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SMOHIT’s Helpline is ready to assist union members and their families overcome just about anything that gets in the way of them being their best.
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SMACNA is proud to acknowledge the following 2018 Safety Excellence Award winners, and to salute the top chapters with the highest level of survey participants.
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The annual Safety Champions Conference is a continuing effort to help create an improved safety culture in the sheet metal industry.
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Safety violations in photos and videos distract from the contractor’s message. As leaders in the industry, SMACNA members need to ensure that their personnel in company promotional videos and photos are not unintentionally propagating safety hazards.
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How many “near misses” do workers encounter on the job? According to the National Safety Council (NSC) a near miss incident is defined as “an unplanned event that doesn’t result in injury or death, but could have.”
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Members can roll up their sleeves, hold out their arms, and learn more about their health at SMOHIT’s free Health Fair and Wellness Screening during SMACNA’s 75th Annual Convention, Sunday, Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) is committed to minimizing injuries on the job with safety programs like “Safe Me” that drive awareness of exercise, physical fitness, and how to manage stress and minimize fatigue, with the ultimate goal of maximizing health, minimizing injury, and being safer.
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Members will learn how safety professionals identify “at-risk” behaviors, reduce injuries, and refine their safety programs into company-wide safety cultures during Elevating Your Safety Program to a Safety Culture, Wednesday, Oct. 17, at SMACNA’s Annual Convention in San Diego.
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Sheet metal and HVAC contractors have a number of strategies and tools at their disposal to assist employees who are at risk of suicide and struggling with mental health issues.
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MG McGrath Inc. recently completed the most visible, and stunning, elements of the new $524 million Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center, fabricating and installing a total of 317,000 square feet of metal panels on the unique exterior of the new Milwaukee landmark.
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One of the best ways to prevent and control occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities is to "design out" or minimize hazards and risks. A national initiative called Prevention through Design (PtD) promotes this concept.
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By law, employers must set up their work places to prevent employees from falling off platforms, ladders, and elevated work stations or into holes in floors and walls.
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July 1, 2018 is the deadline for employers with 20 to 249 employees in one establishment to electronically file Form 300A data covering calendar year 2017.
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Two SMACNA Safety Committee members are among this year’s regional winners of the SMOHIT 2018 Safety Matters Awards.
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Are there actual safety benefits of using a third-party contractor management system to pre-qualify construction contractors? The National Safety Council’s Report: Making the Case for Contractor Management: Examining the Safety Benefits of Third-Party Management indicates that there are positive benefits in the form of improved jobsite safety and reduction of hazards.
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This SMACNA Press Brake Safety Compliance Kit video helps employers understand how to implement the safe distance safeguarding method including training requirements.
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For 2018, OSHA requirements for posting injury and illness records remain the same but reporting your records to OSHA has changed.
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OSHA injury and illness records from 2017 need to be posted and reported in 2018. Posting requirements remain the same as prior years but new reporting requirements take affect now.
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On January 16, SMACNA Premier Partner, Federated Insurance is providing a free webinar that covers the top ten most frequently violated OSHA standards and what you can do to improve your safety and risk management efforts to avoid citations from those standards.
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A recent SmartMarket report provides interesting information on building a safety culture while considering emerging and innovative technology and work procedures being used in today’s construction projects.
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The annual SMACNA Safety Excellence Awards Program (SSEAP) is up and ready for your participation. All US and Canadian SMACNA members can access the 2018 annual survey here. Selecting your state or province will direct you to the appropriate survey (US or Canada). Your input is critical to the success of the program. Thank you.
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OSHA extends electronic records submittal date to December 31.
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Winter weather can create driving hazards and Federated Insurance knows the best practices to deal with them. Join them for a free webinar on November 21, 2017 at 2:00 pm ET to help educate your drivers how to control difficult driving conditions.
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Cuts and eye accidents are the leading cause of injuries on the job, according to the SMACNA contractors who participated in SMACNA’s annual Safety Excellence Awards program.
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Fire Prevention Week, October 8-14, 2017, is a great reminder that preventing workplace fires should be a daily activity. To help you and your employees make it home safely each day, Federated Insurance, a SMACNA Premier Partner, has a customizable fire prevention checklist you can use to review your business’s fire prevention techniques.
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The OSHA rule for silica in construction became effective September 23, 2017 although OSHA included a 30-day “grace period” for full enforcement.
SMACNA members affected by this rule are encouraged to take a “holistic” approach to silica compliance by assessing the tasks and processes
where silica (found in concrete) is disturbed (cut, drilled, grinded, etc.). SMACNA members should be aware that “Table One” and dust collection tools are not the
only options for compliance. This Safety Bulletin provides further compliance guidance.
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The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) has started the second SMOHIT STEPS Challenge and participation is open to SMACNA contractors and workers and their families. The nation-wide challenge is also open to SMACNA chapters, union employees, and families.
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September is Suicide Prevention Month. The construction industry is at high-risk for this serious mental health issue and is making its prevention a priority.
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The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) introduced the first SMOHIT STEPS Challenge and the participation by local union members was tremendous.
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This coming year, submitting OSHA records has a new sense of urgency. Each year, members must post OSHA injury and illness records from the prior year for employee review between Jan. 1 through March. However, new reporting requirements for electronically reporting illness and injury data changes the process significantly.
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With September dedicated as Suicide Prevention Month, SMACNA and members of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention encourage everyone to learn more about this industry and society-wide mental health issue.
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Trends from SMACNA's 2017 safety survey: Reported injury and illness incidence rates are continuing their downward trend and the average reported experience modification rate remains consistently low.
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SMACNA’s Safety Department and SMOHIT (Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust) are planning and promoting a stimulating 2018 Safety Champions Conference, Feb. 25-27 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
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OSHA has launched a "portal" for companies to enter injury illness data. However, the (current) deadline for posting 2016 data is December 1, 2017. SMACNA members are encouraged to be prepared for this posting requirement should the regulation be fully implemented by that date.
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Reflecting the new administration's call for limiting regulations, OSHA's recent regulatory agendas have a few new standards and several surprise standards with no action planned.
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SMACNA would like to thank all members who submitted surveys for the 2017 SMACNA Safety Excellence Award Program (SSEAP). This annual program allows SMACNA to collect significant safety and health data and track key safety issues.
