The Threat from Below: Considerations for Subsurface Utility Mapping

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By Matthew Fitzgerald Every construction professional has been there at some point in their career — subsurface utility unknowns causing injuries, schedule delays, budget concerns, design updates or unhappy customers. Plagued by inaccurate and unreliable utility records and as-builts, the design and construction industry continues to see the negative impacts of underground unknowns. Imagine hitting a gas main next to a school or cutting off the oxygen to a hospital’s intensive care unit. What if a hidden set of trolley tracks suddenly derails your building schedule? Or you hit a decades-old fuel tank that was long forgotten until you find … Read more

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AI-Backed Security Monitoring Trailers Take on Broader, More Proactive Approach

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Construction site theft is a $1 billion per year problem and growing, according to a report from the National Equipment Register. With the cost of materials like lumber and copper at or near record highs, general contractors and builders cannot afford to take security lightly. Often, it is not the loss of materials that comes as the greatest hit to the budget, but instead it is interruptions in operational continuity. When it comes to protecting construction sites from an attack, a range of options from CCTV systems to 24-hour security guards are often deployed. However, CCTV security installations have typically … Read more

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Practice Ladder Safety All Year Long

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ladder deaths accounted for 161 on-the-job fatalities in 2020, the most recent year for which statistics are available. That same year, there were 22,710 ladder-related workplace injuries, an injury stat that has remained relatively constant over the previous several years. The American Ladder Institute recently marked National Ladder Safety Month, spreading the word about safe ladder practices, training opportunities and more. Because safety never takes a break, now is the time to take the lessons learned in March and carry them forward all year long. By continuing to follow ladder safety practices … Read more

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ViPER+ Accurately Tracks Workers’ Jobsite Location to Enhance Safety

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University of Houston computer scientists have developed a new system to keep construction workers safe at jobsites. Their findings and process are laid out in a study published in the research journal Applied Sciences. ViPER+ utilizes ultra-wideband technology for location tracking, and automates the monitoring of location-based safety policies and detects any violations of the policies while workers and equipment are working. The system surmounts challenges of other ultra-wideband-based, real-time safety monitoring systems primarily because it overcomes non-line of sight situations; e.g., when construction loaders and other equipment block the signal between the transmitter and receiver in ultra-wideband radio transmissions. … Read more

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Top 4 Ways Superintendents Can Eliminate Fall Hazards

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By Andy Wilkins Falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death and injury in the construction industry. Despite advancements in safety equipment and training, fall hazards persist, posing a significant risk to workers on construction sites. Therefore, superintendents must remain vigilant and committed to implementing effective safety measures to minimize the potential for falls. The following are the top four fall prevention strategies that can help to eliminate fall hazards on a jobsite, as well as improve OSHA compliance. 1. Prevent unauthorized roof access Limiting unauthorized access to rooftops is a critical first step in reducing fall … Read more

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