Date Posted: 05/29/2024

According to the According to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-876-099 , “A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, with flat steps and hinged at the top. The size is designated by the overall length of the ladder measured along the front edge of the side rails.” A stepladder is a handy, simple tool, but if you do not choose the right one for the job or it is not maintained properly, you have an increased risk of injury.

Date Posted: 05/29/2024

WAC 296-155-650 defines an excavation as “Any person-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth's surface, formed by earth removal.” A trench is “A narrow excavation in relation to its length made below the surface of the ground.

Date Posted: 05/11/2024

Although one of the most common tools used on a construction site, extension ladders can lead to severe injuries or even fatal incidents if improperly used. Ladders are involved in 20 percent of fall injuries among workers and 81 percent of construction worker fall injuries.

Date Posted: 09/15/2016

Ladders are probably the most used and misused piece of access and egress equipment and their usage accounts for a large percentage of accidents. Keep attention to details when working with ladders. Ensure that you choose a ladder that is tall enough for you to safely access your work area or reach your task. The ladder must also be strong enough to support you and your tools, and suitable for your work environment.

Date Posted: 09/08/2016

Occupational health and safety regulations require workers to use a fall protection system:

Date Posted: 09/07/2016

Every year, many workers in Washington State are seriously injured from falling off ladders in their workplace. These injuries include dislocated limbs, broken bones, head injuries and even death from their injuries.

Date Posted: 09/04/2016

Summer is the season when many people want their houses repainted. In the Northwest, we get very few opportunities with good weather. It is important to not be in too much of a hurry that safety concerns are overlooked.

Date Posted: 08/27/2016

Every year nearly 100 fatalities and 10,000 injuries occur on scaffolding across the country, despite numerous safety regulations aimed to prevent such incidents. There are a number of different scaffold types, having different rules and regulations surrounding their assembly, fall prevention requirements, and inspection procedures.

Date Posted: 08/22/2016

Skylights are openings in the roof that allow daylight to enter a given space. The biggest concern with skylights are trip and fall hazards before during and after installation, always keep openings covered.

Date Posted: 08/18/2016

According to OSHA, all falls account for 37% of fatalities. Falls from ladders killed 19 workers in the construction trades in Washington State between 1998 and 2011.

Date Posted: 05/30/2024

A swing fall is a pendulum-like motion that occurs when a worker moves horizontally away from their anchor point and then falls. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines “swing fall” as the following: “The swing fall hazard is created by the pendulum effect, which can swing a fallen worker into a nearby surface, such as a wall or protruding beam.

Date Posted: 08/14/2016

Green Walls are gardens that grow vertically using a trellis, pocket system, grid structure, or integrated structure for the soil, plants and some irrigation. They are designed to restore the natural ecosystems that are often destroyed by buildings, to better absorb rainwater, and create aesthetically appealing vertical landscaping for people.