OSHA will conduct a national safety stand-down June 2-6 to raise awareness among construction employers and their workers about the hazards of falls, the leading cause of fatal incidents for the industry.

OSHA is seeking partners for the stand-down, and it has stocked a national safety stand-down website with information about how to conduct a successful stand-down. After it takes place, employers will be able to provide feedback and receive a personalized certificate of participation.

An OH&S webinar on April 3 is another way to get information about preventing construction falls. Three experts from OSHA (Jim Maddux, Directorate of Construction director); NIOSH (Dr. Christine Branche, Office of Construction Safety and Health director); and CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training (Pete Stafford, executive director) will discuss OSHA’s ongoing Fall Prevention Campaign and the latest information about the causes of falls in the U.S. construction industry.

"Falls account for more than a third of all deaths in this industry," said Dr. David Michaels, the OSHA assistant secretary. "We're working with employers, workers, industry groups, state OSH plans, and civic and faith-based organizations to host safety stand-downs that focus on recognizing hazards and preventing falls. We are getting the message out to America’s employers that safety pays and falls cost."

The stand-down is part of OSHA's ongoing Fall Prevention Campaign, which was started in 2012 and was developed in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and NIOSH's National Occupational Research Agenda program.

"We are pleased to join again with OSHA and our NORA partners to focus on fall prevention at construction sites," said NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard. "Preventing falls in the construction industry benefits everyone, from the worker, to the employer, to the community at large. This safety stand-down serves as an important opportunity for everyone to take the time to learn how to recognize and prevent fall hazards."

Weatherguard Van Solutions

WernerCo Introduces New Weather Guard OEM Van Solutions

Range includes Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter and others.

WernerCo announces the introduction of professional trade packages for commercial van OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer), including the Ram ProMaster, the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit Connect and others.

Designed for contractors and remodelers on the move, the Weather Guard OEM trade packages provide secure, durable and organized van solutions for professionals, regardless of the vehicle. The custom designed Weather Guard Van solutions are developed to fit every detail, including the contours of specialty vans, such as the Ram ProMaster.

“We have expanded our offering to provide Weather Guard storage solutions for a range of vehicle manufacturers because we know a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t always best”, said Jeff Kotz, Senior Van Product Manager from WernerCo. “Among our offerings, we are excited to have several for Ford and will continue to develop customized van and truck solutions for new vehicle models as they are introduced. Our goal is to continue to provide professional tradesmen with solutions that secure their tools and materials, while maximizing productivity.”

Customizable Van Solutions That Are Easy to Install
The Weather Guard Van storage solutions feature custom bulkhead, space-maximizing design, and a wide range of shelving and accessory options to accommodate any type of trade business—from general contractors to plumbing and Mechanical/ HVAC. With ready-to install accessories and pre-drilled holes, Weather Guard installs quickly and allows for customizations.

The storage solutions and accessories provide flexibility and convenience while the ladder and roof rack options make loading and unloading oversized equipment or supplies easy and secure. Weather Guard now offers a full range of professional trade packages for all commercial van OEM’s from the New Ford Transit Connect and RAM Promaster to the Ford E-Series, Chevy Express/GMC Savana, Nissan NV and the Mercedes Sprinter.

Each custom designed Weather Guard Van Storage solution includes:

• Better Bulkheads: The Bulkhead for the 2014 Transit Connect and Promaster vans provide maximum protection for drivers and passengers against shifting loads in the cargo area and allow for unobstructed visibility of the cargo, side door and rear door areas.
• REDZONE Van Shelving: The shelving systems come in popular sizes with two, three or four shelves and make it easy to create custom configurations. The secure storage shelf and door modules maximize efficiency and security. End panels and single shelves complete the system and are packaged separately.
• Drawer & Bin Cabinets: High quality, durable drawer cabinets feature latches for each drawer, smooth ball-bearing rollers and secure locks that can be keyed alike. Bin cabinets feature hook and loop fasteners to securely hold bins in place.
• REDZONE Accessories: Keep frequently used tools and materials close—including a tool organizer, cleaning station, bucket and tank holders, caulk tube tray and a range of trade-specific accessories.
• Quick Installation: Features floor mounting brackets, simplified bulkhead mounting brackets and pre-punched mounting holes in end panels and shelves.
• Specialty Storage: Includes new secure storage locking cabinets and drawers, including the PACK RAT Drawer Units, lightweight and stackable ITEMIZER Drawer Units, or the BED RAT Sliding Platform.