Eleven workers have died so far this year either building, repairing or maintaining towers. Thirteen died last year — more than the previous two years combined, according to the FCC and the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
In an effort to reduce the high rate of communications tower-related deaths, the FCC and OSHA are partnering on a workshop to explore issues surrounding tower climber safety, injury prevention, and fatalities. The workshop is set for Oct. 14 at the FCC’s Washington headquarters, starting at 9 a.m.
Panel discussions will include representatives from the FCC’s Wireless Bureau, OSHA, AT&T, the wireless infrastructure association PCIA and the National Association of Tower Erectors to discuss factors contributing to tower climbing injuries, deaths and prevention.
Following the workshop, members of a new telecom industry apprentice program will speak. Led by the telecom industry with input from OSHA, the program will provide training to tower workers.
