OSHA seeking input on safety of communication tower workers

Washington – As the next step toward a possible rule on safety for communication tower workers, OSHA has released a Request for Information asking stakeholders how tower workers can be better protected.

The agency wants to know about the main causes of communication tower employee injuries and deaths, as well as best practices to address fall, structural collapse, electrical and weather hazards. The comment period ends June 15.

“We understand the importance of this industry, but workers’ lives should not be sacrificed for a better cell phone signal. OSHA is inviting the public to tell us what we can do to better protect these workers,” agency administrator David Michaels said in a press release.

Communication tower worker deaths have increased in recent years. Between 2013 and 2014, a total of 25 workers were killed, according to OSHA. Eight workers died between 2011 and 2012.