In the workplace, how we talk about safety matters. The term “accident” implies something random and unavoidable, but when it comes to most injuries or close calls on the job, that’s rarely the case. This is why OSHA promotes the term “incident” instead.  

Why Incident Investigations Matter 

• Looks beyond human error: if someone didn’t follow a procedure, ask why? 
• Fixes the root cause, not just the symptoms
• Promotes a safety-first culture  

Teamwork Makes it Stronger 

While a supervisor often leads the incident investigation, the best results come from a team approach that includes both manager and workers. Everyone brings unique knowledge to the table, whether it’s about the job itself, the tools involved, or the policies in place.  

To read more about Incident Investigations, visit this website: Incident Investigation - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

Construction is one of the most important industries in our country, but it is also one of the most dangerous when it comes to mental health. According to the CDC, construction workers die by suicide at a rate nearly four times higher than the national average. The crisis is largely hidden, but it’s real.  

The Construction Suicide Prevention initiative and OSHA are providing resources, training, and support aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health in the trades. From peer-support programs to toolbox talks and national awareness campaigns, the goal is simple: make it okay to speak up and get help.  

Contractors, supervisors, and workers all have a role to play. It starts by creating a culture where safety includes mental wellness.  

For more information and free resources visit Preventing Suicides in Construction | Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Construction Suicide Prevention - Home - Construction Suicide Prevention 

Why does fall protection matter? 

Falls are one of the most common causes of serious workplace injuries and deaths. According to OSHA, falls consistently rank as the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. 

• Lives are at stake, even a short fall from a ladder or platform can cause life-threatening injuries  
• It’s the law, OSHA requires fall protection at certain heights depending on the industry  
• 4 feet in general industry, 6 feet in construction  
• Accidents are preventable with proper planning, training and equipment. Most fall accidents can be avoided. 

By investing in fall protection, you are actively protecting your team and building a culture of safety.  

For more information go to this website Fall Protection - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

Creating a safe workplace isn’t just a one-time effort; it is an ongoing commitment. It is a year-round initiative that promotes proactive safety and health programs in every industry.  

The campaign encourages employers and workers to recognize the core elements of workplace safety:  

• Management Leadership: When leaders actively support safety efforts, the entire organization follows.  

• Work Participation: Safety improves when everyone is involved, from top management to the front line.  

• A Systematic Approach to Finding and Fixing Hazards: Identifying problems before they cause harm is key to prevention.  

This campaign is strongly aligned with Celerity’s mission. We believe that every worker has the right to go home safe at the end of the day, and we are committed to building a culture where that’s not just expected, but it is in every decision we make.  

For more information on this campaign, visit the Safe and Sound page here. 

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) has long given workers the right to know about hazardous chemicals in their workplace. Today, it also gives them the right to understand. This shift emphasizes clear communication, practical training, and a shared responsibility for workplace safety. 

Why Hazard Communication Matters 

Workplaces the handle chemicals must ensure that workers:  

• Know what chemicals they are exposed to  
• Understand the risks involved  
• Receive proper training to handle them safely 

This helps prevent accidents, illnesses, and costly chemical incidents.  

Employer Responsibilities 

• Keep updated SDS and labels on site 
• Ensure workers are trained and informed  
• Review classification and guidance and regulatory updates 

When workers truly understand the hazards they face, they are better equipped to protect themselves and their team 

Explore OSHA’s Hazard Communication resources to learn more.  

Ticks are tiny arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals and birds, and they can carry dangerous diseases. The most common tick-borne disease in the U.S. is Lyme Disease, with an estimated 476,000 people diagnosed and treated annually. Other serious illnesses like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Anaplasmosis are also on the rise.  

Who Is at Risk? 

People who spend time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas, are most at risk. This includes outdoor workers, hikers, and pet workers.  

How to Protect Yourself, especially on the Jobsite: 

• Wear long sleeves and pants when working outdoors, particularly on vegetation-heavy job sites 

• Use tick repellents that contain DEET or permethrin on skin and clothing 

• Conduct thorough tick checks on yourself and teammates after shifts in the field 

• Shower soon after returning from the job site to help remove ticks 

• Maintain work areas: trim back vegetation where possible to limit exposure 

• Educate your crew about symptoms and prevention as part of routine safety talks 

Know the Symptoms:  

• Fever, fatigue, or muscle aches 

• Rash (bulls-eye pattern) 

• Swollen lymph nodes 

If you develop symptoms after a tick bite or outdoor activities, see a doctor right away. Early treatment can prevent serious illnesses.  

For more information about this topic visit Tickborne Disease - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

Whether you’re laying asphalt under the blazing sun or working near ovens in a warehouse, heat-related illness is a serious workplace hazard. Every year, thousands of workers get sick from heat exposure on the job, that is why heat safety is important.

