By Susan Finch
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 4,836 workers were killed on the job in 2015. Among those, 17 percent included fatal injuries involving contractors. Further, the census found that among the 937 fatal work industries in private construction in 2015 represented the highest total since 2008.
Reducing workplace injuries and fatalities starts with proactive prevention and a culture of safety. It’s not enough to simply advise workers on safety expectations and policies and then hope for the best. It takes careful planning and systematic training to reduce workplace injuries and prevent them from rising. Get started by looking for dangerous habits in the workplace. Here’s what to look for.
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By Gary L. Seider
Pipe shaft helical piles have the ability to provide a superior foundation solution during disaster recovery and resistance when compared to other deep foundation options. Preliminary results show that helical piles offer improved seismic resistance due to their slenderness, higher dampening ratios, ductility and resistance to uplift.
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By David Kung
The design of an architectural space has a direct impact on the way employees think and work within it. Today’s most innovative companies prioritize collaboration in workplace design in order to empower workers as meaningful contributors. In fact, these companies are five times more likely to prioritize both individual and collaborative group workspaces, according to a recent U.S. Workplace Survey by Gensler, the world’s leading global architecture firm.
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By Matt Stock
Fundamental to running a successful business is determining its path for growth and enrichment. Companies that rest on their laurels and remain stagnant for too long eventually erode and die. But, there’s no wisdom in growth just for the sake of growth. When are the best times to expand? Which risks are calculated versus careless? How soon should you expect to see a return on your investment?
Here are some things to consider and address before growing a business.
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Construction Today safety columnist Joshua Estrin is conducting a survey regarding the future of construction safety.
The short surveys, below, are completely anonymous and will allow you to share your expertise and insights by answering questions that will take no more than 10 to 15 minutes to complete. We encourage you to take ALL the surveys that apply.
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By Jim Salters
As the new year kicks off, most construction companies are laying out plans for the months ahead. While planning, it’s important to consider whether the company will need an injection of capital at some point throughout the year. This may serve to fulfill a budgeted need, but there should also be room for unexpected costs like hiring on staff when you suddenly land a new contract.
Taking some time to prepare for the search for capital can provide the flexibility and agility needed to act quickly and stay on the path towards growth. Here are a few key areas to consider:
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By John Rosmalen
Finding the right workers’ compensation insurance at an affordable price is a challenge for every general contractor. It is an especially difficult dilemma for independents in the trades and services industry. As independents, they are by and large subcontractors, and in many cases, one-person bands who are not obligated to maintain coverage. They are considered owners and operators because of their independence, which is why general contractor (GC) do not have to include them in their company’s workers’ comp coverage.
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By Roy Rasmussen
62 percent of homeowners planned to spend money on renovation in 2016, up 9 percent from 2015. This trend is projected to continue into this year. But renovation isn’t for everyone, and homeowners and prospective buyers often struggle with whether to renovate, build from scratch or buy the house of their dreams outright. If you’re a construction professional, part of your job is helping clients make this decision. Here are some factors to consider when clients are deciding to renovate, build or buy.
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By Joseph Truini
One of the very first — and most important — skills learned by construction professionals is how to use a portable circular saw. It’s a critical skill to master because workers rely heavily on the circular saw for making quick, accurate cuts during all phases of construction, from forming the foundation to framing the roof. While most contractors are circular saw experts, there’s always something new to learn and pass along to the next generation of construction professionals.
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By Michael J. Vardaro
As we embark on 2017, three trends in the construction industry will undoubtedly shape the industry. All eyes are turned to the impact of the President-elect’s infrastructure mandate and to what extent it will dominate the early part of his administration. This country’s infrastructure inventory is in dire need of work; how and when that work gets done remains to be seen. In addition, offsite construction technology and the design/build project delivery method will continue to transform projects.
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