Ahead of this year’s Construction Safety Week 2025, Balfour Beatty announced a groundbreaking safety initiative recognizing live traffic as a fifth fatal risk in construction, which expands beyond OSHA’s long-established Fatal Four (falls, struck-by objects, electrocution and caught-in/between). According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are approximately 105,000 vehicle crashes in work zones resulting in approximately 42,000 injuries per year. The Department of Transportation also reports that approximately 900 people lost their lives in work zone crashes in 2024. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 94 to 143 construction workers per year lose their lives from vehicle incidents … Read more
DOL Finalizes Rule on Proper Fit Requirements for PPE in Construction
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment standard for construction. The final rule explicitly requires the equipment to properly fit any construction worker who needs it, improving protections from hazardous conditions. “I’ve talked to workers in construction, particularly women, who have spoken of personal protective equipment that didn’t fit or was simply unavailable at the jobsite in their size,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “PPE must fit properly to work. I’m proud of the broad support from both employers and unions for OSHA’s … Read more
CPWR Offers Resources to Help Protect Construction Workers from Head Injuries
Between 2021 and 2022, almost 450 construction workers suffered a fatal head injury, and another 11,600 had injuries severe enough to force them to miss work. The causes of these injuries take many forms, including being struck by a falling object or moving equipment; falling and hitting one’s head against an object or surface and coming in contact with overhead hazards, such as equipment or electrical wires. CPWR has developed materials that show how to protect workers from these injuries, including a new version of our guide to selecting head protection, a Hazard Alert Card and a Toolbox Talk, and … Read more
Paul Levin Promoted to Senior VP of Health, Safety & Environment at Sundt Construction
Paul Levin has been promoted to senior vice president of health, safety & environment at Sundt Construction. Levin, a 36-year construction industry veteran, has spent 29 years with Sundt, where he’s been instrumental in advancing the company’s safety program, while advocating for a new approach to safety throughout the construction industry. Throughout his tenure at Sundt, Levin has played a key role in earning the company 11 National AGC Safety Awards, including the CSE Grand Award twice. His work in safety excellence also garnered Sundt the American Society of Concrete Contractors W. Burr Bennett for Safety Excellence award on two … Read more
Confusion Over Safety Equipment Puts Workers at Risk
When it comes to worker safety, understanding the differences between various types of protective equipment is not just important, it’s critical. A new study conducted by J.J. Keller and the International Safety Equipment Association reveals alarming levels of confusion and misconceptions among professionals about head protection equipment, from hard hats to safety helmets. This confusion is dangerous, leading to improper use and, ultimately, a higher risk of injuries and fatalities on the job. According to the study, while 72% of respondents believed they understood the distinctions between different types of head protection, such as hard hats, safety helmets and bump … Read more