The Associated General Contractors of America unveiled a new study designed to improve the safety of construction workers as it announced that two-thirds of metro areas added construction jobs during the past 12 months. Association officials said the new safety study is designed to help construction firms prevent workplace fatalities and injuries. “We all share a common goal: getting to zero construction fatalities,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “This report offers the kind of data and recommendations needed to help construction firms achieve that goal.” The association unveiled the safety report at a time when construction employment is … Read more
Report Reveals Construction Worker Perceptions of Worker Safety
Much information about workplace safety and health comes from reports filed by employers. In 2015, the annual National Health Interview Survey included an Occupational Health Supplement – giving workers an opportunity to speak up about safety and health in their workplace. The CPWR Data Center recently analyzed the responses. Among the standout findings: More than 60 percent of American workers consider their workplace “very safe” – but fewer than half of construction workers think so. That’s the lowest number for any U.S. industry except agriculture. Construction workers were far less likely to enjoy workplace access to health promotion programs, such … Read more
Peters Brings Industry Perspective to Construction Safety Advisory Committee
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Andy Peters, AECOM’s senior vice president and chief safety officer, has been appointed to the United States Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. Peters will join a 15-member body that advises Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez on ways to improve workplace safety and health in the construction industry, as well as on related policy matters. Peters has helped to greatly enhance the culture of safety at AECOM. He has established programs such as “Safety for Life” and “Culture of Caring,’’ which include procedures aimed at helping AECOM meet its goal of … Read more
Sundt Wins W. Burr Bennett Award for Safety Excellence
The American Society of Concrete Contractors has honored Sundt Construction, Inc. with the 2016 W. Burr Bennett Award for Safety Excellence. The award, which recognizes one general contractor and one specialty contractor for placing the highest priority on safety, was presented at ASCC’s 2016 annual conference. “This is not only a reflection of Sundt’s positive safety culture at work, but its commitment to protecting each and every Sundt employee,” said Sundt Concrete Division Manager Stew Grauer. “Sundt put in more than 3.5 million hours in 2015 and had just a handful of recordable incidents.” Earlier this year, Sundt also won … Read more
When Temperatures Rise, So Can Construction Injuries
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