Report Findings Call Attention to State of Mental Health in Construction Industry

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As the pandemic continues to impact the economy and mental health of many workers, construction experiences the second highest rate of suicide among major industries. A new survey of the construction workforce from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Center for Workplace Mental Health, the Construction Financial Management Association, CSDZ and Holmes Murphy, calls attention to this issue and offers insights. The online 20-question survey was launched in March 2021, and was answered by 1,175 respondents. It was distributed in all regions of the country by the four sponsoring organizations, along with state chapters of national construction trade associations, labor unions … Read more

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2020 DIRT Report Reveals Damage Prevention Challenges Continue Amidst Global Pandemic

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Common Ground Alliance has released the findings from its 2020 Damage Information Reporting Tool Report. The report analyzed all 2020 data submitted voluntarily by facility operators, utility locating companies, one call centers, contractors, regulators and others from the U.S. and Canada using an in-depth statistical modeling process. The results of this analysis found that an estimated 468,000 excavation-related damages to underground facilities occurred in the U.S. in 2020. Construction activity was down 4.2% in 2020 from 2019 as measured by construction spending and adjusting for steep inflation in building materials and supplies that occurred in 2020, according to the report’s … Read more

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Three Part Harmony: Understanding Your Power Tool System

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Is your power tool pairing with its battery and battery charger? The Power Tool Institute says if all three are made by the same manufacturer and designed to work together as a system, then the answer is yes. But, if you’re using a third-party battery or an adapter that purports to allow battery-switching between brands, the answer is a resounding no. You might wonder why choosing only batteries designed to match the tool system matters. But when you look inside, you see that it gets to the very heart of what makes a power tool run safely and efficiently. Power … Read more

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OSHA Promotes Safety Stand-Downs during Suicide Prevention Week to Combat Surge in Construction Worker Suicides

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While the hazards most often associated with workplace deaths in the U.S. construction industry – falling, being struck-by or crushed by equipment or other objects or suffering electrocution are well-known – a recent study finds that another potential killer is taking lives at an alarming rate. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that men working in construction have one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries. Their rate of suicide is about four times higher than the general population. While the CDC continues its research to understand the disparity, the U.S. Department of Labor’s … Read more

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Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health to Meet Aug. 11

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U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds stakeholders that the next meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, Aug. 11. Attendance at this meeting will be virtual only. Register to attend the meeting. Once registration is approved, OSHA will send individuals an email with information on how to join to connect. Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jim Frederick will offer remarks and provide agency updates. The meeting will also include OSHA Directorate of Construction industry updates, a discussion on … Read more

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