OSHA
reports that more fatalities occurred in the communication tower industry in
2013 than in the previous 2 years combined. In addition, 2014 has reported nine
worker fatalities so far. These statistics led the agency to update
its Communication Tower directive on the use of hoist systems used to move
workers to and from workstations on communication towers.The
new directive:
- explains the proper use of fall arrest systems and details how to hoist people safely;
- updates a 2002 enforcement policy, which only covered the hoisting of workers to workstations during new tower erection activities;
- covers any work on a communication tower, including maintenance and new construction, that involves the use of a hoist to lift workers from one elevated workstation to another.