February Safety Roundup 2026
February Roundup
This blog series serves as a monthly highlight of recent news/updates in the safety industry, including airport, construction, events, and general safety news.
To keep you informed about recent and current safety highlights, we’ve compiled some of the most pertinent updates and national stories here to keep you updated on all things safety.
This month, we’ll highlight the first California college to join the enhanced air traffic controller program, an NHTSA study focused on the need for female crash test dummies, the latest budget bill and its implications for the FAA, and more.
In OTW news, TWO new products are available – the Crowd Control Weight and the Replacement Drain Plug. Scroll on down for the details on our latest product launch.
Table of Contents
1 – FAA Announces ‘Largest’ Organizational Restructure in History
2 – Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces First California College to Join Air Traffic Controller Program | Federal Aviation Administration
3 – New Talent Marketplace Targets Skilled Labor Gaps in Construction
4 – NHTSA Study Affirms Need for Female Crash Test Dummy Approved by the Trump Administration
5 – Congress To Consider FAA Budget Bill
FAA Announces ‘Largest’ Organizational Restructure in History
The Federal Aviation Administration announced in late January that it will undergo a major restructuring focused on efficiency and modernization. The organizational structure will be overhauled, with five offices reporting to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and the other four (one new) reporting to FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau. Higher-ups (including the administrators) hope for streamlined operations, new and continued innovation, and the quick implementation of an updated air traffic controller system (which would mean safer skies and perhaps less overworked air traffic controllers).
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces First California College to Join Air Traffic Controller Program
Sacramento City College has just been announced as the latest college to implement the Enhanced Air Traffic—Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI). This program allows students to bypass the traditional path to becoming an air traffic controller by enhancing the training they receive while pursuing a two- or four-year degree. DOT hopes to increase the number of controllers it hires each year, and E-CTI is one way to do so. Graduates may be placed directly into air traffic controller roles upon graduation and successful completion of required assessments, per FAA regulations.
New Talent Marketplace Targets Skilled Labor Gaps in Construction
New experts have come to town: Espire Collective offers a vetted network of construction and project-driven industry professionals, including engineers, project managers, consultants, and more. With the labor shortage, this company removes the risk and helps contractors and construction executives hire professionals who have already been vetted. This gives organizations faster access to qualified individuals without the cost or risk. As construction continues to chug along and large-scale projects continue to boom, the easier access to professionals across the industry has the potential to impact it for good.
NHTSA Study Affirms Need for Female Crash Test Dummy
For decades, only male-based dummies have been used for crash testing by vehicle manufacturers. Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the results of years of research concerning crash statistics and the safety of the average vehicle. This research proves that women are at a higher risk of injury in a crash than men; statistically, they had a 26% higher chance of injury and a higher chance of more frequent moderate injuries in the 150 crash injury models than men. NHTSA’s research included six different types of crashes – frontal, near-side, far-side, rear, a combo of all four, and a rollover. They also covered different seating arrangements, different occupant restraint options, and a wider range of crashes. Every bit of this research affirmed the need for female crash test dummies in order to create safer cars for individuals of all types and sizes.
Congress To Consider FAA Budget Bill
The House of Representatives voted on January 22, 2026, on the most recent budget bill. This bill includes funding for various government entities such as DHS, Labor, Education, HHS, and the FAA. In regard to the FAA, the bill would provide a $1.25 billion increase over FY 2025 levels, including $10.341 billion for air traffic control operations-related functions, among others. While many fought for the ROTOR Act, which defines the requirements for use of the ADS-B tracking system in all flying aircraft and would increase air safety after the deadly Reagan National Airport airspace collision in January 2025, it is not currently included as a part of the bill. The short partial shutdown that began Jan. 31 ended after enactment of the funding package in early February.
OTW News
Crowd Control Weights
You asked… and we answered! Our NEW Crowd Control Weights – the optimal complement to the Billboard Barricade (CC42x96) – are available for pre-order. Designed to add extra security to your pedestrian barricades with the perfect amount of weight, the Crowd Control Weights allow for ballasting in locations where other types of ballast may not be available or desired. The weights are easy to transport and help make a sturdy barricade even sturdier, especially when used in applications where there will be large numbers of people, or at work zones where the hazard indicators need to be easily relocated but still secured. They come with an easy-to-transport carry bag and are a breeze to install, relocate, and store.
Contact us to pre-order yours today!
Replacement Drain Plugs
The other newest product added to our lineup is the Replacement Drain Plug. We work with regional integrators who commonly rent out their equipment, and we know that sometimes those who rent can misplace their caps or strip the threading on accident. One of our main priorities is to respond to our customers’ needs, and we noticed that there was no real way to extend the life of the barricade if the plug had been damaged, so the Replacement Drain Plug was created with this need in mind! Our barricades are of the highest quality, and we don’t believe that an entire barricade should have to be replaced simply because the drain cap or drain hole has been compromised. With the new replacement plug, this solves both issues… and we made it compatible with ALL our barricades. We have officially stocked our warehouse, and these can be ordered directly through an OTW rep.