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Each year, SMACNA congratulates its members for their outstanding performance in occupational safety and health through SMACNA’s Safety Excellence Award Program (SSEAP). With increased participation from last year, the 2017 safety survey results show that safety and health continues to be a high priority for SMACNA contractors.
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OSHA 10 and 30 hour training is important to many clients and general contractors.
So it is important to verify that all workers on your projects have current and legitimate OSHA training cards.
Also see a note on a clarification to last week’s mailing on silica enforcement dates in New York.
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OSHA has postponed the compliance date for enforcing the silica in construction rule to September, 2017.
However, some states may enforce the rule on the original compliance date of June 23, 2017.
See SMACNA Safety Bulletin 17-01 for more information.
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There are usually signs and symptoms associated with the various forms of heat illness including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and, most dangerous of all, heat stroke (collectively referred to as "heat stress"). This Safety Bulletin stresses the importance of preventing heat stress during hot summer months and provides helpful resources.
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OSHA has delayed enforcement of the Silica in Construction standard until September. However, contractors should continue with compliance efforts as OSHA completes their review of the regulation.
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April 2017 - President Trump signed a resolution finalizing the Congressional Review Act process to invalidate a controversial recordkeeping regulation.
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This is the second year for the SMACNA Safety Excellence Award Program – Canada. SMACNA has administered this survey/award program in the U.S. for nearly 20 years and last year was the first full year for the Canadian safety survey program. We received over 20 surveys last year and recognized three Canadian firms for safety excellence.
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This coming year, submitting OSHA records has a new sense of urgency. Each year, members must post OSHA injury and illness records from the prior year for employee review between Jan. 1 through March. However, new reporting requirements for electronically reporting illness and injury data changes the process significantly. Most companies will need to electronically submit their OSHA data by July 1, 2017. The database for submitting the information will not be available until February.
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SMACNA Safety Bulletin 16-08 provides information on recent revisions to several construction standards that provide clarification on outdated regulations.
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SMACNA Safety Bulletin 16-07 discussed the importance of ensuring that SMACNA members conduct proper OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping by understanding that first aid cases are not recordable. A list of what NOT to record is included in the safety bulletin.
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SMACNA Safety Bulletins 16-03 and 16-04 summarized the new reporting requirements under the new OSHA rule for electronic reporting of injury and illness data. This safety bulletin provides further information on post incident drug testing. read more
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The OSHA Confined Spaces in Construction final rule, issued May 4, 2015,
was unclear about how it applied to attics and crawlspaces in residential construction.
However, a settlement has been reached between OSHA and interested parties who
negotiated the rule. See SMACNA Safety Bulletin 16-06 and the actual settlement letter.
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Take advantage of two new model safety and health programs that SMACNA has just released: “Decommissioning of Laboratories, Industrial Facilities and Old Buildings” and “First Aid/Blood-borne Pathogens.”
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The final OSHA rule for electronic filing of injury and illness data also has certain criteria for implementing a program for reporting injuries and illnesses
that focuses on promoting an open reporting policy, specifically regarding fear of retaliation and incentive programs.
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OSHA has issued a final rule to further complicate the collection and recording of injury and illness data. OSHA currently requires most employers in the sheet metal and HVAC industry to keep a record of injury and illnesses. With this new rule, OSHA now requires employers in the sheet metal and HVAC industry to send OSHA injury and illness data through a dedicated webpage for posting on the agency's website.
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On March 24, 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a final rule to improve protections for workers exposed to respirable silica dust. The final rule is written as two standards, one for construction and one for general industry and maritime.
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SMACNA participates in SmartMarket Report on Safety Cultures.
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SMACNA’s Safety Department has been a long standing supporter of the efforts of the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR – formerly the Center for Protection of Workers Rights). SMACNA has been involved in various research projects conducted and administered by CPWR, in cooperation with the North America’s Building Trades Safety Committee.
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Earlier this year, federal OSHA published a new regulation for Confined Spaces in Construction. SMACNA has prepared a model program for SMACNA members to use for compliance with this new regulation. The model program can be found on the SMACNA safety and health webpage under Model Policies. SMACNA Safety Bulletin 15-06 addresses the model program.
For further information on confined spaces, contact SMACNA’s director of safety and health, Mike McCullion, at mmccullion@smacna.org or 703-995-4027.
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September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and a good time to think about your personal and business emergency preparedness plans. FEMA has an entire website dedicated to the topic and SMACNA developed a model program for your business.
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SMACNA has prepared a model written program for members to meet the new compliance date of Oct. 2 for OSHA’s new Confined Space in Construction standard. Watch for it near the end of September.
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The results for SMACNA’s 2015 Safety Excellence Award Program (SSEAP) represent more than 64 million man-hours worked in the previous calendar year. The 222 participants for the 2015 survey, including 89 member companies who reported “zero injury incidents,” represent the high level of safety awareness within these organizations. As evidence, the average OSHA incident rate (2.48) for 2015 is the lowest rate ever recorded for the survey.
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How are your drivers performing behind the wheel? Learn about vehicle safety with SMACNA’s new “Fleet Management—Vehicle Safety Program” specifically designed for SMACNA members. SMACNA developed this model program to help members manage the issues related to driving company vehicles.
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In January 2015, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) revised and updated their safety document “NFPA 70E—Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.” It is the standard for protection of workers from arc flash and related electrical hazards.
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On May 1, 2015, OSHA issued a final rule to increase protections for construction workers in confined spaces. The rule will provide construction workers with protections similar to those in the existing General Industry standard with some differences tailored to the construction industry.
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This information is for any SMACNA contractor conducting work in California. Recently adopted changes to the outdoor workplace heat illness prevention standard will set new requirements for how construction employers provide water, shade, rest breaks, acclimatization and training to their employees. The new rule will become effective for employers May 1st, 2015.
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OSHA recently issued a directive for enforcing requirements of the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard.
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SMACNA has verified that this recall is indeed a valid recall of a 3M fall protection system. The subject system is: 3M™ Model SWSW Series Mobile SkyWalk Horizontal Lifeline Systems and Components.
Please check your fall protection equipment inventory and see this notice for more information.
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Federal OSHA distributed an internal directive that instructs OSHA compliance officers how to inspect jobsites with cranes and related power-operated equipment. This directive can be very helpful in ensuring a contractor Crane Program or Hoisting and Rigging Program is comprehensive enough to address significant compliance issues. OSHA also maintains a very good webpage dedicated to cranes, hoisting and rigging.
