Philadelphia Construction Law Blog

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently concluded an investigation into possible lead exposure at a high profile construction project in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. The developer agreed to pay $3,000 in fines with no admission of liability. Its remediation subcontractor, however, was cited for 22 separate violations relating to lead exposure and hit with $34,000 in fines.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced this week that is was extending the public comment period for its new regulations on the use of crystalline silica in construction until January 27, 2014. The extension is seen as a concession to business and industry organizations, a large number of which asked for additional time to analyze the proposed rules and provide educated opinions on it. Certain Congressional Committees also asked for the extension.

Safety is job one for most construction companies, as employees that go home each night come back the next day for work. Great emphasis is often placed on safety protocols and how to address work site hazards. A new study done by the Construction Industry Institute raises an important question though: are workers as prepared as they should be to identify job site risks?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a final rule on the use of cranes and derricks in underground construction and demolition.

The first lawsuit relating to the fatal building collapse at 22nd and Market Streets in Center City Philadelphia has been filed. Mariya Plekan, a Ukranian immigrant, has brought suit and listed a number of devastating injuries.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a final rule to update construction signage standards recently.The new regulation adds references to the latest versions of the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI, on accident prevention with signs and tags. 

With summer in full swing and the work weeks filling up with sweltering conditions for outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is renewing its emphasis on its “Water. Rest. Shade.” program. The informational effort is designed to warn workers about how heat stress occurs and, better yet, how to recognize the signs and prevent it.

Kaplin Stewart attorneys will be offering the second in their series of presentations on OSHA Regulations on July 25, 2013.  This presentation , entitled “Working at Heights: It’s Not By Your Grandfather’s Rules Anymore”, will focus on the rules governing scaffolds, ladders, tying off, and other rules and regulations governing work at varying elevations.  The program will run from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at Kaplin Stewart’s Blue Bell office and breakfast will be served.

The critics are raving about Kaplin Stewart’s night at the movies.  Kaplin Stewart’s construction law department presented their program entitled “And the Oscar Goes To..? on May 9th to a full house at Kaplin Stewart. Using clips from Oscar nominated films they provided a refresher course on the OSHA regulations effecting the construction industry and had some fun along the way.  The discussion was lively and useful for all involved.

On Thursday, May 9, 2013, Kaplin Stewart’s construction law department will be offering a free program on OSHA regulations in the construction industry.  Using clips from Oscar nominated films to cover the material, the firm will add a little fun to a very serious topic.  The program will take place from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Kaplin Stewart.  Breakfast will be provided.