Free OSHA Fall Protection Seminar

BRIDGEPORT — As part of its efforts to help employers and workers in Fairfield, New Haven, and Middlesex counties prevent potentially fatal fall hazards, the US Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will hold a free seminar on fall hazards and fall protection at the Bridgeport Public Library’s North Branch and Community Center, 3455 Madison Avenue, on Tuesday, May 20, from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Attendees will receive de-tailed information on identifying fall hazards, OSHA fall protection requirements, and sources of assistance in complying with OSHA standards. Seating is limited to 40 and participants are asked to contact Leona May, the Bridgeport office’s compliance assistance specialist, at 203-579-5581 to reserve space.

Robert Kowalski, OSHA’s area director, said the seminar is prompted in part by an upswing in falls and fall hazards violations found in his office’s inspections in the three-county area. He noted that the seminar is particularly directed toward assisting smaller employers whose workers are exposed to fall hazards in the course of their duties.

Jobs covered by OSHA’s fall protection standards include construction, steel erection, roofing, painting, carpentry, sandblasting, cable television installation, landscaping, tree-trimming and other job requiring employees to work on scaffolding, ladders, elevated work platforms, open-sided floors, bridges, and aerial lifts.