safety

September 11, 2025

The Impact of HVLS Fans on Fire Protection

High-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans are large ceiling fans designed to rotate slowly and efficiently while moving significant amounts of air across vast spaces. They have become increasingly common in various types of commercial buildings, especially warehouses, factories and gymnasiums. HVLS fans differ from traditional ceiling fans due to the extended diameter of their fan blades...

August 27, 2025

Navigating Wet Weather and Walking Surfaces

Wet weather can create dangerous walking surfaces both indoors and outdoors, presenting serious slipping hazards for you and your co-workers. These surfaces may stem from various weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, sleet, ice or hail. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to ensure safe walking surfaces when wet weather strikes on the...

August 26, 2025

OSHA Urges Safe Trench and Excavation Work Practices

Construction projects involving trench and excavation operations present life-threatening risks to employees. Following a recent series of trench collapses in the Midwest, OSHA has issued a trade release urging workplaces to take the necessary steps to protect workers from trenching and excavation hazards. With 11 trench-related fatalities reported in 2025 so far, employers must recognize...

August 5, 2025

Participating in OSHA’s Annual Safe and Sound Week

Safe and Sound Week is an annual campaign conducted by OSHA and other safety organizations. It will take place from Aug. 11-17 this year. This event aims to recognize the successes of workplace safety and health programs across the country and provide additional resources to help organizations and their employees kick-start or improve upon occupational...

July 8, 2025

5 Strategies to Bolster Occupational Safety in an Aging Workforce

As the workforce ages, employers must adapt to ensure the safety and productivity of their older employees. Many baby boomers are delaying retirement or reentering the workforce, so the number of employees aged 55 and older is rising. While these workers bring valuable experience and engagement to their roles, they also face unique safety challenges...

June 12, 2025

Workers’ Compensation Insurance Midyear Market Outlook

The workers’ compensation insurance segment has been an outlier compared to other lines of commercial coverage, with most policyholders encountering softening conditions and modest rate decreases for nearly a decade. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), strong reserves and manageable claims frequency and severity helped generate an average combined ratio of 91...

May 8, 2025

OSHA Extends Outdoor and Indoor Heat-related Hazards National Emphasis Program

OSHA issued a notice in January that it would extend the effective date of its Outdoor and Indoor Heat-related Hazards National Emphasis Program (NEP) until April 8, 2026. Originally, this NEP was set to expire on April 8, 2025. OSHA states its review of this NEP shows success in identifying and targeting industries with employee...

April 29, 2025

National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction Set for May 5-9, 2025

OSHA and several key partners are teaming up to host a National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction. This event is scheduled for May 5-9, 2025, across the country and aims to raise awareness of fall hazards. Its efforts seek to stop fall fatalities and injuries. What Is a Safety Stand-down? A safety stand-down...

April 21, 2025

National Work Zone Awareness Week: A Critical Reminder for the Construction Industry

Each April, the nation observes National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW)—a time to recognize the critical importance of safety for roadway workers and motorists alike. For professionals in the construction industry, this week serves as both a solemn reminder and a call to action: work zones save lives when managed correctly, but they can also be high-risk...

April 3, 2025

April Marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month

The National Safety Council designates April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This annual campaign is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage drivers to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel. Distracted Driving Overview The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines distracted driving as any activity that may divert a...