Construction

Pregnancy increases the risk of heatstroke or heat exhaustion on the job because the body must work harder to cool itself, according to OSHA. Pregnant workers are also more likely to become dehydrated, “a primary contributor to heat-related illness.”

Arlington, VA — Nearly 2 out of 3 highway construction contractors say motor vehicle crashes have happened in work zones under their firm’s operation in the past year, according to a new survey.

Washington — Engagement of top management and substance misuse prevention programs are among four essential safety best practices of construction industry employers, Associated Builders and Contractors says.

Boston — Workers in Massachusetts who reported a job-related injury in the past 10 years were 35% more likely to have died of an opioid-related overdose, the state’s Department of Public Health says.

New York — Although deaths at New York City building construction sites fell to their lowest level in nearly a decade in 2023, work-related injuries rose 25%, reports the city’s Department of Buildings.

Portland, OR — Responding to the 19 fatal falls involving construction workers in the state since 2018, the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences has issued a hazard alert.

In Episode 51, the S+H team examines content from the May issue, including a feature story on five reasons why falls in construction have remained persistent, and what to do about it. Also, National Safety Council senior consultant Richard Flynt joins the podcast to discuss the four weekly themes of National Safety Month – coming in June.

Waltham, MA — The higher outdoor temperatures climb, the more likely it is that a worker will be injured, according to a recent study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

Silver Spring, MD — Thirty-nine workers died while performing trench/excavation work in 2022, up from 15 in 2021, according to a new report from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training.

Washington — The National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction kicks off May 6.