CGA DIRT Report Highlights Concerning Levels of Damages to Buried Utilities, Signals Need for Industry-Wide Changes

Common Ground Alliance recently published its 2024 Damage Information Reporting Tool Report. The latest analysis reveals that the CGA Index, which measures year-over-year damage trends, rose from 94 in 2023 to 96.7 in 2024, signaling that the industry is moving in the wrong direction in reducing damages to buried utilities. The annual DIRT Report provides the most comprehensive accounting of damages to buried power, water, fiber, natural gas and other utility lines in the U.S. and Canada. This year’s report analyzed 196,977 unique damage reports from 2024, finding that despite organization-level success stories and sector-specific improvements, the industry is not … Read more

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Concrete Foundations Association Announces 2025 Projects of the Year, Professional Awards

The Concrete Foundations Association unveiled the winners of the 2025 CFA Projects of the Year and Professional Awards. The honors were presented during the recent 2025 CFA Concrete Foundations Convention held in Deadwood, South Dakota. The awards ceremony, which coincided with CFA’s 50th-anniversary celebration, recognized excellence and innovation across the industry. “Each year, we see an incredible increase in both the number and diversity of submissions for our Projects of the Year awards,” said James Baty, executive director, Concrete Foundations Association. “The creativity, craftsmanship and dedication of our members continue to raise the bar, and we are thrilled to celebrate … Read more

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US Department of Labor Urges Safe Practices During Trench, Excavation Work

Following a recent series of trench collapses in the Midwest, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is urging workplaces to take the necessary steps to safeguard workers from well-known industry hazards that can be prevented when the required protections are used. Soil can be heavy — one cubic yard can weigh as much as a car — so it is important to know and test the type of soil at every worksite before work begins. Large amounts of rain can impact soil and significantly increase the weight, causing it to become more hazardous and likelier to … Read more

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Survey Reveals 79% of Construction Firms Report Heat-Related Incidents, Escalating Temperatures

A new survey commissioned by Perry Weather reveals extreme heat is creating critical safety and efficiency vulnerabilities on construction sites. The report, “Under Pressure: How Extreme Heat Is Reshaping Construction Safety,” found that nearly eight in 10 U.S. construction leaders reported heat-related incidents at their jobsites in the past year. The findings reveal a growing crisis where rising temperatures are costing companies millions in delays, turnover and safety risks. The survey of 250 construction leaders, conducted by independent research firm TrendCandy, exposes the financial and human costs of rising temperatures. Key findings indicate a systemic challenge impacting projects from start … Read more

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New NFPA Study Spotlights AI Adoption, Training Trends in Skilled Trades

The National Fire Protection Association released findings from its third-annual industry survey conducted at the NFPA 2025 Conference & Expo. The survey highlights how people across the skilled trades are viewing industry changes and where their fields are headed, against the backdrop of persistent labor shortages and growing demands fueled by infrastructure investment and technological advancement. “The skilled trades are at a turning point: rising safety hazards, rapid technology adoption and an unprecedented demand for training are reshaping how work gets done,” said Jim Pauley, president and CEO at NFPA. “Leaders must understand how these forces are affecting skilled professionals. … Read more

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