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OSHA’s recent rule revision concerns time-sensitive “reporting” of severe work-related injuries. SMACNA members should also be aware of the difference between this “reporting” of severe occupational injuries and illnesses in relation to “recordkeeping” of injuries and illnesses in the annual OSHA log.
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A written Hoisting and Rigging model program is the newest addition the popular SMACNA Guide to Safety and Health Policies, Procedures and Model Programs.
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SMACNA Safety Bulletin 14-06 describes the new requirements for REPORTING occupational injures and illnesses. Reporting injuries and illnesses is different than "recording" injuries and illnesses on a company OSHA log.
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Army Corp of Engineers and NIOSH Documents Available as Free Resource Links
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PDF of SDS BinderWorks brochure illustrating its services and benefits, along with subscription form.
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This Safety Bulletin provides an update on proposed standards affecting the sheet metal/ HVAC
industry as listed in the most recent Federal OSHA semi-annual regulatory agenda
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SMACNA has developed the model program Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity
to provide SMACNA contractors with a valuable emergency preparedness and business continuity
program workbook. Sections of the document address risk assessment, forming a crisis
management team, emergency preparation, recovery and resumption, and a list of useful resources.
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A recent thread of emails on the SMACNA Safety Listserve addressed certification and fit
testing for “dust masks”. The following information is provided as a brief guide to using
dust masks and respirators known as “filtering facepieces”.
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List of outgoing links related to safety, health, and other SMACNA issues
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It is easy to focus a safety program on obvious safety hazards but too often the “health” side of safety and health is ignored due to the “hidden illnesses” they cause such as hearing loss and illnesses related to chemical over-exposures.
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The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the regulatory agency enforcing the occupational safety and health law in the United States. An effective supervisor needs to know the basics of how OSHA operates in order to protect the company from fines and citations related to a safety and health program.
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
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Construction sites, unlike shops, present unique hazards due to the various tools, equipment, and work processes required to complete the projects.
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In June 2014, SMACNA’s Director of Safety and Health, Mike McCullion, attended
a national workshop entitled Using BIM to Eliminate Construction Site Hazards. The
workshop was sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH), the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the Center for
Construction Research and Training (CPWR)
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SMACNA would like to thank all members who submitted surveys for the 2013 SMACNA
Safety Excellence Award Program (SSEAP). In addition to recognizing members for
outstanding safety performance, this annual program collects important safety and health data
and tracks key safety history issues for the industry.
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July 29, 2013, Smacna and MSA recalled the 30ft/9m and 50ft/15m MSA Workman Self-Retracting Lanyards as a precautionary measure.
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Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often ignored or used improperly. Attendees will learn how to conduct the OSHA-required PPE assessment in shop settings, and how that assessment tool can be used on the construction jobsite.
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An ongoing issue in the construction industry is whether workers can wear hardhats “backwards”. The basic answer is No, unless the hardhat is made to be worn either way.
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The equipment used in fall prevention and protection can be complicated and expensive. This session will provide some ideas on how supervisors can utilize this equipment more effectively including the importance of pre-use inspections.
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In the months leading up to summer, SMACNA encourages contractors to provide workers with
information and training on the hazards associated with working in hot environments.
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Researchers and practitioners have identified safety culture and safety climate as key to reducing injuries, illnesses and fatalities on construction worksites. Many construction contractors are trying to improve these indicators as a way to move closer to a goal of achieving zero injury worksites. Unfortunately, neither the industry nor the scientific literature have reached a consensus on how to define these concepts, how they should be measured, or which interventions designed to improve them are likely to succeed.
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Falls are a leading cause of serious injuries and death in many industries. This session will focus on the basic issues related to falls including the difference between fall prevention and fall protection, essentials of ladder safety, and other related issues.
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This webinar will help supervisors understand the significance of pre-planning for safety and health issues at the early stages of a project including an overview of ANSI A10.1, a consensus standard that provides helpful information regarding how to plan for project safety and health issues.
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This webinar will provide an overview of the OSHA recordkeeping process including the most common injuries in the sheet metal industry and some of the difficulties in determining injury “work relatedness” which triggers recording of the injury.
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In 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopted HazCom 2012—a revised
Hazard Communication Standard aligned with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of
Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The HazCom revisions are intended to more closely
align the production, shipping, and handling of chemicals with international standards and regulations.
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On December 12, 2012, SMACNA will be providing a webinar entitled: GHS: What You Need To Know Federal OSHA recently adopted HazCom 2012—a revised Hazard Communication Standard that is aligned with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
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One program that is part of every OSHA inspection is recordkeeping including injury and illness data most SMACNA firms should be collecting. The summary of 2012 records needs to be posted and available for employee review from February 1 through April 30, 2013 using the OSHA Form 300-A. State’s with State OSHA Programs (i.e., CA, OR, MI, etc.) have a similar form.
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The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR – formerly the Center for Protection of Workers Rights) has developed several valuable training resources available to all construction companies. SMACNA assisted in the development of some of the resources and they can help many companies address the issues facing the sheet metal and HVAC industry, as well as most construction trades.
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OSHA has increased enforcement efforts on several fronts including going after the “bad actors” under the Severe Violators Program and specific issues under National Emphasis Programs (NEP). One such NEP is for amputation hazards which include many of the hazards presented by machines in sheet metal shops such as press brakes, shears, and saws. SMACNA contractors are encouraged to inspect all tools, equipment and machines to ensure they are guarded properly.
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The 2012 Annual SMACNA Convention provided attendees with numerous educational sessions including “Don’t Let OSHA Ruin Your Day (Year)”. The speaker, Jonathan Snare, has experience working at a high level within Federal OSHA including Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA.
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OSHA compliance is just one example of the issues that the SMACNA Safety and Health Department can help you address. A multitude of safety and health resources are available to SMACNA members through the products and services of the SMACNA Safety and Health Department. The safety and health products are available in a variety of formats and topics, and most are free to SMACNA members.
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
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The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today issued a direct final
rule and notice of proposed rulemaking that applies the requirements of the August 2010 cranes
and derricks in construction standard to demolition work and underground construction.
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PowerPoint presentation: Hazard Communication aka Right-to-Know - Globally Harmonized System (GHS), Safety Data Sheets, and Labeling Of Chemical Containers
You Should Have an Existing Knowledge of Hazard Communication.
The following information is to supplement HAZCOM training to meet the
requirements of the new HAZCOM – Global Harmonization System (GHS).
