67% of highway contractors report that motor vehicles had crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. In response, association officials have launched a new radio and media campaign urging drivers to slow down and remain alert in highway work zones. “There are simply too many cars crashing into too many work zones, putting too many lives at risk,” said Brian Turmail, the association’s national spokesman. “That is why we are launching a nationwide outreach effort designed to better … Read more
General Contractor Guides Vision for Customized Female-Fitting Safety Vests
When it comes to personal protective equipment on construction sites, one size doesn’t fit all. Women shouldn’t be asked to compromise their safety by wearing unisex vests, gloves or goggles that are too large. It’s unsafe and unfair. That’s why Skanska has set out on a mission to help provide new, custom-built PPE for this growing part of its workforce. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the number of women working in construction trades increased by 17.6% between 2017 and 2018. And while PPE designed for a female’s body does exist, it’s not overly popular or widely used. … Read more
Pure Safety Group Introduces Checkmate TR3 Tripod
Pure Safety Group has introduced the Checkmate TR3 Tripod, used as personal protective equipment to access workers and provides fall protection in confined space environments. The tripod features an innovative new crown and foot design that makes it stronger yet more lightweight than other tripods. The tripod meets OSHA standards, exceeds ANSI standards and will be CSA-certified. The TR3 tripod legs lock in the open position automatically during use and easily disengage for folding, and are adjusted for proper height with captive pins. Detent pins secure them to the tripod using PVC-coated keeper wires. The tripod’s pivoting spiked feet and … Read more
OSHA Partners with Skanska USA Building Inc. to Promote Workplace Safety
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Skanska USA Building Inc. have established a strategic partnership to promote workplace safety during the expansion of the Christiana Care Health System Women’s and Infant Tower Renovation Project in Newark, Delaware. The partnership seeks to educate workers about how to control or eliminate serious hazards, and to establish effective safety and health programs during the construction of a 385,000-square-foot new patient tower at the hospital. Through the Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA works with employers, employees, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other interested stakeholders to establish specific goals, … Read more
ABC Report: Safety Best Practices Can Make Construction Companies 680% Safer
Associated Builders and Contractors released its 2019 Safety Performance Report today, an annual assessment that furthers the construction industry’s understanding of how to achieve world-class safety through its STEP Safety Management System. Published in conjunction with Construction Safety Week, the report documents the dramatic impact of using proactive safety practices to reduce recordable incidents by up to 85%, making the best-performing companies 680% safer than the industry average. “ABC’s fifth annual report on the use of leading indicators, such as substance abuse programs and toolbox safety talks, confirms that high-performing ABC members have safer construction jobsites,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC … Read more