Werner Podium Ladder

WernerCo. has introduced a new platform ladder called the Podium which is ideal for working at fixed heights and is designed to provide a full range of motion while providing protection at every angle.

The Podium ladder uses the LOCKTOP™ design which organizes tools at the top of the ladder which also functions as an integrated waist-high guard rail that securely wraps around the work zone.  The ladder also features the EDGE360™ bracing system that gives protection from every angle on the over-sized platform which allows four times the work zone then a standard ladder.

Mark Peters, Director of Marketing at WernerCo. stated that  "We designed our new Podium Ladder to help prevent misuse and falls. While safety is the most important feature, we also know that comfort, mobility and access are important to our customers who have to stand on a ladder for extended periods of time. The new Podium Ladder includes an actual standing platform vs. a traditional ladder step that allows for increased reach and range of motion. The best part, it feels like the user is standing on the ground instead of on a ladder.”

The Podium ladder is also equipped with a full set of rear horizontals, full aluminum bracing and is manufactured with seven-layer fiberglass construction.  The Podium has a 300lb load capacity which includes user and materials and has a Type 1A duty rating.

OSHA Top Citations

OSHA recently released its list of the most frequently cited workplace safety and health violations for 2011. The top 10, starting with the most violations: fall protection in construction, scaffolding in construction, hazard communication, respiratory protection, lockout/tagout, electrical wiring methods, powered industry trucks, ladders in construction, electrical requirements, and machine guarding. Find compliance advice at www.osha.gov/SLTC.

OSHA Residental Roofing Reminder

The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently

rescinded the interim enforcement policy on fall protection for specified residential construction activities. Under the new policy, employers engaged in residential construction must comply with 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13).

Enforcement of this new residential roofing directive began September 15, 2011.

“Under 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (i.e., guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or alternative fall protection measures allowed under 1926.501(b) for particular types of work.

A personal fall arrest system may consist of a full body harness, a deceleration device, a lanyard, and an anchor point. (See the definition of “personal fall arrest system” in 29 CFR 1926.500). If an employer can demonstrate that fall protection required under 1926.501(b)(13) is infeasible or presents a greater hazard it must implement a written, site-specific fall protection plan meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.502(k). The fall protection plan must specify alternative measures that will be used to eliminate or reduce the possibility of employee falls.”*

For purposes of determining the applicability of section 1926.501(b)(13), the term “residential construction” is interpreted as covering construction work that satisfies the following two elements:

(1) The end-use of the structure being built must be as a home, i.e., a dwelling; and
(2) The structure being built must be constructed using traditional wood frame construction materials and
     methods.

For more information regarding changes to fall protection requirements in the residential construction industry, please visit www.osha.gov/doc/residential_fall_protection.html

OSHA Residential Construction Fall Protection

Just a reminder that the three month phase in period for the OSHA residential construction fall protection is over.  It is know required and non compliance can mean large fines.  A simple solution is the use of a roofers bucket safety kit that complies with the OSHA requirements.  Another solution would be guard rail roof brackets that are installed at the roof edge to eliminate a fall.  For larger jobs system guardrail packages are available from Bluewater Manufacturing.  Avoid fines that could be crippling to you business.

OSHA top ten citations for 2010

OSHA's Most Frequently Cited Violations

Federal OSHA recently issued its list of top ten list most frequently cited violations for the 2010 fiscal year.  In all, there were approximately 94,000 violations issued  and the top ten represented nearly half of all violations.  The 2009 and 2010 lists have many similarities as scaffolding topped the list again with 8,371 violations.  The full list is below:

1.        1926.451 - Scaffolding: 8371Violations

2.        1926.501 - Fall Protection:  7,559 Violations

3.        1910.1200 - Hazard Communication:  6,633 Violations

4.        1910.134 - Respiratory Protection:  3,932 Violations

5.        1926.1053 - Ladders:  3,820 Violations

6.        1910.147 - Lockout/Tagout:  3,531 Violations

7.        1910.305 - Electrical, Wiring Methods:  3,381 Violations

8.        1910.178 - Powered Industrial Trucks:  3,224 Violations

9.        1910.303 - Electrical, General Requirements:  2,770 Violations

10.     1910.212 - Machine Guarding:  2,556 Violations