There’s no doubt that this past year has been a constant back and forth of confusion surrounding the best way to protect yourselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. Incomplete studies and misinformation spread hasn’t helped much either, but some things do take time to properly sort out. A recent published study, which was carried out by a team of researchers from NIOSH and has been endorsed by the CDC, has concluded that neck gaiters can be an effective form of control.
Read more[VIDEO] Helicopter Drops Cooling Tower During Lift to Roof
If you need to get some heavy mechanical equipment on the roof of your project, you could use a boring old crane – or you could gas up the bird and make that equipment take literal flight. Alright, so cranes aren’t actually boring, but some times a helicopter makes more logistical sense, either because it reduces total lift time or, in some cases, makes economical sense. Either way, there are some important safety precautions to take in case something goes wrong.
Read moreLiebherr Premieres the World’s First Battery Powered Crawler Cranes
As more and more battery powered heavy construction equipment is being released to help lower noise and emissions on the jobsite, I shouldn’t be that surprised to hear about a battery powered crawler crane – but, I still am.
Read moreOSHA Announces 2021 Citation Penalty Increase
Ever since the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act was passed by Congress in 2015, OSHA has been required to increase the maximum penalty they can assess businesses for violations. The intent is to keep the penalty amounts in line with the annual rate of inflation, so as to continue to use the penalties as an appropriate deterrent for not following their regulations.
Read moreReminder: OSHA 300A Injury and Illness Records Required to be Electronically Submitted by March 2
Congratulations, you made it through 2020, but now it’s time to do you taxes and turn in your OSHA 300A Form.
By March 2nd, 2021, all non-exempt construction companies must submit their OSHA Form 300A for the year 2020, which is the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, to OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA).
All employers across all industries with 250 or more employees must electronically submit their form to OSHA, but construction has some more strict requirements. Since construction is considered a higher risk for occupational injuries and illnesses, any business with at least 20 employees must submit the 300A form.
OSHA began accepting form submissions on January 2.
Visit OSHA’s OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA) to submit your company’s 300A form before the deadline is up.
Your Favorite Construction Junkie Articles in 2020
2020 is finally in the rear view mirror – although many of its battles are still being fought – but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some good things. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing the biggest and most interesting stories from the past year, but I’ll first be starting with those that interested you, the reader, the most.
Read moreSafe Site Check In’s Touch-Free, Paperless Check In and Health Screenings Offer Post Pandemic Benefits
[sponsored] Historically, it has been pretty difficult to track who enters a construction site or building and when, which can pose a safety and health risk to your jobsite, especially during a global pandemic. Paper check in forms are ineffective and hard to track and other systems, like key card entry, require high up-front costs and hardware purchases.
Safe Site Check In, a new smartphone application, is aiming to make the jobsite sign-in process much safer and easier than ever.
Read more[VIDEO] Check Out This Excavator Free Fall Down a Huge Underground Access Shaft
Excavators aren’t typically meant to be dropped down to a lower level, but certain circumstances require it sometimes. The machines are obviously extremely heavy, so a large crane and proper rigging is required for it to happen safely. As a construction firm in Hong Kong, China recently found out, though, it’s a little tougher than it seems.
Read moreThe 10 Most Frequently Cited OSHA Violations in 2020 in Construction
Each year, OSHA releases a list of the most commonly cited Federal OSHA standards at the end of their fiscal year, which runs from October of the previous year to September. The list gives a glimpse into what contractors struggle the most with and also what OSHA inspectors focus the most on.
Read moreHilti Unveils Semi-Autonomous Overhead Drilling Robot, Called Jaibot
Hilti, known for its wide selection of power tools and fastening applications for the commercial construction industry, recently took a step outside the box when they announced the release of an exoskeleton to help relieve the bodily toll overhead work takes on workers. Yesterday, however, Hilti took that overhead work solution to the next level, by introducing their first robot, a semi-autonomous overhead drilling solution called Jaibot.
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Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.