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The Safety Champion program is an initiative coordinated by the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) but implemented at the local level. The selected “safety champion” for each training center area will act as a conduit for safety and health initiatives and communication with a goal of improving safety and health awareness and training within the training center system.
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While welding helmets are designed to protect you from the visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) rays a welding arc emits, not all helmets are created equal. There are numerous options: passive or auto-darkening lens, fixed or variable shade, two, three or four sensors, viewing size. Taking the time to find the right helmet for your needs can increase your productivity and weld quality, as well as your comfort.
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The SMACNA Safety List Serve is one of several list serves sponsored and supported by SMACNA including a list serve for each of the four main market sectors (HVAC, residential, industrial, and architectural). The safety list serve continues to receive many compliments from its (over 150) participants.
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Supervisors are the “front-line” decision makers in a unique position to facilitate safety excellence in all operations. During this webinar, attendees will hear from renowned safety professional Terry Mathis.
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named
below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled
consumer product.
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Contractors working on energized electrical equipment should be aware of the potential for arc flash and arc blast, and take precautions to protect workers involved with this type of work.
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The SMACNA Safety Excellence Award Program (SSEAP) is the annual program which allows SMACNA
to track the safety history of the industry and recognize members for outstanding safety performance.
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In response to a listserve discussion regarding jewelry use on the job, the SMACNA Safety
Committee developed a model policy to address this issue
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WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today issued the Small Entity
Compliance Guide for Cranes and Derricks in Construction to help businesses comply with the recently
published Cranes and Derricks in Construction rule.
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According to a 1995 OSHA policy and directive, contractors in the residential construction sector were
able to bypass typical fall protection requirements and use alternative fall protection measures if they
determined that “conventional” fall protection measures were infeasible. OSHA issued Instruction STD
3.1 on December 8, 1995.
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The 2011 SMACNA Safety Excellence Awards Program (SSEAP) is up and running. Participation in the 2010
program was the best in history and we expect 2011 to be even better.
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Don’t let OSHA’s new Crane and Derrick Standard lower the boom on your organization!
Effective November 8, 2010, the new standard sets qualification and training requirements for signal persons and riggers, certification requirements for crane operators, and compliance dates for contractors.
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SMACNA Safety Bulletins 10-06 (August 2010) and 10-08 (September 2010) included information on
the new OSHA standard for Cranes and Derricks in Construction that becomes effective November 8,
2010. This bulletin will provide clarifications to some of the questions SMACNA has been receiving as
well as providing resources for additional information.
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
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Comments to Proposed Rule on Walking and Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) OSHA Docket No. OSHA-2007-0072
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Safety Bulletin 10-06 (August 2010) included information on the new OSHA standard for Cranes and
Derricks in Construction that becomes effective November 8, 2010. This bulletin will provide
additional information on several areas of the standard that SMACNA members should be aware of.
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SMACNA submitted comments on proposed Federal OSHA General Industry standards regulating all walking and
working surfaces including a new standard for fall protection. The proposed standards apply to all General Industry
(non-Construction) workplaces such as sheet metal fabrication shops as well as any client-owned residential,
commercial, or industrial workplaces and buildings that SMACNA members may conduct business.
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OSHA has passed the Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard (CFR Subpart CC –
1926.1400) and there are several “gray” areas including the requirements for training of “signal
persons” and “riggers” and “operators”. With the exception of the Operator Certification
requirements (and a few others), the rule becomes effective November 8, 2010.
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It seems that every day there are news stories about traffic accidents where the cause is
partially or wholly attributed to a distracted driver, often due to using a cell phone or other
electronic devise. The National Safety Council (NSC) recently published an excellent “white
paper” describing the nature of distracted driver accidents entitled Understanding the
Distracted Brain, and it is available for free at the NSC website.
http://www.nsc.org/safety_road/distracted_driving/documents/dstrct_drvng_white_paper_fnl(2).pdf
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The SMACNA Safety Excellence Award Program (SSEAP) is the annual program which allows SMACNA
to track the safety history of the industry and recognize members for outstanding safety performance. The
records set for participation in the 2010 SSEAP were outlined in the July edition of SMACNews and
indicates that safety remains a top priority for SMACNA members during the slow economy.
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OSHA recently announced administrative enhancements to its penalty policies,
specifically addressing those penalties that are considered "too low to have an
adequate deterrent effect." According to Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA,
Dr. David Michaels, "For many employers, investing in job safety happens only
when they have adequate incentives to comply with OSHA's requirements.
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Free webinar
Speakers:
Nathan M. Brimhall, Safety Director
Phil Lemons, Safety Coordinator
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A new regulation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requires that
contractors take certain actions if they “disturb” lead based paint (LBP) in older buildings. The
Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program is a federal regulatory program
that provides compliance assistance and applies to renovation and demolition activities in
residential houses, apartments, and child-occupied facilities such as schools and day-care centers
built before 1978.
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The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing to revise its
Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting (Recordkeeping) regulation to restore a
column to the OSHA 300 Log (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) that employers would use to
record work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)
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The SMACNA safety and health department is proud to announce that the SMACNA safety
list serve has reached a milestone of 100 active participants. Anyone may sign up for the
safety list serve. It is an excellent resource for personnel designated with safety and health
program responsibilities such as safety directors, foremen and supervisors, or office managers.
Got a safety question or concern in need of immediate feedback?
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
More
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The new Federal administration including new leadership at the Department of Labor and OSHA have announced increased focus and funding for inspections and enforcement of safety and health standards.
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During a recent Small Business Roundtable presented by the Small Business Administration (SBA) - Office of
Advocacy, Mr. Richard Fairfax discussed future plans for OSHA enforcement. Mr. Fairfax is the Director of the
Directorate of Enforcement and Acting Director of the Directorate of Construction for Federal OSHA. The
following is a summary of key issues that face the sheet metal and HVAC industry in the coming months and years,
according to Mr. Fairfax
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July 2009 Small Business Forum with OSHA Director of Enforcement and Construction Programs Richard E. Fairfax, CIH. Features discussion items include:
Serious revamping of the training, with more courses, more mandatory courses, hands-on time with equipment and more.
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This safety and health bulletin provides information about the current swine flu public health emergency.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is actively investigating isolated human cases of swine influenza
A (H1N1) in several states (CA, TX, OH, KS, NY) and is working closely with Canada and Mexico and
with the World Health Organization (WHO).
