construction
March 21, 2023
Insuring the Climate Transition: How Can the Construction Industry Confront Escalating Storm Damage?
Like every industry, construction isn’t immune to the effects of global climate change. Adverse weather affects 45% of construction projects globally, a 2021 report from the Air Force Institute of Technology found, and results in billions of dollars of additional expenses and lost revenue. Project delays, damaged materials and supply chain shortages are just some of...
March 14, 2023
Cal/OSHA Proposes Revisions to Workplace Lead Exposures Standards
On March 3, 2023, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA Board) proposed to revise the standards for workplace exposure to lead for the general industry and construction industries. With the revisions, Cal/OSHA cited a need to adequately protect employees who are exposed to lead in their occupations. This proposal would reduce the...
March 8, 2023
Construction Industry Trends to Watch
The construction industry consists of companies that construct, maintain and repair buildings and other structures (e.g., roads, bridges and utility systems). This sector plays a vital role in the U.S. economy by keeping residential areas, commercial facilities and local infrastructure in good condition, thus supporting the safety and welfare of communities across the nation. In...
March 7, 2023
Construction Site Suspension Trauma
The risk of serious injury or death doesn’t end after a construction worker’s fall has been arrested. Although personal protective equipment (PPE) may prevent ground impacts, it may leave you or your co-workers vulnerable to the harmful effects of suspension trauma, also known as orthostatic intolerance or harness hang syndrome. Suspension trauma can occur due...
January 23, 2023
Tips on Safe Construction Work in Winter
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...
January 9, 2023
Personal Protective Equipment Considerations for Women
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...
December 29, 2022
Protecting Your Construction Site from Fire, Water and Theft
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...
October 11, 2022
5 loss prevention methods for construction clients
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...
August 1, 2022
Construction Safety Professionals Struggle to Prevent Fall Hazards
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...
July 14, 2022
Managing Safety With Tablets and Smartphones at the Jobsite
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...