California construction deaths prompt inspection blitz

Oakland, CA – In response to a series of fatal incidents at construction sites in California, the state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (also known as Cal/OSHA) has launched an inspection initiative.

Cal/OSHA inspectors are being sent to construction sites in the San Francisco Bay Area to focus on fall hazards (including personal protective devices and railings), trenches, equipment safety and site hazards such as power lines. When a hazard is identified, inspectors can stop work at the site until the hazard is abated, according to an agency press release.

“Our goal is to raise awareness for everyone working in construction that hazards can be identified and corrected,” acting Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum said in the release.

Four construction deaths occurred in California over the course of three days in May, including two falls and two crushing incidents.

The inspection initiative coincides with federal OSHA’s safety stand-down, scheduled for June 2-6 and aimed at preventing falls in construction.