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On February 23, 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (Public Citizen Health
Research Group v. Department of Labor, 3d Cir., Nos. 06-1818 and 06-2604, 2/23/09).agreed with
OSHA that the new permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium (5.0 micrograms per
cubic meter of air) was adequate, as written in the current OSHA standard. Public Citizen Health
Research Group had argued that the PEL was too high and requested to the court that the PEL be
lowered to 1.0 microgram per cubic meter of air because the studies OSHA relied on were flawed
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In an on-going effort to provide you with helpful safety and health products and
services, SMACNA has developed a new product that will help you prepare and
implement safety and health programs. Enclosed with this Safety Bulletin you will
find a CD entitled SMACNA Guide to Safety and Health Policies, Procedures, and
Model Programs.
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SMACNA Comments to OSHA on Cranes and Derricks in Construction Crane FAQ Crane Fact Sheet Crane Final Rule A/D Fact Sheet Hand Signal Chart Pocket Size Hand Signal Chart Quiz Hand Signal Chart Quiz Answer Sheet Hoisting and Rigging Student Card Hoisting and Rigging Certificate Signaling Student Card Signaling Certificate
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced a final rule on
personal protective equipment (PPE) and training which is basically a clarification of existing
requirements.
More
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A new trend in safety and health consulting may be coming your way if you work for large corporate
clients including petrochemical, bio-tech, and pharmaceutical companies. “Third-party verification”
has been taken to a higher level by a company known as ISNetworld, (www.isnetworld.com).
More
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
More
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Comments to Proposed Rule on Clarification of Remedy for Violation of Requirements to Provide Personal Protective Equipment and Train Employees OSHA Docket No. OSHA-2008-0031
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In 2006, SMACNA sent each member a copy of two safety training compact disks (CDs) that
were produced by SMOHIT, the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust. Enclosed with
this Safety Bulletin you will find two more free safety training CDs developed by SMOHIT
specifically for the sheet metal / HVAC industry. Please forward these CDs to the appropriate
person within your company.
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Did you know that the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT)
develops helpful safety and health training products that are available for FREE to
SMACNA members? All the items in the 2008 SMOHIT Health and Safety Training
Resources brochure are available to SMACNA members.
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The SMACNA Safety Excellence Award Program (SSEAP) is the annual program which
recognizes members for outstanding safety performance and allows SMACNA to track key
issues of safety history for the industry. Additionally, with safety becoming more critical
to a winning job proposal, the ability to advertise a successful safety program as a
“SMACNA National Award Winner” has shown to be an important marketing tool for many
past winners.
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Unfortunately, safety and health is an area that often is the subject of unauthorized
endorsements and similar questionable business practice. In February, SMACNA
published a safety bulletin advising members about a group soliciting OSHA
materials (when actually the materials are free through OSHA).
More
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PDF of The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust offering multimedia training materials.
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To complete and submit your form on-line, you must be registered for SMACNA’s
“Members Only” Web site. “Hard copy” survey forms are also available through the
safety survey website link, if needed.
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Spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner. Now is the time to be thinking
about how you will protect your workers in hot environments. The summer heat can
have devastating effects on workers health.
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Several brands of popular fiberglass extension ladders have an active safety recall in
force as of March, 2008. The ladders are Louisville and Michigan “D” Rung
Fiberglass Extension Ladders.
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The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently
issued two National Emphasis Programs (NEP) that could affect SMACNA members and the
sheet metal / HVAC industry as a whole. An NEP typically means increased and “focused”
compliance inspections and enforcement actions related to the topic of concern.
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Comments to Proposed Rule on Confined Spaces in Construction OSHA Docket No. OSHA-2007-0026
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OSHA has been notified of complaints from employers who have received "official
looking" announcements and -- in some cases -- threatening notices, messages, or
telephone calls from various companies requiring that employers purchase OSHA
documents from them in order to remain in compliance with OSHA rules and regulations.
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New for 2008, SMACNA has developed a construction safety checklist that can be
used as a hazard assessment tool on most jobsites. The checklists are simple enough
to use everyday (suggested), yet comprehensive to use on a weekly basis.
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Although all crane lifts require pre-lift planning to determine factors such as load weight, crane configuration, rated capacity, and site conditions, some lifts require more extensive planning by qualified persons and are often referred to as “critical lifts”. Critical lifts require a more comprehensive lift plan to minimize the potential of crane failure and/or catastrophic loss.
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The 2008 SMACNA Safety Excellence Awards Program (SSEAP) is up and running. The 2007
program was a great success and we expect 2008 to be even better. New for 2008…all participants
will receive a free copy of the SMACNA manual, Environmental Risk Management.
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The 2009 SMACNA Safety Excellence Awards Program (SSEAP) is up and running. The 2008
program was a great success and we expect 2009 to be even better.
More
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PDF of 29 CFR Part 1926 [Docket ID–OSHA–2007–0026] RIN 1218–AB47 Confined Spaces in Construction - proposed rule
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On November 15, 2007, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a
final rule on employer-paid personal protective equipment (PPE). Under the new rule, all PPE, with a
few exceptions, will be provided at no cost to the employee. The rule provides an approximate
implementation date of May 15, 2008 (six months from the effective date of February 13, 2008) to
allow employers time to change their existing PPE payment policies to accommodate the final rule.
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, announced a
voluntary recall of the following consumer product.
Name of Product: Counterfeit “Square D” Circuit Breakers Units: About 64,000 sold
Distributor: Connecticut Electric & Switch Mfg. Co. (Connecticut Electric), of Puyallup, Wash.
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The safety and health products listed in this PDF are available through SMACNA. All SMOHIT
products and those SMACNA items with an * are free by contacting SMACNA safety department. All others are available for minimal charge through the SMACNA Publications Department
More
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
More
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Mount Prospect, Ill.-based Robert Bosch Tool Corp. is recalling about 811,000 SkilR
brand circular saws. The trigger switch on the circular saw can be locked on or the
switch can be turned on without the use of the safety lock-out. This can cause
unexpected operation of the saw, posing a risk of laceration.
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PDF on personal protective equimpent including engineering controls, protection for eyes, ears and hands, and more.
