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Following a recent surge in preventable cell tower fatalities and injuries, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is warning cellphone tower owners and contractors to comply with safety standards.

As carriers scramble to upgrade networks with LTE technology, promising cellphone users better wireless speeds, we are once again experiencing a rise in cellphone tower accidents. The surge happened previously when carriers upgraded 3G technology and the pattern promises to continue as technology advances, if tower owners and contract companies don’t make employee safety a priority.

The Wall Street Journal Reports:

The warning in a letter to employers followed a rise last year in fatalities among tower climbers, a job once called the most dangerous in America. The agency said it is concerned about the possibility of future incidents, especially when employees of subcontractors are doing the hazardous work, and warned that companies could face penalties if they don’t do enough to prevent falls.

It also said it would look not only at the contractors that do the work, but also at the larger companies and carriers that order it up.

“It is imperative that the cell tower industry take steps immediately to address this pressing issue,” the agency said in the letter, which was dated Monday and sent Tuesday to about 100 communication-tower employers. “It is your responsibility to prevent workers from being injured or killed while working on communication towers.”

In the past, carriers have said that tower work “isn’t their core business and, while they care about safety, they shouldn’t be held responsible when subcontractors violate safety standards.” Contract companies often place the blame on employees, saying those who violate safety standards “are subject to termination.”

However, these preventable tragedies are not always the result of failure to properly use equipment, but also equipment failures, falling objects, structural collapses and a lack of adequate safety training. Thus, while employees must use provided safety equipment, other parties need to start taking responsibility for the lives and safety of these employees. Cell towers need to be designed with maintenance safety as a priority. Contractors need to properly train employees and enforce these safety standards.

OSHA is now starting to crack down on the entire industry, finally making carriers, tower owners and equipment manufacturers accountable:

In a strategic shift, the November letter encouraged compliance officers to pay special attention to the chain of contractors connected to the site, as well as the wireless carriers that ordered the work. Investigators “should make sure to collect information regarding contract oversight issues, and obtain copies of any relevant contract documents,” the letter said. “Try to identify, as far as possible, not only the name of the company performing the tower work, but the tower owner, carrier, and any other relevant parties in the contracting chain.”

The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly to protect victims and families of catastrophic work accidents, such as this, and is encouraged by OSHA’s recent efforts to make the cellphone industry safer for employees. By holding employers, carriers, tower owners and equipment manufacturers accountable, many lives may be spared. We offer our legal expertise to the employees and families, if needed. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

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MotherDaughterCanoeJust in time for Memorial Day weekend, Georgia officials have teamed up to launch a comprehensive summer driving and boating safety campaign.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Georgia State Patrol and The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety  started the new campaign on Monday, May 19, 2014, in an effort to keep families safe and boaters and motorists from drinking and driving.

Unfortunately, Georgia motor vehicle and boating accidents soar during the summer months. Tragically, many of these fatal accidents are caused by impaired boaters and motorists and could have easily been prevented. Last year, the state boating under the influence limits were lowered to match driving limits, at 0.8.  This summer, several Georgia departments are working together to crack down on impaired boaters and motorists and to strictly enforce seat belts, life vests, speed limits and distracted driving.

The Gwinnett Daily Post Reports:

“We’ve got our DNR partners on the water and our GSP and local law enforcement partners on the road. No matter where you choose to celebrate this Memorial Day weekend, if you’re drunk behind the wheel, your home for the night will likely be in a jail cell.”–GOHS Director Harris Blackwood

“The summer boating season is a great time for families to get outside and enjoy Georgia’s beautiful and abundant waterways. Boaters must always keep safety in mind, make it a habit to wear a life jacket, always have a sober operator and do not take risks out on the water.”–Lt. Colonel Jeff Weaver of DNR

“Enjoy your time with family and friends as we remember those who died fighting for our freedom. As you travel, remember to always buckle up, properly restrain children, watch your speed, avoid distractions inside your vehicle, and use a designated driver if alcohol consumption will be part of your festivities.” –Col. Mark McDonough, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety

In consideration of our many clients who have lost loved ones or suffered injuries due to impaired drivers and boaters, The Murray Law Firm reminds our readers to please drive responsibly this season. We wish you all a safe and healthy summer!

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As families return to swimming pools and water parks for summer fun, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that water safety must be a priority.

A CDC study recently warned:

Drowning is a leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4, and the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages. For toddlers (children ads 1 to 4 years), swimming pools pose the greatest risk of submersion injury.

For every child less than 15 years old who dies from drowning in a pool, another 10 receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. Nonfatal drowning can cause brain damage that may result in log-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functions. The good news is that drowning can be prevented….

Reduce The Risk

A swimming pool can be a great source of family fun and fitness. But, it’s important to make safety a priority to protect children and others in and around the water. Some of the most effective ways to prevent drowning include four-sided fencing, swimming lessons, life jackets, and supervision/lifeguarding. Knowing CPR can also save the life of someone who drowns. For best protection, combine several safety measures to most effectively reduce drowning risks.

While home owners are able to implement many of these safety measures to protect their families and guests, the safety regulation of hotel, apartment and water park swimming pool falls outside of parent’s control. These property owners are responsible for the safety of all guests on property and, as such, it is crucial that their swimming pools are frequently inspected for safety hazards and that their staff is certified and trained in CPR and emergency first aid.

Water Safety Precautions for Apartment and Hotel Owners

  • Apartments, hotels and water parks must implement proper fencing (including self-closing and self-latching gates) and access control to their swimming pools.
  • Swimming pools should be clearly marked with signage, indicating all swimming and diving restrictions and water depth in every area of the pool.
  • While swimming pool fountains, slides and game nets are entertaining, they can also create serious hazards. All structures, including ladders and stairs, should be carefully and frequently inspected to ensure swimmers won’t become trapped or injured.
  • Overcrowding can cause swimmers, especially children, to become trapped under water. It also prohibits parents and lifeguards from properly monitoring these small swimmers. As such, property owners must post and enforce maximum occupants in and around the pool, particularly on busy weekends and holidays.
  • Finally, should an incident arise, the addition of a lifeguard and CPR-certified staff could save a life. A lifeguard should be stationed during all pool hours.

For more information on swimming pool and water safety, please visit the CDC.

We wish you a safe and fun summer!