Western Specialty Contractors Provides Safety Tips to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

LOUIS, Mo. – Summer is a great time for construction work, but a brutal time for construction workers. Excessive heat and sun exposure pose significant dangers, such as sunburn, dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Every year, construction workers become ill on the job and some even lose their lives due to heat exposure. To protect its workers from the extreme summer heat, Western Specialty Contractors manages a heat illness training program and a safety hotline for its employees. As part of the program, training is provided to all employees and supervisors who work in high temperatures. Training … Read more

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AGC Recognizes Superintendent Steve Garrett

The Associated General Contractors of Washington recently recognized Steve Garrett, a superintendent in Seattle, Washington, as Superintendent of the Year. Whether he’s coordinating with the Seattle Department of Transportation to reduce neighborhood traffic congestion around his project, creating co-training/drilling opportunities for Turner and the Seattle Fire Department, mentoring young carpenters through the Carpenters Union or coaching his sons’ soccer teams (they are four and seven) Garrett’s family, friends, managers and co-workers know he’s passionate about safety. One such person is Jeremy Taylor, safety director for Turner’s office in Seattle. “What consistently impresses me about Steve is how he questions conventional … Read more

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Best Practices: How to Promote, Maintain a Healthy Work Culture

By Todd Sachse As construction professionals, we spend a lot of time on the process–the technical, logistical and operational details that keep a project moving smoothly and lead to successful outcomes. One piece of the puzzle often overlooked is culture. A healthy work culture can improve communication, increase job satisfaction, boost efficiencies, minimize downtime and, ultimately, make your jobsites safer, more collaborative and more productive. It’s important to recognize that culture isn’t an abstract notion, but a practical, tangible and meaningful piece of the professional lifestyle. There is a direct connection between a positive and productive work culture and a … Read more

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Bethancourt Earns 2017 Safety Professional of the Year Award

The American Society of Safety Engineers announced that Jeremy Bethancourt, a professional member and government affairs chair of its Arizona chapter, has been selected as ASSE’s 2017 Edgar Monsanto Queeny Safety Professional of the Year. He plays a leading role in getting billboards posted throughout Arizona to bring attention to the dangers of distracted driving, the hazards of heat stress and the annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. Bethancourt is director of safety, health and training for LeBlanc Building Co. Inc. According to the society, he “has developed a reputation as a tireless advocate for workplace safety, serving … Read more

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Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention Membership Grows

PRINCETON, N.J. – After the July 2016 Centers for Disease Control report showed construction is one of the most at-risk industries for suicide, more than 30 key organizations have pledged support of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention. Formed less than one year ago by the Construction Financial Management Association, the mission of the alliance is to provide and disseminate information and resources for suicide prevention and mental health promotion in construction. CFMA President & CEO Stuart Binstock said, “We are humbled by the industry’s strong support of this initiative to save the lives of our most valued resources … Read more

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