North Carolinas Department of Labor (NCDOL) has reported 12 safety-related fatalities so far in 2021, indicating the state is on track for a lower number of deaths than in 2020.
Lee Peacock, district supervisor, Safety and Health Compliance at NCDOL, provided the insights at the Carolinas Associated General Contractors’ (CAGC) Safety and Health Committee quarterly meeting on June 24.
(NCDOL data indicates that he construction industry suffered the most work-related fatalities with 26 in 2020, five more than in 2019.)
Peacock also reported that their department has received over 4,500 COVID-related complaints. He also shared they had completed 878 inspections for the current fiscal year which is very close to how many were completed in 2020.
Roger Richards shared with the committee a recent article about recent trench fatalities in NC/SC and the committee discussed how to raise awareness and always be vigilant when working around trenches. He also mentioned seat belt use on equipment and a recent local fatality due to non-use; the committee then shared ways of raising awareness on this issue. The committee also held a round table discussion on the COVID-19 vaccine and the ways companies are dealing with the issues related to it.
Discussions were had about the East Carolina University work zone safety study and portable rumble strips being implemented in work zones. Bill Stricker also gave an update on Work Zone Traffic Control Supervisor Classes along with other education opportunities.