OSHA Proposed Changes for Safety of Construction Sites

By Michael McCarty, President / Founder
June 19, 2018
2 min read

In a recent May 2018 Trade Release, OSHA changes were made to increase construction site safety. Proposed OSHA changes include crane operator certification clarity and reinstating employer responsibility in ensuring crane operator qualifications to increase safety in operating equipment.

OSHA proposed changes safety construction sites

Fall Hazard for Workers in Construction

In calendar year 2016 according to OSHA, 991 deaths out of 4,693 worker fatalities (or 21.1%) were in construction.  In addition, out of the 991 deaths in construction, 384 were to due falls (or 38.7%).  Source.  Whether in construction or in other industry, it is important that employers make sure there is a safe working environment.  Falls are the most common causes of work injuries and deaths.  An important aspect of construction site safety is fall protection. Fall protection is needed to prevent employees from falling off elevated work areas or overhead platforms, or falling into holes in the floor and walls, or falls when working over dangerous equipment and machinery.  Preventing falls and injuries to employees and operators can save money in the long haul by reducing workers’ compensation. insurance claims/premiums, and potential OSHA fines.  Fall prevention can also increase worker productivity and confidence that they’re working in a safe environment.

Flexible Freestanding Fall Protection

Non-penetrating and customizable fall protection systems such as the EDGE 360 Mobile Safety Rail provide flexibility for construction sites and other industries.  These safety rails are freestanding and can be moved as construction proceeds and removed when the construction concludes.  An added bonus is that the safety rails can be used at another construction site in the future.  This EDGE 360 Mobile Safety Rail system has been independently certified and tested to meet OSHA Fall Protection regulations and is fully compliant with the Buy America Act – 100% made in the USA.

For more information on our EDGE 360 Mobile Safety Rail, Guardrail systems, or other custom solution, please visit us at our website or send us an e-mail: www.EDGEfallprotection.com sales@edgefallprotection.com 844-314-1374 OSHA Article:  https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/trade/05182018 EDGE Freestanding Roof Safety Rail - EDGE Fall Protection, LLC

by Michael McCarty, President / Founder

About the Author: Michael McCarty brings more than a decade of hands-on fall protection experience to EDGE Fall Protection, with a background that includes installing, selling, designing, and engineering fall protection systems across the country. His expertise is grounded in both technical fieldwork and safety-critical training, including Competent Person and Competent Person Trainer credentials, First Responder experience, Firefighter I certification, Hazmat Operations and Hazmat Awareness training, confined space training, CPR, rescue drills, and more than 228 hours of documented fire department training. As a holder of California and Arkansas contractor licenses for EDGE, Michael combines real-world installation knowledge, code-conscious design experience, emergency response training, and personal high-angle experience to help clients make safer, smarter fall protection decisions.

Need fall protection for your facility? Call EDGE for a free quote.