Changes in climate and weather patterns around the world are shattering records every day. Somewhere in our own backyard, today may be the driest, the wettest, the coldest… and the hottest. During the summer months, extreme heat is no stranger to many parts of the U.S. But even in the northern states, temperatures can rise dramatically, taking a toll on anyone, particularly those who make their living outside on construction sites. As a result, superintendents, foremen and project managers are using every opportunity to keep workers safe. Some projects are inherently more challenging than others; for example, pouring hot asphalt … Read more
Is Your Crew Scaffold Savvy? Best Practices for Scaffolds, Temporary Works and Working Platforms
Fall protection is the most frequently cited OSHA violation. And for construction workers, falls are the leading cause of death according to the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration. In addition, an estimated 2.3 million construction workers, or 65 percent of the construction industry, work on scaffolds. In a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics study, 72 percent of workers injured in scaffold accidents attributed the accident either to the planking or support giving way, or to the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object. All of these accidents could have been controlled by compliance … Read more
Preparing for Extreme Weather on the Jobsite
How to safeguard lives, materials By Chris Schmidt Jobsite safety and turning out a quality project are, hands down, the top two priorities for construction superintendents. And managing this in the midst of extreme weather is no exception. From hurricanes and tornadoes, to flooding and heat indices in the triple digits, superintendents must consider Mother Nature’s fickle temperament on a daily basis. Construction Superintendent recently surveyed construction personnel in an informal poll about how best to prepare for and manage weather-related construction challenges this time of year. When asked about the common and no-so-common challenges of extreme weather, and how … Read more