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2007 Safety Award Winners
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lost significant
ability to issue citations to general contractors and others with overall
construction site safety responsibilities when the Occupational Safety and
Health Review Commission (OSHRC) voted to overturn a citation issued to a
general contractor in the case of Secretary of Labor v. Summit Contractors Inc.,
OSHRC, No. 03-1622, 4/27/07.
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The U.S. Department of Labor, including the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), publishes a Semi-Annual Regulatory Agenda. This list
of proposed standards provides information and timing on new regulations and
standards. The proposed standards often include topics that affect the sheet
metal and HVAC industry.
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Job Title: Safety Director
Summary: Plans, directs, and implements organization safety program to ensure safe, healthy, and accident-free work environment by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate supervisors.
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Position Title: Safety Director
Position Level: Director
Reports to: Corporate Development
Department: Finance & Administration
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervises: Safety Engineer
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Falls from elevations account for approximately one-third of all deaths in construction. The following tips highlight some of the key issues that employers should consider when planning, implementing, and maintaining their fall prevention programs.
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SMACNA has produced many safety and health products in the past years including manuals
on important topics such as Fall Protection, Respiratory Protection, Environmental Risk
Management, Scaffold Compliance, and Hazard Communication Toolbox Talks.
More
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The 2007 SMACNA Safety Statistics Evaluation and Awards Program (SSEAP) is up and running.
This annual program is the tool SMACNA uses to obtain valuable information about the safety and
health programs of its members, determine winners of the annual safety awards, and provide safety
data feedback to the membership.
More
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On February 28, 2006, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published court-ordered final
rules governing workplace exposures to hexavalent chromium in General Industry and the Construction Industry.
More
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“Our number one priority is the safety of our people, our customers and our products.
Because of this, we are working in conjunction with the Consumer Products Safety
Commission on a voluntary recall of our Square D 30A & 60A General Duty Switch
manufactured between September 11, 2006 and November 4, 2006.
More
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
More
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The SMACNA Safety Excellence Award Program (SSEAP) is an annual program which enables SMACNA to track the safety history of the industry and recognize members for outstanding safety performance. We are proud to announce the 2006 SSEAP winners in the various manhour categories.
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Retractable fall protection devices have become more popular and can be an effective way to
protect workers. However, SMACNA members are encouraged to check with fall protection
suppliers and distributors to ensure there are no recalls or stop orders related to the equipment.
This safety bulletin includes information on a recent, active stop order.
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Seven PDFs covering hexavalent chromium, as well as a link to videos covering the topic at ELCOSH.org
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In October of 2004 and January of 2005, SMACNA sent out Safety Bulletins regarding OSHA’s
proposed rule on hexavalent chromium (hex chrome). These bulletins are available on the
SMACNA website at www.smacna.org/safety.
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm
named below, announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.
Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise
instructed.
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PDF of tips on service vehicle safety -
According to U.S. Department of Labor, more than 100 deaths a year result from construction vehicle incidents. PRE-USE INSPECTION of your vehicle is critical to safe operation.
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PDF of tips on construction vehicle safety -
According to U.S. Department of Labor, more than 100 deaths a year result from construction vehicle incidents. PRE-USE INSPECTION of your vehicle is critical to safe operation.
More
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The SMACNA Safety Excellence Award Program (SSEAP) is an annual program which enables
SMACNA to track the safety history of the industry and recognize members for outstanding
safety performance.
More
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SMACNA has been made aware of questions relating to the recently published electrical
safety regulation National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E and applicable OSHA
standards.
More
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
More
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SMACNA has become aware of two safety recalls for fall protection equipment. Members are
encouraged to check their existing fall protection equipment for these types of equipment and take
appropriate action. SMACNA also suggests that members contact their vendors or suppliers for
additional information.
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The 2005 SMACNA Safety Statistics Evaluation and Awards Program (SSEAP) is up and running.
This annual program is the tool SMACNA uses to obtain valuable information about the safety and
health programs of its members, determine winners of the annual safety awards, and provide safety
feedback to the membership
More
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In October of 2004, SMACNA sent out a Safety Bulletin (SB: 04-03) regarding OSHA’s
proposed rule on hexavalent chromium (hex chrome). SMACNA’s Safety Department
conducted research on the proposed standard and prepared written comments to OSHA.
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Managing risk on construction projects can be complicated and costly. As a subcontractor,
your risk is often affected by your relationship with the “owner” and frequently through a
general contractor.
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An employee that is only partially “disabled” may still be able to work on a full-time basis.
However, employers may not be willing to hire an individual who is partially disabled due
to concerns over further injuries or aggravating the existing injury.
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a proposed rule on
hexavalent chromium (hex chrome) on October 4, 2004. Hex chrome is a heavy metal
found in several construction materials and industrial processes.
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
More
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SMACNA Comments to OSHA on employer payment of personal protective equipment
Subject of memo: Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment - Docket S-042
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States may start to conduct workers’ compensation compliance inspections as they find that
ensuring compliance and uncovering fraud is increasingly important to the well-being of state
workers’ compensation programs.
More
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The new year means that it is time for the 2004 SMACNA Safety Statistics Evaluation and Awards
Program (SSEAP). This annual program is the tool SMACNA uses to obtain valuable information
about the safety and health programs of its members, determine winners of the annual safety
awards, and provide safety feedback to the membership.
More
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Although not directly involved with the construction method, SMACNA members should be aware
of a recent information bulletin produced by OSHA regarding hazards associated with “tilt-up”
construction methods.
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SMACNA has tracked several recent proposed and existing regulations in an effort to examine
aspects of the regulations that place undue burden on small businesses. We will continue to monitor
the safety and health regulatory arena, including appropriate involvement in the rulemaking process,
and provide members with updates.
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Nearly 300 firms participated in the 2003 SMACNA Safety Excellence Award Program (SSEAP)
representing 51.9 million man-hours worked in calendar year 2002. Improving on last year’s safety
survey results, over one-third of responding SMACNA contractors reported zero lost workdays
during the 2002 calendar year
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In our effort to keep SMACNA members up-to-date on current safety and health information, we offer the
following data for 2002 regarding workplace fatalities, as provided by the Labor Department's Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS).
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
More
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In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Black & Decker (U.S.)
Inc., of Towson, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 265,000 18-volt cordless drill/drivers. The
drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, posing the possibility of a fire hazard to users
More
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After months of deliberation, OSHA has decided not to modify the form which employers use to
record workplace injuries and illnesses, to include a separate column for musculoskeletal disorders
(MSD).
