When the Jobsite Heats Up

5 ways superintendents can prevent heat-related illness, keep crews safe By Scott Risch Across the United States, project sites and their superintendents deal with a consistent set of heat-related challenges and health risks from heat exposure, regardless of region or project size. But heat illness is predictable, and doesn’t happen suddenly, which is why there are preventable solutions that can lead to faster recognition and response. Five ways superintendents can prevent heat-related illness and keep crews safe this summer include team training, proactive planning, site setup, leading by example and technology. Training: the deadly gap Most employers check a box … Read more

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Sun Safety on the Jobsite

Simple steps to reduce year-round UV exposure By Chris Maday Schmidt You’re preparing for another day on the job. The forecast calls for an overcast sky, so you grab your usual gear — hardhat, gloves, protective eyewear, lunchbox, a day’s supply of water — and head out the door. But before you step outside, there’s one more question worth asking: have you planned for sun exposure? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 3.3 million people in the United States develop over 5.4 million nonmelanoma skin cancers each year, making it the most common form of cancer in the … Read more

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Building Healthier Futures: 7 Ways Superintendents Can Protect Crews from Opioid Misuse

By Dr. Nzinga Harrison Across the United States, the overdose crisis is claiming lives at a staggering pace. The pandemic intensified this public health emergency, and construction workers remain among the most vulnerable. In just one five-year span, construction employees made up only 7% of the workforce but accounted for 15% of all workplace overdose fatalities. These aren’t just statistics – they represent real people: friends, family members and crew members. For superintendents, who are closest to the daily realities of the jobsite, the question is clear: what can you do today to protect your crew? The answer doesn’t lie … Read more

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Creating a Culture of Care

4 tips superintendents can use to foster mental health in the field By Melissa Allen When talking about safety in construction, most people think about hard hats, harnesses and fall protection. But the truth is, the greatest risk facing our industry isn’t always visible. Statistics paint a sobering picture; construction workers are five times more likely to die by suicide than from a work-related injury. One in five adults in the United States live with mental illness and 23% report feelings of depression or anxiety. These aren’t just numbers; they’re coworkers, friends — and sometimes, even ourselves. As someone who … Read more

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3 Tips to Avoid Project Delays: Fall Prevention, Planning + Raising Awareness

By Philip Jacklin Time is of the essence on construction sites. Labor shortages, supply chain constraints and trade partner miscommunications are just a few factors that can contribute to delaying project timelines. While difficult or uncomfortable to discuss, jobsite injuries are also a significant contributor to project delays. Falls are the most common cause of injury and fatality to occur on the jobsite. In 2020 alone, more than 210,000 workers missed at least one day of work because of fall-related injuries, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since most falls are preventable, it stands to … Read more

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