OSHA issues new steel erection standard

A new steel erection safety standard was recently adopted by OSHA. Developed under a negotiated process between government, industry and union groups, OSHA projects the standard could prevent 30 fatalities, 1,142 injuries and save employers nearly $40 million a year.

The standard addresses the hazards associated with working under loads; hoisting, landing and placing decking; column stability; double connections; landing and placing steel joints; and falls to lower levels.

The final rule protects all workers engaged in steel erection activities. It does not cover electric transmission towers, communications towers, broadcast towers, water towers or tanks. 

For more information, go to www.osha-slc.gov/steelerection. 

OSHA overhauls record-keeping requirements
Employers have until January 1, 2002 to update their OSHA record-keeping methods to match the new 29CFR 1904 requirement. 

It clarifies OSHA reporting of musculoskeletal disorders, the definition of restricted work or light duty, and offers greater employee privacy.

The update streamlines OSHA forms 300, 301 and 300A. They are simpler to use and offer better data collection for the Bureau of Labor Service Statistics.

The requirement eliminates the different criteria for work-related injuries and illnesses. It also requires employee hearing tests and the reporting of any dramatic change.

“Lost workdays” will now focus on “days away” or “days restricted or transferred”. It will count calendar days, not work days in this category. 

The rules offer employees more protection from discrimination if they report a work-related illness or injury. 

It protects employee privacy by prohibiting entering an individual’s name on Form 300 for certain medical conditions.

Published in the March/April 2001 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

back to top