Last week, OSHA issued a statement regarding the surge in cell tower fatalities. In 2013, there were 13 fatalities related to cell towers; that number is more than the two prior years combined. In the first five weeks of 2014, there have already been 4 fatalities. As a result of this increase in fatalities, OSHA is collaborating with the National Association of Tower Erectors to make certain all employers in the industry understand their role in employee safety for those employees who work on cell towers.

“Tower worker deaths cannot be the price we pay for increased wireless communication,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “Employers and cell tower owners and operators must do everything possible to stop these senseless, preventable tragedies.”

The majority of fatalities over the last two years have come from falls. In order to help ensure employees are aware of current best practices and industry standards, they have created a new website, which will feature all information including regulatory changes. Many of the fatalities were preventable, but due to poor safety procedures and a lack of training, these individuals died.

If your business works with cell phone towers in any capacity, it is critical that you continue to follow the news regarding these updates. It might also be a prudent time to have your safety and health management system audited, to ensure you are in compliance.

If you have any questions about this release from OSHA or about third party safety audits, please contact us. If you have anything to add about OSHA’s increased focus on tower safety, please leave a comment.