Rizzo Trains for Confined Space Work

Of course we have to make money, Rizzo President and CEO Anthony Rizzo Jr. told construction managers during Wednesday’s monthly safety meeting, earning him a chuckle. "I know that’s what you’re thinking", he said.

“But nothing is worth a life. We want you all to go home at the end of the day,” Rizzo said, "and that includes everyone who works with you."

Rizzo was talking to managers who were learning about a new Occupational Health and Safety regulation that will go into effect in August that covers working in confined spaces. Every month Rizzo workers gather to discuss the month’s experiences with health and safety. They also cover a safety topic.

This month’s topic was a new confined space regulation that is still being studied around the country. The upshot is construction firms will have to take many more precautions and spend more time planning before sending a worker into an enclosed space. OSHA estimates nearly 800 accidents will be avoided by these regulations.

Safety Director Peter Serencsics told the gathering of 40 people the company will work out its own policies that are in accord with the new OSHA rules. He met with managers after the meeting to start that policy work.

The new OSHA rule was revealed on May 4, and it will go into effect on August 3. It is referred to as regulation 1926 subpart AA, and is part of the Health and Safety Regulations for Construction.

“This rule will save lives of construction workers. Unlike most general industry worksites, construction sites are continually evolving, with the number and characteristics of confined spaces changing as work progresses. This rule emphasizes training, continuous worksite evaluation and communication requirements to further protect workers’ safety and health,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

Anthony Rizzo Jr. discusses a new federal confined space regulation with construction managers at a safety meeting.