risk management
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...
October 1, 2024
Hurricane Helene Brings Catastrophic Flooding and Damage to Multiple States
After making landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region, Hurricane Helene sped inland with a path of devastation, bringing historic flooding, millions of power outages and causing more than 90 deaths in multiple states. Coming ashore as the strongest hurricane on record to hit the Big Bend region of Florida, Helene...
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...
September 24, 2024
Preventing Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Age discrimination, or ageism, in the workplace involves treating an applicant or employee unfavorably because of their age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits age discrimination against those aged 40 or older in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training and benefits. Some states also have laws...
September 16, 2024
Ensuring Proper Workplace Ergonomics
October is recognized as National Ergonomics Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the purpose of this yearly initiative is to raise awareness of and help reduce occupational injuries caused by poor workstation design. Ergonomics is the science of fitting a workspace to an individual’s needs to increase efficiency while reducing...
September 11, 2024
Preparing for the Fall and Winter Virus Season
During the fall and winter months, respiratory viruses tend to spread more widely. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were the main causes of severe respiratory disease during these times of year. Although some people have mild symptoms when they catch the flu or RSV, others get sick enough to...
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 27, 2024
The Risks of Severe Convective Storms
Severe convective storms can cause injuries, infrastructure damage and significant financial losses for businesses and their commercial properties. Often accompanied by hail, flooding, strong winds, lightning and abrupt temperature shifts, they are among the costliest types of natural disasters, according to industry research. To reduce potential losses and improve safety, employers should understand the risks...
August 22, 2024
Recent and Upcoming U.S. Supreme Court Cases Employers Should Monitor
In its 2023-24 term, the U.S. Supreme Court issued several consequential decisions that will likely have a significant impact on employers. These cases involved federal agency power, discrimination until Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII), whistleblower retaliation and arbitration. The Supreme Court’s next term, which starts Oct. 7, 2024, will also decide...
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...