It's Hot Out There. Here's a Reminder to Work Safely.
Then-Labor Secretary Marty Walsh visits with representatives from the IBEW, other trade unions and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration during a site visit in Chicago in August 2022. Flickr/Creative Commons photo by U.S. Department of Labor.
https://www.ibew.org/media-center/Articles/24Daily/2406/240621_HotOutThere
June 21, 2024
After IBEW Day of Action, California Establishes Utility Worker Appreciation Day
With summer approaching and sweltering weather the norm in much of the country, IBEW members are reminded to follow all safety regulations on the job, especially considering some disturbing trends nationally.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported an increase in cited violations in 2023. Fall prevention was the most cited, followed by hazard communication and ladder usage, all important areas for IBEW members.
The top three root causes for reported injuries from June 2023 to January 2024 are situational awareness/attention to detail; unknown/other; and failure to adhere to proper safety protocols.
Safety Director Mark MacNichol noted these three root causes are easy to slip into when working in heat.
"I spent most of my career in Florida, so I understand that it gets hot at this time of year," MacNichol said. "But nothing is more important than our members returning home safely to their loved ones after every shift."
FULL story at link above.