TOWER WORKERS ​

OSHA to Gather Information to Help Protect Tower Workers​

In response to a significant increase in worker deaths in the communication tower industry, OSHA has issued a new request for information (RFI) to collect public input to be used in determining necessary measures to prevent worker injuries and fatalities. OSHA requests comments about the causes of employee injuries and fatalities from tower workers, wireless carriers, engineering and construction management firms, tower owners, and tower construction and maintenance companies. The agency also encourages these stakeholders to share best practices used in the industry to address these hazards. According to OSHA, 2013 was the deadliest year for communication tower workers since 2006, with 13 recorded deaths. Twelve tower workers died on the job in 2014, which was double the number of deaths recorded in 2011. Comments are due by June 15, 2015. See the Federal Register notice for details. For more information, visit OSHA’s Safety and Health Topic Web page on communication tower work. The Web page collects information on compliance assistance for communication tower employers, relevant standards, and other resources from OSHA and NIOSH.