Industry Focus

Most likely, you are well aware of NRCA's and other industry groups' efforts to be proactive with regard to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In several instances, NRCA has been successful in negotiating with the agency to achieve more balanced standards that account for the uniqueness of the roofing trade.

However, OSHA still has an obligation and the authority to enforce its regulations; it did so with gusto during 2002 and plans to continue to do so this year.

Record numbers

During its 2002 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, 2002, OSHA logged 37,493 workplace inspections—1,093 more than its target. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor says the average penalty for serious violations rose from $930 in fiscal year 2001 to $977 in fiscal year 2002. Serious violations accounted for 70 percent of all violations cited.

"One of my priorities has been and will continue to be strong, fair, effective enforcement, and these figures bear that out," says Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao.

The top five violations were for OSHA standards applicable to scaffolding, hazard communications, fall protection, respiratory protection and lockout/tagout.

On the brink

In addition to exceeding its target, OSHA also plans to conduct more construction inspections during 2003, and the agency is developing new ways to target the construction industry. OSHA also announced it intends to reopen its respiratory standard this year.

All this activity can be seen as mirroring the problems plaguing the construction industry in general. A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed fatalities in the construction industry reached record levels in 2001—1,225 workers died. And 808 of those deaths were the result of falls.

"No worker should be injured or killed on the job," says OSHA's Assistant Secretary John Henshaw. " ... A safe and healthful workplace—free from recognized hazards—is the right of every worker."

The start of a new year always is a good time to plan for improvements. Consider reviewing and updating your safety training, especially with respect to scaffolding, hazard communications, fall protection, respiratory protection and lockout/tagout. You'll be ready for an OSHA inspection and help improve the construction industry's safety record.

Ambika Puniani is editor of Professional Roofing magazine and NRCA's director of communications.

To reach me, write 10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 600, Rosemont, IL 60018-5607; telephone (847) 299-9070, Ext. 255; or e-mail apuniani@nrca.net.