OSHA has announced that they will extend the 6/16/2011 date for Fall Protection Compliance until 9/15/2011. The new fall protection directive requires that contractors use fall arrest systems, nets and/or guard rails when working 6 feet above lower levels. If using these measures is infeasible the contractor must have written site specific plan in place on site. Contractors are required to have a written fall protection plan in place for fall hazards. (Note; OSHA assumes that contractors also have a Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manual in place)

Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes, treasures and in some cases their loved ones from the central and western Mass tornadoes.     

The new OSHA Fall Protection Standard enforcement date is 6/16/2011. Many of the contractors we have recently trained in our RRP classes were not aware of the OSHA directive. Unfortunately many contractors will find themselves in peril if their job is visited by an OSHA inspector starting 6/16/2011.

A North Shore, Mass contractor reported that RRP inspectors were out enforcing the Mass RRP Lead Law. The information was shared at the local paint store with other contractors.

Just when the Maine EPA RRP enforcement was spreading around the country YouTube decided to pull it. They cite it is against their policy.

Effective June 16th, 2011 residential contractors are required to have their OSHA Fall Protection written plan in place. To help contractors meet this new requirement we are holding a OSHA Fall Protection training on 5/26/2011 at Brockway Smith 146 Dascomb Rd, Andover, Mass.

OSHA respiratory training for Massachusetts RRP trained contractors. Seats are still available for 5/26/2011 for training in Marlborough Mass.

Hidden camera investigation on contractors: EPA not enforcing contractors on RRP lead law to keep homeowners safe.

Here is the article referenced in the last blog post.............although this is an RRP violation the contractor may also be in violation of The OSHA Lead in Construction Standard. On the video you may notice they are wearing respirators and no suits. I wonder if they have a written medical monitoring and respiratory plan? If not they could be getting a call from OSHA as well.......

Most contractors thought they would never see the day where the EPA would actually provide proof of RRP enforcement on contractors who blatantly violate the RRP Law.