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July 2026 eSafetyLine Safety Minute
Welcome to NECA’s July Safety Minute bringing you the latest safety news sponsored by NECA and Intec, developers of eSafetyLine.
The Department of Labor announced no inflation adjustment for OSHA civil monetary penalties for 2026. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) did not publish its October 2025 Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) data due to a lapse in funding. Because the relevant law requires that annual penalty adjustments be based specifically on October CPI-U data—with no alternative calculation allowed—the 2026 adjustment is cancelled entirely.
With Summer in full swing, OSHA recently sent out a notice to remind workers to be wary of seasonal hazards. way, Rising temperatures increase the risk of work-related heat illness. Hazardous heat exposure can occur indoors or outdoors, and during any season if the conditions are right, not only during heat waves. This danger can be prevented by staying hydrated and taking breaks in a cool area. Planning ahead and recognizing the signs of heat illness can help reduce the risk of heat-related incidents.
https://www.nsc.org/faforms/national-safety-month-materials
Additionally, the agency indicated tree care workers can face many hazards including overhead power lines, falling branches, working at heights and faulty safety equipment. Visit the OSHA website to learn more about common tree care industry hazards and practical solutions.
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3940.pdf
The Center for Construction Research and Training (CWPR) is again accepting applications for the Small Study Program. It provides seed money of up to $30,000 to investigate promising research and practical initiatives. Support for the program comes through CPWR’s cooperative agreement with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and, for the first time, private sector funding, which is provided by a charitable contribution from the McElhattan Foundation. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.
https://www.cpwr.com/research/small-studies-program/
The CWPR also released a new fact sheet on cut off saws in construction. It provides essential safety information on proper operation to help prevent struck-by injuries, fatalities, and exposure to hazardous silica dust.
https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/FS-Cut-Off_Saws.pdf/
Mark your calendars. August 10-16 is OSHA’s annual Safe + Sound Week. It is is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. Visit the website to learn how to participate.
https://www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek
Situational awareness is the ability to perceive, understand, and predict events in the environment. About 85% of workplace incidents identify Situational Awareness as a contributing cause. As a result, it is month’s safety topic. In case you missed it, the June eSafetyline talks addressed Back Injury Prevention.
Lastly, subscribers will also find new links to free webinars on Hearing Protection, AI Safety and Risk, and Complacency, as well as other on-demand topics.
For a complete list of monthly updates and support for your safety program, subscribe to eSafetyLine by visiting the NECA website and NECA store.
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