The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will be conducting unannounced weekend inspections at Colorado job sites to prevent fall and trench accidents, according to www.constructiondive.com.
The state has had six worker fatalities from falls and three deaths associated with excavation collapses and trenching incidents during the past two years.
“Our Weekend Work initiative will identify and address construction-related hazards at work sites in 10 different counties along the Front Range on days when worksites often go unchecked,” said Nancy Hauter, OSHA’s acting regional administrator in Denver. “This is a proactive effort to identify hazardous worksites and to ensure workers end their shifts safely.”
Carol Sigmond, a partner in the construction practice group at law firm Greenspoon Marder, said the effort aligns with how OSHA has rolled out initiatives in the past by focusing on problem areas.
“If they see a pattern of death, they’re going to respond,” Sigmond said.
Chauntra Rideaux, a spokesperson for the Department of Labor, said the initiative is specifically targeting a period when contractors may let their guard down.
“Weekends are a unique opportunity for OSHA to conduct inspections and reinforce safety regulations at a time when oversight may be relaxed,” Rideaux said.
Colorado is the only state in the region conducting weekend inspections.
