US Department of Labor Urges Safe Practices During Trench, Excavation Work

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Following a recent series of trench collapses in the Midwest, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is urging workplaces to take the necessary steps to safeguard workers from well-known industry hazards that can be prevented when the required protections are used. Soil can be heavy — one cubic yard can weigh as much as a car — so it is important to know and test the type of soil at every worksite before work begins. Large amounts of rain can impact soil and significantly increase the weight, causing it to become more hazardous and likelier to … Read more

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SEAA Recognizes 2025 Award Winners for Safety and Craft Training Excellence

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The Steel Erectors Association of America announces the winners of its 2025 Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence Awards. The awards highlight member companies who demonstrate exceptional performance in workplace safety and the training of ironworkers. Awards were presented at SEAA’s 2025 Convention & Trade Show held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “This year’s recipients demonstrate what’s possible when safety and training are treated as top priorities,” said Jason Farris, chairman of SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. “Their commitment to safety and workforce development is essential for the future of our trade. These are companies that lead by example, invest in their … Read more

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Balfour Beatty Recognizes Live Traffic as Fifth Fatal Risk in Construction

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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

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DOL Finalizes Rule on Proper Fit Requirements for PPE in Construction

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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

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CPWR Offers Resources to Help Protect Construction Workers from Head Injuries

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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

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