Chautauqua Workers Receive Safety Training
CHAUTAUQUA — More than 150 workers at the new Chautauqua Amphitheater at the Chautauqua Institution gained additional safety training during a special session that LPCiminelli organized as part of the National Safety Stand-Down initiative, a nationwide campaign that aims to prevent falls and protect workers.
LPCiminelli held Stand-Down events for more than 1,300 workers, including those at the Chautauqua Institution, at several construction sites across New York state.
Falls remain the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. In 2015, 350 of the 937 construction fatalities, or 37 percent, were related to falls, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — and in most circumstances, falls are preventable.
“At LPCiminelli, we make it a priority to protect the safety of the hardworking men and women who dedicate their careers to constructing our cities’ buildings and building our nation’s infrastructure,” said Robert Overhoff Jr., LPCiminelli director of corporate safety. “The National Safety Stand-Down is an important initiative that we were proud to join. That’s because we believe with education and awareness, we can take important strides to prevent falls and improve the safety of all jobsites.”
In addition to the Chautauqua Amphitheater site, LPCiminelli facilitated discussions on fall hazards, protective measures and safety procedures with its workers at the following sites: University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine project in downtown Buffalo; Tioga Downs Casino in Nichols; CampusWalk in Buffalo; A Kaleida Laboratory in Amherst; Montreign Resort Casino in the Catskills town of Thompson; and Emerson Hall at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
“Falls are preventable, yet they remain the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Stand down events like this give employers and employees the opportunity to talk about fall hazards, ways to prevent falls and address other workplace safety topics. Employers such as LPCiminelli, who held stand-down events throughout the state, are voluntarily investing time and resources for the safety and well-being of their employees,” said Michael Scime, OSHA’s area director in Buffalo.
During each session, speakers emphasized that pre-planning is the key to understanding hazards that could lead to falls or other worksite injuries.
They also explained that to eliminate hazards, worksites must use appropriate engineering, such as guard rails and safety nets, clearly written and communicated plans, and proper personal protective equipment for workers, like harness, lanyard and anchor point.
“LPCiminelli’s safety team uses a motto, ‘Safety at work, home or play.’ We try to convey that message every day to everyone we meet,” Overhoff said.
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