New OSHA Directive Aims to Keep Communication Tower Workers Safe

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.

”This directive ensures that communication tower workers are protected regardless of the type of work they are doing on communication towers,” says OSHA Administrator David Michaels. “Employers and cell tower owners and operators must make sure workers are trained and protected.”