Who’s at Risk?
Heat hazards exist in many industries including:  

Outdoor Work:  

• Construction 

• Landscaping 

• Agriculture 

• Oil and gas operations 

• Mail and package delivery  

Indoor Work: 

• Manufacturing  

• Warehouses  

• Boiler rooms 

• Fire service 

Heat-related illness can strike at any time of the year, not just during heat waves. It happens anytime the body can’t cool itself down fast enough.  

Understanding Heat Illness 

The body needs time to adjust to working in heat, a process known as heat acclimatization. Most outdoor fatalities happen in the first few days on the job because workers aren’t acclimated. Risk factors include:  

• Heavy physical activity  

• High air temperatures 

• Inadequate hydration  

• Protective clothing that traps heat 

• Pre-existing health conditions  

Preventing Heat-Related Illness 

A good prevention plan includes planning, supervision, engineering controls and worker training. Here are some important prevention steps:  

• Start slow: shorter shifts and light workloads for new workers 

• Hydration: encourage regular water and electrolyte drink breaks 

• Rest breaks: frequency breaks in shaded or cool areas 

• Engineering controls: use fans, ventilation, or AC when possible 

• Training: teach workers and supervisors to recognize and respond to heat illness symptoms 

Keep Your Crew Cool and Safe 

Employers have a responsibility to keep workers safe from heat hazards. A well-done heat illness prevention program protects your workers.  

For more tools, training and guidance on heat safety, visit this page: Heat - Overview: Working in Outdoor and Indoor Heat Environments | Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat illness for the hardworking technicians and construction crews who spend their days outdoors. With the exposure to high heat and physically demanding tasks, they face serious threats from heat stress and heat stroke. These conditions can escalate quickly without proper precautions.  

Celerity is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of working in extreme heat and stressing the importance of preventative measures to protect our workers.  

Heatstroke 

The Mayo Clinic described heatstroke as, “a condition caused by the body overheating. This usually happens because of exposure to high temperatures or physical activity in high temperatures for too long.” 

Symptoms of Heatstroke:  

• A change in mental state of behavior like confusion, agitation, or slurred speech.  
• Change in sweating pattern: skin may be hot and dry or profusely sweating. 
• Nausea and vomiting may occur. The skin may become flushed, and breathing can become rapid and shallow. 

Heat Exhaustion 

A condition of fatigue and weakness, usually with a normal body temperature, stems from prolonged exposure to heat. 

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:  

• The individual may be dizzy or faint and have blurred vision.  
• The skin might be cool or moist with goosebumps.  

Heat Illness Prevention

Preventing heat-related injuries starts with awareness and action. OSHA states, “Most outdoor fatalities, 50% to 70%, occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the body needs to build a tolerance to the heat gradually over time.” That is why it is important to take proactive steps, especially during the initial days of heat exposure.  

Drink Water: Drink water every 15 minutes when working in hot conditions. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. We have provided hydration powder packets for our employees to use. We strongly encourage using electrolyte beverages throughout the day to replenish what it loses through sweat. Do not drink alcohol and avoid caffeine, as these can contribute to heat stress.  

Take Breaks: Take frequent rest breaks in shaded, cooled, or air-conditioned areas. Pacing yourself and giving your body time to recover is especially important when working in heat or when you are not yet acclimated. 

Speak Up: Finally, if you see a co-worker with symptoms of heat exhaustion, speak up. If you see a co-worker with symptoms of heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated quickly.  

Quakertown, PENNSYLVANIA. June 27, 2025 - Last Friday, one of our field team members made a quick but crucial observation that could have had serious implications: a boom left unstrapped in its cradle following a generator repair. 

After the repair on our vehicle, the crew was en route to an ANSI inspection when a colleague, who was already off the clock, noticed something wasn’t right. Instead of shrugging it off, they picked up the phone, made the call, and pulled over to personally secure the equipment. 

This is the kind of vigilance we want to celebrate. It’s not just about protocols, it’s about choosing to act when you see something wrong, no matter who’s behind the wheel. That mindset protects people, equipment, and the reputation we work hard to build every day. 

When we look out for each other, we all get better and safer. Let’s keep speaking up, double-checking, and continuing to learn from each other. 

QUAKERTOWN, Pennsylvania, June 9, 2025 – Celerity’s splicing team gathered in the company’s training area for a hands-on OPGW Coil Lifting Training session that focused on field safety and operation efficiency. 

The training began at 6:00 AM and was led by Scott Hartman, Splicing Field Superintendent, and Daryl Zaremba, Safety and Training Manager. It focused on the proper techniques for lifting Optical Ground Wire coils on and off the “H-Bracket” on utility poles and similar structures.  

The session included 

• Review of a detailed handout covering technical specifications including coil weights, lengths, and lifting procedures 

• A live demonstration that showed multiple lifting techniques, which included the use of an aerial bucket, UTV winch, and a block and tackle.  

The training offered crew members a better understanding of the best practices in OPGW coil lifting. This goes along with the company’s commitment to safety for every member to feel confident and capable in the field.  

The next session is scheduled for June 16, when the remaining members will complete their training.