Construction

October 3, 2024

Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is continuously moving toward digitization, adopting advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Building Information Modeling software. These innovations help to automate tasks, reduce waste and improve efficiency, productivity and safety. However, this shift also brings significant cybersecurity risks. As construction companies increasingly rely on digital tools...

September 26, 2024

Proposed OSHA Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard

OSHA recently published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register regarding heat injury and illness prevention. If finalized, the new standard would apply to all employers conducting indoor and outdoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime and agricultural sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction, subject to limited exceptions. It would also be the...

August 29, 2024

Stopping Jobsite Theft

Construction businesses are at a heightened risk of jobsite theft, as expensive tools and machinery are attractive targets for criminals. Theft of construction materials can substantially disrupt a project, leading to delays and significant financial losses; therefore, it is essential for companies to understand how to prevent these incidents. Although every jobsite has its own...

August 21, 2024

5 Risks of Hiring an Uninsured Contractor

Project owners or general contractors must carefully vet contractors to ensure jobsite safety and financial security. A critical factor in this selection process is verifying that contractors carry adequate insurance. Hiring uninsured contractors can expose a project to significant risks, including safety hazards, liability issues and potential financial losses. The following are five risks associated...

July 31, 2024

5 Steps for Building a Safety Program

A comprehensive safety program may not only reduce employee injuries and illnesses; it can also improve employee morale and retention. In addition, fewer workers’ compensation claims can help workers’ compensation costs over time. To realize these benefits, employers should consider these five steps to create a well-rounded safety program. 1.Develop Safety Programs Following OSHA Standards....

July 8, 2024

OSHA Proposes Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard

On July 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an unofficial version of the proposed standard to protect workers from heat injury and illness. If finalized, the new standard would apply to all employers conducting indoor and outdoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime and agricultural...

June 26, 2024

Preventing Heat-related Illnesses at Work

During the hot summer months, outdoor employees are increasingly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Normally, the body has ways of keeping itself cool by allowing heat to escape through the skin and evaporating sweat. However, if the body does not cool down properly or enough, a person may suffer a heat-related illness. Here are the three...

June 20, 2024

EEOC Releases Promising Practices for Preventing Harassment in the Construction Industry

Recognizing that the unique structure of construction jobs can leave workers in the industry especially vulnerable to workplace harassment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a new guidance document outlining specific steps industry leaders can take to combat harassment in construction workplaces. The new document, “Promising Practices for Preventing Harassment in the...

May 30, 2024

Cyber, Financial and Labor Top the List of Risks in Commercial Construction

Commercial general contractors and construction managers face a number of risks that keep them up at night. In the 2024 Commercial Construction Risk Report, we surveyed 500 U.S. general contractors and construction managers to identify the key risks threatening their project timelines, operating budgets and safety. Several themes emerged: Least prepared for the top risks. The...

May 22, 2024

Avoiding Contractor Fraud in the Wake of a Disaster

There were 28 separate billion-dollar climate catastrophes in the United States in 2023, and 2024 is already shaping up to be an active year for severe weather. In the wake of these events, those affected are left vulnerable to shady contractors as they recover and rebuild their lives. To combat this growing problem, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) educates consumers on...