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THIS FORM CAN BE COMPLETED IN ONE OF TWO WAYS:
1. LOG ON TO OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.SMACNA.ORG/MEMBERS/SAFETYSURVEY, AND COMPLETE
…ON LINE. YOUR INFORMATION WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY SUBMITTED.
2. THIS FORM MAY ALSO BE FILLED OUT AND MAILED OR FAXED TO: CLRC
1915 EYE STREET, NW, #500
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
FAX: (202) 467-5683
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A new OSHA enforcement policy will result in on-site follow-up inspections at workplaces with a
history of non-compliance. The policy is directed towards establishments that have received an
OSHA citation with "high gravity willful violations, multiple high gravity serious violations, repeat
violations at the originating establishment, failure-to-abate notices, or a serious or willful violation
related to a fatality."
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The new year means that it is time for the 2003 SMACNA Safety Statistics Evaluation and
Awards Program (SSEAP). This annual program is the tool SMACNA uses to obtain valuable
information about the safety and health programs of its members, determine winners of the
annual safety awards, and provide safety feedback to the membership.
More
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Enclosed is a copy of the SMACNA Safety Profile 2002 – Performance and Characteristics. This
booklet contains an analysis of the information obtained during the 2002 SMACNA Safety Statistics
Evaluation and Awards Program (SSEAP). Members can use the information as a comparison to
their own safety programs.
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
More
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program. This Program recognizes SMACNA members
with the lowest accident/illness rates in the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating
contractors with the lowest accident/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA lost workday
incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractors hours worked.
More
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SMACNA is providing you with a complimentary copy of the EPA's new publication, A Resource Directory of Small Business Assistance environmental Providers, which was developed as part of EPA's continued effort to support small businesses.
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In order to better understand both the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the sheet metal and mechanical trades and to promote the need to develop engineering and other controls to prevent them, SMACNA has examined data regarding these injuries and compiled the enclosed report.
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The SMACNA Department of Safety and Health has developed a new safety and health manual -- SMACNA Safety Toolbox Talks -- Volume 4. This manual contains 100 new toolbox talks covering a variety of hazardous exposures common to the sheet metal, and construction, industry. The book has perforated pages to allow each sheet to be removed.
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A record number of participants marked the 2002 SMACNA Safety Statistics Evaluation and Awards
Program (SSEAP), as 322 contractors submitted entries. This is more than a 10 percent increase
from the participation last year.
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The Constructor Segment of the Construction Industry Safety Excellence (CISE) Awards
Program will recognize commendable safety performance of individual constructor firms. The
awards are intended to convey The Construction Users Roundtable’s strong support of
constructor safety performance.
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Attached you will find an application for the Construction Users Roundtable’s annual Construction
Industry Safety Excellence (CISE) Awards. This year SMACNA is requesting that Chapters determine
if any of their members are interested in participating in this program.
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Small business is the cornerstone of America’s prosperity. The
ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit embodied by small business is an
integral component of America’s progressive development. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is committed to working with
small business to ensure that America’s building blocks can continue
to be both environmental stewards and financial successes.
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The main purpose of this booklet is to understand the prevalence and severity of
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and promote the need to develop engineering
and other controls to prevent them.
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Each year 300,000 to 400,000 individuals die from cardiac arrest. Most of these deaths occur outside hospitals. With this in mind, OSHA is now encouraging the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
More
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Simpler, easier to follow requirements for tracking workplace injuries and illnesses are now
in force for SMACNA contractors covered by OSHA's new recordkeeping rule.
More
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
More
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced that most of its new recordkeeping rule, promulgated on January 19, 2001, will go into effect on January 1, 2002. However, two of the more contentious issues in the new rule will be reconsidered, and are proposed to be delayed.
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The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recently released a new safety
training video aimed at contractors and workers who handle fiberglass, rock and slag wool insulation
products.
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On March 16, all SMACNA members were shipped a gratis copy of a new safety software package
called “Safety Excellence Plus.” Members were not required to return a gratis form to SMACNA,
they were simply sent one copy of the software on CD ROM along with a letter describing the
program.
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On March 6 and 7, the US Senate and the US House of Representatives, respectively, voted
to rescind the OSHA Ergonomics standard, released November 14, 2000. Under the
Congressional Review Act (CRA), a little known statute passed in 1996, a simple majority
and the signature of the President was all that was needed to kill the regulation.
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Some states (Florida for example) have in the recent past implemented legislation restricting workers’ compensation
benefits in instances where an employee tests positive for a controlled substance. The following pertains to
legislation recently implemented in Ohio and may serve as model language for you and coalition partners in
addressing this issue.
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OSHA recently promulgated possibly the most contentious standard in its history…the Ergonomics
standard. Because this standard raises many questions, a number of groups have filed lawsuits in Federal
court. The suits may lead to changes in the standard, an extension of the compliance date, or they may fail
and employers will have to comply fully with the standard. Obviously, the outcomes of these actions are
impossible to predict, therefore SMACNA suggests that members begin preparing to comply with the OSHA
standard.
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This bulletin is to remind all SMACNA members who employed 11 or more employees (including
office staff) during 2000 that the OSHA Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries & Illnesses, also
called the OSHA 200 Log, must be posted during the entire month of February.
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On Wednesday, November 14, 2000, OSHA released its final rule on ergonomics. This rule will only affect general industry (shops and offices). Construction work is not affected by this rule!
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released a hazard information bulletin regarding the Sherwood TV5861 gas cylinder valves. There have been reports of the bonnet, upper stem, and hand wheel assembly ejecting from the valve body when the cylinder was filled.
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A copy of the 2000 SMACNA Safety Statistics Analysis was sent to every member on October 20, 2000. This booklet contains an analysis of the information obtained during the 2000 SMACNA Safety Statistics Analysis and Awards Program (SSEAP).
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It has come to the attention of the SMACNA Department of Safety and Health that there are companies calling members claiming that OSHA has a new workplace poster, and employers must post it, or they will be subject to OSHA citations. These companies are typically selling the poster for about twenty dollars.
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Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a final policy concerning their treatment of voluntary employer safety and health self-audits. They first announced the policy last October, but took nearly a year to formalize it.
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
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SMACNA has recently completed work on the third edition of its Construction Industry Digest. This is an abbreviated version of the OSHA standards for construction safety and health.
