In an unprecedented event Oct. 14, the Department of
Labor and the Federal Communications Commission joined leaders in the
telecommunications industry, including major carrier AT&T, to discuss new
and continuing efforts to prevent worker fatalities on cell towers.
"The fatality rate in this industry is
extraordinarily high - tower workers are more than 10 times as likely to be
killed on the job than construction workers," said Assistant Secretary of
Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "But these deaths
are preventable."
U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez and FCC Chairman
Thomas E. Wheeler also announced a new working group that will collaborate in
the development and implementation of recommended safety practices for the
growing telecommunications industry.
"The cellphones in our pockets can't come at the
cost of a worker's life," said Secretary Perez. "We know we can't
solve this problem alone though, and that's why I am so glad to be joined in
partnership on this issue with the FCC and major carriers like AT&T. It's a
perfect example of federal agencies and industry breaking down barriers and
identifying common goals to save workers' lives."
For more information about the new working group, view a recording of the event
and read the news release. To learn
more about worker safety in the telecommunications industry, visit OSHA's Communication
Towers Web page.
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