit.ly/3VNXkaB #WorkplaceSafety #ConstructionSafety #HSEStatistics #FallsFromHeight #TBSLabour #HealthAndSafety #IOSH #UKConstruction

☀️🛡️Under the proposed rule, employers must develop plans to mitigate heat-related risks in affected workplaces. This includes ensuring access to water, scheduling rest breaks, and safeguarding workers unfamiliar with high heat conditions. Get all the details ➡️ https://lnkd.in/epgudsuN #Safety #Heat #Construction #Maintenance