Washington – The Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health has scheduled a public meeting on March 31 and April 1 to discuss a proposed revision to OSHA’s crane operator qualification requirement.

Washington – A new NIOSH document outlines best practices for minimizing the risk of crystalline silica exposure during asphalt pavement milling.

Fairfax, VA – OSHA’s forthcoming crane operator qualifications rule will be different from a draft previously issued, an agency official recently told stakeholders.

Mississauga, Ontario – A new series of videos from the Ontario Road Builders’ Association relies on humor to promote safety in construction work zones.

Washington — The National Cooperative Highway Research Program has released a guidebook that “provides practitioners who develop phasing and staging plans for temporary traffic control through work zones with guidance to evaluate the safety impacts of their plan decisions.”

Columbia, MO — Distracted drivers are 29 times more likely to be involved in a highway work zone collision or near collision, according to a recent study from the University of Missouri.

Little Rock, AR — The Arkansas Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Highway Police and other state organizations, has launched a campaign aimed at reducing incidents and fatalities in work zones.

Columbia, MO — Using a self-driving truck to follow a manned vehicle during “moving work zone” operations could help prevent roadway worker injuries, results of a recent study show.

Washington — Vehicle-mounted electronic signs indicating that tow truck drivers and first responders are roadside may have significant outcomes for worker safety.

Olympia, WA — A new law in Washington state allows the use of speed safety cameras in highway work zones in an effort to protect roadway workers.

Washington — Use of temporary, portable rumble strips is more effective than warning signs at reducing distracted driving in work zones, according to a recent National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report.

Columbia, MO — Amid one of the most ambitious road construction efforts in state history, the University of Missouri has established a center aimed at preventing fatalities and serious injuries in work zones.

The use of farm irrigation systems brings with it an increased risk of electrocution. Safe Electricity, a public awareness campaign created by the Urbana, IL-based Energy Education Council, urges workers to know and follow proper safety precautions to avoid electrical injuries when operating and handling watering systems.

Improperly using electrical equipment can create very serious hazards for workers. Special safety features built into equipment often are rendered ineffective when equipment is manipulated or misused.

A 62-year-old mechanic died after being crushed when the 994-pound electrical cabinet he was working on tipped over.

Exposure to electricity resulted in 141 workplace fatalities and 2,090 cases with days away from work in 2013, according to the 2016 edition of “Injury Facts,” a chartbook from the National Safety Council. How can workers stay safe?

Struggling to figure out how to remove or minimize human error in the workplace? The simple answer is to adopt a three-step technological approach of “monitor, inspect and manage” to create an ecosystem of safety-focused operations that remove the human element’s risk.

Electrical incidents happen daily, putting lives and operational continuity at risk. However, there are ways companies can reduce the occurrence of these incidents and protect everyone concerned from the physical, financial, and statutory consequences.

The life cycle of electrical assets typically spans 25-30 years under ideal conditions. However, many companies don’t maintain their electrical assets, which may result in reduced asset life.

In Episode 45, the S+H team examines the November issue’s feature story on common electrical safety errors. Also, T.J. Lentz, a lead health scientist at NIOSH, joins the podcast to discuss workplace chemical safety in the “Five Questions With …” segment.

Oakland, CA – With warm weather approaching, California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health is urging employers of outdoor workers to begin preparing for hot temperatures.

Sacramento, CA – The California Department of Industrial Relations has issued a new guidance document to help familiarize employers on the state’s updated heat illness prevention rules, which are set to go into effect May 1.

Iowa City, IA – A new campaign is reminding farmers about the dangers of skin cancer and heat stress, and how to stay protected.

Fort Lauderdale, FL – More than 9 out of 10 heat-related injuries among military service members stem from non-combat operations, according to researchers from the Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute.

Working outside in the sun can cause serious skin problems, including burns and skin cancer.

Silver Spring, MD – With summer only days away, the Center for Construction Research and Training – also known as CPWR – has issued a hazard alert about heat risks and precautions workers can take to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Washington – OSHA has launched its annual summer campaign to remind employers and employees about the dangers of working outdoors in hot weather.

Muncie, IN — Concerts, fireworks, auto races, road construction and mowing the lawn are all summertime happenings that can cause permanent hearing damage, cautions Ball State University audiologist Lynn Bielski.

Washington — As warmer summer temperatures approach, OSHA has unveiled a new poster intended to help workers reduce their risk of heat-related illness.

Washington — Ensuring workers are properly hydrated is essential for preventing heat-related illnesses, OSHA is reminding employers.

Washington — A Spanish-language version of a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences resource intended to help employers identify and implement steps to protect workers from heat stress is now available.