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The Construction Safety Council (CSC), a non-profit organization located in Chicago, has been given a grant by OSHA to provide fall protection training for construction workers free of charge. SMACNA chapters who would like the CSC to come to their local area and provide this training for their members can take advantage of this special program by contacting the SMACNA Department of Safety and Health.
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SMOHIT, the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust, in conjunction with SMACNA and the SMWIA, has just completed development of a physical stress management program designed to assist contractors and workers with reducing the number of sprain and strain injuries that are occurring each year.
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Enclosed, please find one copy of a new safety and health program, entitled “Physical Stress Management – Reducing Injuries Through Ergonomics”. This product is designed to assist contractors and workers with reducing the number of sprain and strain injuries that are occurring each year.
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Enclosed in this mailing, please find one gratis copy of the SMACNA Guide to Control of Hazardous Energy.
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In the January issue of Safety Focus, the formula for determining lost workday injury and illness rate was discussed. Unfortunately, there was a mistake in the formula.
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The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has produced a booklet in conjunction with OSHA entitled, “Working Smart with Fiber Glass, Rock Wool and Slag Wool Products”.
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Once again it is time for the annual SMACNA Safety Statistics Evaluation and Awards Program (SSEAP). This is the tool SMACNA uses to obtain valuable information about the safety and health programs of its members.
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Awards Program to recognize SMACNA members with the lowest injury/illness rates during the prior calendar year. Awards are presented to participating contractors with the lowest injury/illness incidence rate (as computed using the OSHA incident rate formula). There are various award categories based upon a contractor’s hours worked.
Information submitted for the contest provides a rich database for evaluating sheet metal industry safety
performance. Findings are summarized in this report. In addition, contractors participating in the awards
contest are provided with information to permit them to compare their own safety performance with other similar size contractors and those performing similar types of work.
The Safety Awards Program also profiles many aspects of SMACNA members’ safety efforts. Information has been gathered on the prevalence and characteristics of safety programs and training and their impact on contractor safety performance. Some trend data are included. Particular attention is given to drug and alcohol abuse programs.
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SMACNA members engaged in residential construction now have another way to protect
workers from falling hazards. OSHA has recently rewritten their compliance directive,
STD 3.1 (Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction) to
give residential contractors more options for fall protection.
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SMACNA has recently purchased a number copies of the OSHA Safety and Health
Standards for Construction and General Industry (shops). Members can purchase these
books for a cost much less than that charged by the Government Printing Office.
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This is simply a reminder that you should have received a packet of questionnaires for
each of your members to participate in the 1999 SMACNA Safety Statistics Evaluation
and Awards Program (SSEAP). Please make sure that these questionnaires are
distributed to your membership as soon as possible.
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There has been some confusion regarding the effective dates of OSHA’s new Powered Industrial
Truck Training Standard. In SMACNA Safety Bulletin SB:99-01, it was stated that the new
Powered Industrial Truck Training Standard goes into effect on March 1, 1999. This needs to be
clarified:
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With the current winter weather sweeping through the Midwest and the Northeast, SMACNA
members located in cold winter environments need to be aware of the dangers the cold can bring
to their workers.
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OSHA recently released a change to its permit-required confined space standard found in
29 CFR 1910.146. The changes are seemingly minimal, but they could have a major
impact on SMACNA members.
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On December 1, 1998, OSHA published its new training standard on Powered Industrial Trucks
which applies to construction, general industry, and maritime. All SMACNA members who use
powered industrial trucks (forklifts) are affected by the standard that goes into effect on March 1,
1999.
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Each year SMACNA conducts a Safety Statistics Evaluation and Awards Program (SSEAP).
This program recognizes SMACNA members with the lowest accident/illness rates in the prior
calendar year.
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Spring-loaded dynamic fire dampers have the ability to cause a great deal of damage to workers who are
installing, removing, or maintaining them. Because they are spring-loaded, they close at a high rate of speed,
which can break or crush bones in the hands and arms.
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Nearly ten years ago the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new rule
regarding underground storage tank (UST) systems. The issue stems from UST systems that
were found to be rusted, cracked, or otherwise damaged. These damaged systems were allowing
hazardous materials such as gasoline, diesel fuel, etc. to leak into the ground creating
environmental problems.
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Most of us take our sense of hearing for granted. That is, we assume that we hear what everyone else
hears. We don’t always recognize when we are losing our hearing because it is normally a gradual
decline and doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort.
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The SMACNA Department of Safety and Health has developed a new safety and health manual –
SMACNA Respiratory Protection Compliance Guide.
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The SMACNA Department of Safety and Health has developed a new safety and health manual –
SMACNA Safety Toolbox Talks – Volume 3. This manual contains 100 new toolbox talks covering a
variety of hazardous exposures common to the sheet metal, and construction, industry.
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Bloodborne pathogens are potentially deadly organisms, such as the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) and the Hepatitis B virus, found in some people’s blood and other bodily fluids.
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens may occur in many ways.
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On Thursday, August 13, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a
proposed new rule for steel erection. This release comes more that a year after the Steel Erection
Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee (SENRAC) presented its draft standard to OSHA.
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Enclosed please find a copy of a brochure which outlines the new marketing approach from a group called
the Construction Industry Partnership (CIP), whose membership includes SMACNA and the Building and
Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, as well as various other construction organizations. The
program is called Smart Mark.
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Due to a decision by a federal court of appeals on a petition filed by the Asbestos Information
Association/North America, OSHA announced in the June 29 Federal Register that it has made a change
in the regulation of asbestos as it relates to roofing cements, mastics and coatings in the construction
standard. This change does not affect the general industry asbestos standard.
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OSHA has just announced the release of a new compliance directive relating to the Hazard Communication
standard. This directive clarifies some issues with the standard, including OSHA’s position on the use of electronic
media to maintain material safety data sheets (MSDS), and the policy on issuing citations for consumer products
such as windshield wiper fluid.
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Enclosed is your application form for the 1998 SMACNA Safety Awards Program. This
Program recognizes SMACNA members with the lowest accident/illness incidence rates
for the calendar year 1997. This year’s winners will receive an award and recognition
during the Safety Awards Breakfast at SMACNA’s Annual Convention in Nashville,
Tennessee.
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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted industry groups’ petition
asking the court to stay the program while the court reviewed the programs legality (Chamber of
Commerce of the United States vs. U.S. Department of Labor, CA DC, No 98-1036, petition for
stay granted 2/17/98).
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