Mastering Crane Safety on Your Sites

Why every superintendent needs rigging knowledge — even if they never touch a shackle By: Sean Fuller Cranes command a unique kind of respect on the jobsite. Few pieces of equipment carry as much risk when something goes wrong. According to the Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau, roughly 90% of crane accidents trace back to human error, not mechanical failure — improper communication between personnel, poor load planning and misjudged movement paths. That statistic should keep every superintendent sharp, because our role in crane safety isn’t about operating the equipment. It’s about knowing enough to make sure everyone else is … Read more

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Mental Health Matters on the Job

Recognizing the warning signs and how to respond By: Sidney Hawkins Demand for construction has never been higher. Cranes dot the skyline, crews work long hours and projects stretch years into the future. But behind the hard hats and deadlines is a growing crisis that does not show up in a project schedule, and it’s costing the industry more than it can afford to ignore. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. construction workers reported experiencing anxiety or depression in the last year, up from 54% just a year ago. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, construction workers face one of … Read more

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Tackling Burnout in Construction

How mental strain can increase safety risks in the field By Dan Lester Over the last 30 years, the construction industry has made significant strides in reducing jobsite injuries, which have declined 83% since 1995. Yet as the industry continues striving toward a zero-incident culture, it’s equally critical to prioritize psychological safety alongside physical safety to address a deeper, often hidden mental health crisis — one that affects not only workers’ personal lives, but also jobsite safety and performance. This is especially important given that construction workers experience higher rates of depression, substance misuse and suicide than many other professions. … Read more

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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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