As construction firms rely more on technology to manage projects, there is an emerging risk for the industry: the cyber intrusion threat. Much new construction machinery is computerized, and most design, engineering and construction firms are using some form of cloud computing. They are also increasingly using electronic platforms to manage projects, which are ripe […]
Each year, hundreds of construction workers suffer shock when handling electrical tools and equipment. One of the big problems in understanding the dangers of electrical shock is the mistaken belief that only high voltages kill. It’s not the voltage that’s lethal, but the amount of current that passes through the body. The condition and placement […]
As a business owner, you could be held liable for the actions of other peoples’ employees. U.S. employment law has long recognized that workers may have an employment relationship with multiple entities at the same time. That means your company could get stung with OSHA fines, Title VII discrimination claims and other actions that arise […]
You should never hire an unbonded subcontractor on a construction project, unless you want to put your organization at significant financial risk. If the contractor you hired fails to perform their work as specified in the contract, without a performance bond you have no means of recovery from the company. Also, if the subcontractor fails […]
There are a number of construction segments that are exposed to crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and even death. Workers who typically have the largest exposure to silica include those in: Cement and concrete or stucco operations, Abrasive blasting, Jack hammering, Rock and well drilling, Brick and block cutting, and Tunneling operations. What are […]
One of the biggest headaches for contractors is equipment and tool theft, as thieves regularly raid worksites after hours or steal tools from parked vehicles. They can make away with tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment, and in serious cases it can result in project delays and workers unable to do their jobs. […]
Work-related stress claims cost U.S. companies $200 billion to $300 billion a year, according to the American Institute of Stress. Stress can result in a number of secondary mental and physical illnesses and direct physical injuries, which directly affects health care costs, worker productivity — and can even result in workers’ compensation claims. In fact, […]
Advancements are making construction workplaces safer thanks to innovative new designs that learn from the past and the weaknesses of equipment that has been used in construction for decades. Construction firms that don’t keep up with the latest in safety devices are missing an opportunity to save lives, reduce workplace injuries and avoid costly workers’ […]
Large construction projects involving multiple contractors are ripe for claims and if your company is involved in such an enterprise, one of your top priorities needs to be risk mitigation. With the specter of property damage, material losses and workplace injuries looming large, especially when there is more than one employer on a site, it […]
Annual Insurance Reviews are Crucial to Growing Businesses One of the biggest mistakes owners of growing businesses make is not keeping up their insurance coverage to account for the expanding assets and potential liabilities. Let’s say you started your business 10 years ago with just a small space and computer desk. Today, you have an […]
