January 25, 2002—The nation’s iron workers have enhanced workplace safety protections as a result of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s new steel erection standard, which went into effect January 18, 2002. Developed in conjunction with industry and union groups, the new rule is expected to save employers nearly $40 million a year.
“This standard focuses on the most dangerous hazards in the industry and the hazards posed by evolving work practices and new technologies,” said OSHA Administrator John L. Henshaw. “This emphasis will help prevent many of the 2,300 unnecessary injuries and 35 fatalities that occur in this industry every year.” The new standard emphasizes protection from the most serious hazards in the steel erection industry, including hazards associated with working under loads; hoisting, landing and placing decking; column stability; double connections; landing and placing steel joists, and falls to lower levels.
Although the new steel erection requirements are now in effect, OSHA will not conduct general schedule inspections for 60 days, until March 19, 2002. During this period, the agency will emphasize outreach and education to assist the industry in training employees on the new requirements. For more information, visit OSHA.
