Survey Finds 46% of Americans Plan to Dig Without Calling 811, Risking Utility Disruptions, Hazards

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In observance of National Safe Digging Month in April, Common Ground Alliance has announced results from a recent national survey which found 27.2 million Americans planning digging projects in the next year will not contact 811, putting themselves and their communities at risk. Digging without knowing the location of underground utilities can lead to service outages, costly fines and repairs, and even serious injury or death. Accidentally striking gas, electric, communications, water or sewer lines can cause significant disruptions to homes and businesses. A free 811 request is available by calling 811 or submitting a ticket online. A dig request … Read more

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ICC Building Safety Month Campaign Kicks Off May 1

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The International Code Council’s month-long educational campaign, which raises awareness about the importance of building codes in establishing and ensuring the safety of the built environment, kicks off May 1. This year’s theme — “Game On!” — motivates people to get in the game and take part in learning about and practicing building safety. Each year, the Code Council, its members and global communities celebrate building safety through proclamations, educational events and community gatherings. Building Safety Month 2025 weekly themes are: Week One (May 1-3): “The Warm Up” Week Two (May 4-10): “Build Your Offense” Week Three (May 11-17): “Build … Read more

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(Hydro) Excavation Best Practices During Storm Seasons

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Practical tips to prepare for unpredictable weather conditions By: Dustin Rhodes Excavation jobs cannot always stop for unfavorable weather, and storms can lead to unpredictable conditions — including loose soil. Hydro excavation is a way to make excavation projects safer for jobsites, because loose soil is vacuumed out of the way into a debris tank. Not only does it minimize the need for manual labor, it allows workers to remain a safe distance from excavation sites. It also helps diminish the potential for trench collapse and displaced debris, because instead of using a shovel or backhoe to ascertain what lays … Read more

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Cold Weather Safety, Storm Preparedness

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A proactive approach to weather readiness on the jobsite By Jay Vander Leest This winter, the country has seen snow in literally all 50 states. And many of these areas are not as experienced as others when facing inclement winter conditions. Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Kraus-Anderson Construction understands winter weather introduces serious risks and unique challenges for construction workers both from an injury prevention, and OSHA-compliance standpoint — along with the importance of prioritizing cold weather preparedness by identifying and pre-planning for primary risk exposures associated with winter conditions. The basics Especially during nasty weather, it’s best not to perform outdoor activities … Read more

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ACPA Announces Safety Training for Contractors

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The American Concrete Pumping Association has announced its Coworker Safety Training program, scheduled to launch spring 2025. Designed for contractors who work with and around concrete pumps, the program aims to bolster safety and education for more than 56,000 concrete contractors across the U.S. The Coworker Safety Training program represents ACPA’s initiative to build a more educated, safer workforce not only for pumpers, but also for the contractors and others working on concrete pumping job sites. Developed in collaboration with the American Society of Concrete Contractors, Coworker Safety Training fills critical gaps in safety training on job sites and provides … Read more

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