May 17, 2002—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced an expanded role for its Mobile, Alabama area office in carrying out a special southeastern regional emphasis program on fall hazards. Across the region, OSHA compliance officers are authorized to stop at any site where fall hazards might be present. Mobile compliance officers will take the effort a step further, targeting scaffolding and roofing activities to ensure that a competent person is on site and has taken the necessary training courses to qualify. Areas targeted for inspections include Mobile, Montgomery, Dothan, and Gulf Shores, Ala.
According to OSHA statistics, last year 33% of all fatal workplace accidents in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi were caused by falls, and 70% of these occurred at construction sites. During this period, OSHA’s southeastern area offices investigated 83 fatalities involving falls, 58 of which were in the construction industry.
As part of the concentration on the on-site competent person, OSHA will provide technical assistance to the Associated General Contractors, which will conduct competent person training in Mobile on June 26, 2002. OSHA describes a competent person as one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards on the work site, and who has the authority to take prompt action to eliminate hazards. The individuals duties will vary depending on the type of work being done.
For more information about requirements for fall protection and roofing and scaffolding safety, visit OSHA or contact the Mobile Area Office at 251/441-6131.
