Mental Health Matters on the Job

  • Posted on

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

Filed under: eNews, SafetyTagged with: ,

Tackling Burnout in Construction

  • Posted on

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

Filed under: eNews, SafetyTagged with: ,

When the Jobsite Heats Up

  • Posted on

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

Filed under: eNews, SafetyTagged with: , ,

Sun Safety on the Jobsite

  • Posted on

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

Filed under: eNews, SafetyTagged with:

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

  • Posted on

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

Filed under: eNews, SafetyTagged with: ,