6 ways superintendents can help prevent jobsite theft By Janan Guillaume Construction theft is a serious problem that negatively impacts jobsite productivity and profitability. Based on recent FBI data, statistics show that almost 12,000 construction site thefts occurred in 2022, with loss estimates ranging from $300 million to $1 billion annually. Unfortunately, most stolen items are never recovered. While difficult to quantify, the total impact of construction theft is even greater when the hidden costs are considered, including jobsite delays and work stoppages. A study conducted by two East Tennessee State University professors and presented at the 2019 ACS International … Read more
OSHA Switches from Traditional Hard Hats to Safety Helmets
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is replacing traditional hard hats used by its employees with more modern safety helmets to protect them better when on inspection sites. In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported head injuries accounted for nearly 6% of non-fatal occupational injuries involving days away from work. Almost half of those injuries occurred when workers came in contact with an object or equipment while about 20% were caused by slips, trips and falls. Dating back to the 1960s, traditional hard hats protect the top of a worker’s head but have minimal side … Read more
Stay Compliant in 2024 + Beyond
Navigating inspection, recertification standards for fall protection By Phil Jacklin In the challenging field of work-at-heights, compliance with inspection and recertification standards isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s pivotal for ensuring worker safety and organizational resilience. And, as a superintendent, it’s important you’re in the loop about these vital regulations. Understanding fall protection inspection standards The following inspection standards are fundamental for maintaining equipment integrity and ensuring the safety of your crew on the jobsite. For this reason, many of these practices are required for compliance with consensus standards, including the ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Code Package. In addition, … Read more
MindForge to Host Virtual Q&A Session on Safety Management
MindForge, a software platform streamlining communication for the construction industry, will host a free virtual Q&A session 4:30 ET Tuesday, Feb. 6 on safety management. In this 30-minute session, MindForge founder Stokes McIntyre will get the dirt from Taylor Murray, division manager, safety for Danella, on what it takes to get the job done safely and on time. On the agenda: how project specs can impact safety, how he spots an onsite leader, his toughest lessons learned and his thoughts regarding communication onsite. For more information or to register for the session, visit https://www.mindforge.live/huddle-session. About MindForge MindForge is a software … Read more
Falls and Ladder Misuse Fill Three of OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations
It’s a streak no one should be happy about. For the 13th year in a row, fall protection (general requirements) is OSHA’s No. 1 safety violation. Additionally, ladders came in third and fall protection (training requirements) was eighth in the agency’s annual list of its Top 10 violations. The list was revealed this fall at the National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo and covers fiscal year 2023. By the numbers, Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501) racked up 7,271 violations in that time, Ladders (1926.1053) had 2,978 and Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) had 2,112. Three violations in … Read more