Christopher A. Janicak

Fall-Related Deaths in the Construction Industry

Occupational Safety and Health Administration fatality inspection records were examined in this study to identify potential causes for occupational falls that resulted in death. Proportionate mortality ratios identified significantly higher proportions of deaths resulting from falls off ladders in electrical trades and plumbing and heating trades (p <. 01). The highway and streets trade had a significantly higher proportion of deaths resulting from falls from improper work surfaces, such as from the top of moving vehicles (p < .01). Three trades had significantly lower proportions of deaths resulting from falls from various causes. The electrical work trade had a significantly lower proportion of deaths from falls due to a lack of fall protection, whereas the roofing trade had significantly lower proportion of deaths resuting from falls from improper work surfaces (p < .01), and the masonry trade had a significantly lower proportion of deaths caused by falls from ladders (p < .05). With the increased risk of death from a fall identified for various industries, fall prevention strategies can be best identified and implemented. These measures include identifying potential fall hazards, proper selection and use of fall protection systems, and employee training on fall hazards in the workplace.

Occupational fatalities due to electrocutions in the construction industry

INTRODUCTION Occupational fatalities due to contact with electricity account for approximately 9% of all deaths in the construction industry and is the fourth leading cause of death in this industry. METHOD Differences in the proportions of electrocutions in the construction industry are significantly different from other industries based upon the age of the worker and the source of the electricity. RESULTS This study found that, in the construction industry, the proportion of occupational fatalities due to contact with electric current is significantly higher for workers in the 16 to 19 years old age group. Contact with overhead power lines occurred more frequently with younger workers, while contact with electric wiring, transformers, and related equipment was found to occur more frequently with older workers. The proportion of fatalities due to this event was also found to account for a significantly greater proportion of fatalities in the construction industry overall. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY The proportions of electrocution fatalities in the construction industry were found to be significantly higher for younger workers when compared to all other industries. Focusing prevention measures toward younger workers who work near overhead power lines could have a significant impact upon death rates. For older workers, the focus should be on those who work on or near transformers, electrical wiring, and components. Across the construction industry, implementation of effective lockout-tagout programs, and verification of energy isolation, can prevent approximately 125 fatalities per year in the construction industry.

OCCUPATIONAL FATALITIES TO WORKERS AGE 65 AND OLDER INVOLVING TRACTORS IN THE CROPS PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

Data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries involving tractor-related fatalities to workers age 65 and over in the crops production agriculture industry were selected for analysis. Events that resulted in significantly higher relative risks for older workers included nonhighway, noncollision accidents (39.95 deaths 100,000 person years of exposure, RR = 1.78, p less than 0.05). Nonhighway, noncollision accidents included rollovers, falls from moving equipment, and falls and struck by moving equipment. Prevention measures include engineering approaches such as rollover protective structures, seat belts, and slow-moving vehicle signs. Education and awareness programs should be directed to older workers that use or work around tractors.

Compliance with OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard in Hospitals

This study examined the incidence of violations of occupational safety and health standards for respiratory protection in hospitals. Data from Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspections that occurred in hospitals and resulted in violations of the respiratory protection standards were examined. From July 1, 1990, to June 30, 1995, the complaint rates for hazards in the workplace significantly increased. During 1990-1991, tuberculosis hazard complaint inspections rates were approximately 5 complaints per 1000 complaint inspections conducted. During 1994-1995, tuberculosis hazard complaint inspections rates were approximately 76 complaints per 1000 complaint inspections conducted, representing an increase of over 15 times. During this same period, the percentage of respiratory protection violations in relation to all violations doubled. Increased employee awareness of the hazards and current safety laws could have contributed to the increased frequency of employee complaints, leading to increases in inspections, violations, and fines. Employers must adhere to the current safety and health requirements specifically as they pertain to respiratory hazards and tuberculosis.