Construction

April 17, 2024

Construction Defect Claims on the Rise: Understanding the Trends and Impacts

Construction projects are booming. That’s because demand is returning to its pre-pandemic levels, no longer impeded by mass closures, supply chain stalls or a lack of labor. Businesses and homeowners are looking to build, and the industry is more than happy to oblige. “The pre-COVID building boom, combined with lower interest rates and affordability, continues...

March 13, 2024

A Fight for Capital and Capacity – Emerging Risks in the Construction Sector

The construction industry is facing a unique set of challenges in today’s market, leading firms to seek innovative solutions to manage risk effectively. James MacNeal, global industry specialty leader, construction and infrastructure at Aon, highlighted the evolving landscape of risk transfer in the construction sector, emphasising the significance of alternative strategies like parametric insurance and captives...

February 26, 2024

What is Compounding Risks in the Construction Sector?

The construction industry faces several emerging risks in 2024, including supply chain disruptions reminiscent of those faced in 2020 due to geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea. Combined with ongoing economic challenges, construction businesses should expect increased costs and plan meticulously to minimize project delays, an expert told Insurance Business. “I would hazard to say almost...

February 12, 2024

Types of Transitional Duties in Return-to-Work Programs

When an employee experiences an occupational illness or injury, their eventual return to the workplace can create considerable challenges, putting significant stress on both the individual and their employer. Nevertheless, return-to-work (RTW) programs can help alleviate these concerns by supporting staff as they reintegrate into the workforce. These programs may entail having an injured employee...

January 30, 2024

Construction Industry Trends to Watch in 2024

The construction industry has encountered volatility and uncertainty in recent years, brought on in part by fluctuating consumer behaviors, material procurement difficulties, project delays, high interest rates and inflation. Such trends have been vital to monitor, as doing so has helped industry employers create strategies to adjust and remain successful despite these uncertain circumstances. This...

January 24, 2024

OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Construction Standards in Fiscal Year 2023

OSHA maintains records on the most frequently cited standards from worksite inspections for each fiscal year and compiles a list within particular industries. The latest records outline the top 10 standards cited within the construction industry during fiscal year 2023 (October 2022 through September 2023) and the total number of violations for each standard. By...

December 19, 2023

OSHA’s Safety and Health Bulletin on Safety Helmets in the Workplace

On Nov. 22, 2023, OSHA provided a Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) on the use of safety helmets in the workplace. The SHIB provides the key differences between safety helmets and traditional hard hats. The SHIB also describes the advancements in design, materials, and protective features that help to protect a worker’s entire head....

November 27, 2023

OSHA Announces Top 10 Violations for FY 2023

OSHA recently released its list of the top 10 most frequently cited standards following inspections of worksites by federal OSHA. The list, which consists of preliminary data and is subject to change, reflects the citations across industries and accounts for citations that occurred between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 29, 2023. OSHA notes that workers...

October 26, 2023

Fall Protection Tops List of OSHA Citations for 2023

For the 13th consecutive year, lack of fall protection topped the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s preliminary top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2023. OSHA tallied 7,271 violations of its general fall protection requirements, according to the list released Tuesday at the National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo....

August 28, 2023

DOL Proposes Rule to Clarify PPE Standard

On July 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking intended to clarify the personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry. The stated goal of this action is to align construction, general industry and maritime standards. Comments and hearing requests must be submitted by Sept. 18, 2023,...