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: ,

Creating a Culture of Care

  • Posted on

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

Filed under: eNews, SafetyTagged with: , , ,

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

  • Posted on

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

Filed under: eNews, SafetyTagged with: , , , ,

OSHA Holds National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls

  • Posted on

On May 7, Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling joined more than 1,800 construction workers, employers and other stakeholders at the National Institutes of Health work site in Bethesda, Maryland for OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls. Similar stand-downs were held at worksites across the country. During these events, employers pause normal work activities and lead employees in toolbox talks or other activities such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Falls from heights continue to be the leading cause of fatal injuries in construction. “The fact is, workers and employers should be … Read more

Filed under: News, SafetyTagged with: ,