Safety is always important on a construction site, but that is even truer in winter when snow, ice, rain, high winds, and low temperatures can add to the risk of slipping, falling, or other types of injuries. Even equipment used during winter to warm the air for workers or to help concrete set carries its own...
Historically, the construction industry has largely been a male-dominated field. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women currently account for just 10.3% of those employed within the sector—a statistic that has been relatively steady for much of the past two decades. As a result of this workforce trend, many suppliers and...
Long after the workday ends, risks continue at construction sites, as fire, theft and water can cause significant property damage and can potentially delay project timelines and impact budgets. The presence of combustible materials, the lack of effective security controls and unstable structural elements can make sites more vulnerable to loss. Buildings under construction or...
Tools and equipment used on construction sites are often subject to theft and vandalism — creating project delays and impacting costs. Over time, multiple claims may also increase insurance premiums. While not every loss can be prevented, there are improved methods for safeguarding construction equipment that go beyond fences and standard locks. When creating a...
Earlier this month, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a new initiative to conduct surprise safety inspections for fall hazards. A day later, the agency announced $32,113 in fines for a Florida construction company where a 19-year-old worker died after falling from a clubhouse roof. The fines were far from unusual, but the juxtaposition...
With construction workers able to access the digital tools they need from a hand-held device that connects to the Internet, workers are more likely to use the device while moving or trying to complete multiple tasks, posing a safety risk for everyone. How we work has changed drastically over the last few years. Employees can...
All heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Yet, an average of 658 people die each year as a result of exposure to extreme heat. The summer before last, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) did an in-depth study on heat exposure. It revealed that more than one-quarter of the U.S. population suffered from symptoms such as nausea,...
In order to mitigate the risks associated with construction, it is essential to assess the risk accurately and have a control mechanism in place once the threat has been identified. Being able to manage risks effectively will lead you to higher profits and good relationships with the clients. For contractors, the most significant risk...
There’s little doubt that technology has changed the construction industry for the better. Aside from more efficient operations, tech innovation in construction has paved the way for growth and gaining a competitive edge. Schools like Capitol Technology University has taught would-be workers in the field how to maximize the use of technology to advance their careers...
CONSTRUCTION MUST TAKE LEAD AND GRASP OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE POST-COVID Changing trends in working locations and travel needs, net zero projects, the green recovery and the need for effective strategic planning were just some of the issues highlighted at the latest Infrastructure Intelligence Covid Recovery webinar on Friday 17 July 2020. Hosted by Infrastructure Intelligence editor...