Raffi Elchemmas chats with UTHH to talk about construction safety of the past and present, and how mental health awareness can reshape the future.

Latest health and wellness

8 Best women’s work boots 2024
August 20, 2024
Timberland Pro, CAT Echo, Double H Women’s Haddie, and LaCrosse Women’s Alpha Thermal are some of the best women’s work boots of 2024.

NYC focus on construction worker ODs highlights an epidemic
August 19, 2024
Substance abuse-related deaths are at an all-time high in the construction industry, but New York City officials are trying to reduce deaths through education.

Nira app sheds light on infrastructure
August 16, 2024
Nira is a collaborative platform that can render massive 3D assets for greater interactivity, web-based inspection, and review from multiple devices.

LVXP collaborates with AECOM for NBA-ready arena in Las Vegas
August 16, 2024
Real estate firm LVXP and design firm AECOM are set to produce a 27-acre world-class, mixed-use facility in Las Vegas, featuring a luxury resort, casino, and a new NBA franchise.

Bridging the construction skills gap, brick by brick
August 15, 2024
Addressing the skills gap in construction requires a mix of short and long-term strategies, including training programs, apprenticeships, and government initiatives.

Chemical exposure and hearing loss in construction
August 14, 2024
When combined with loud and constant noises common to construction sites, exposure to certain chemicals can lead to auditory damage.

Building better mental health in the construction industry: Understanding the gut-brain axis
August 14, 2024
Dietary decisions and lifestyle choices directly influence gut health and mental health via an intricate network called the gut-brain axis.

CAT’s new 973 track loader adds power and AI
August 13, 2024
CAT’s new 973 track loader is more powerful, maneuverable, intelligent, and fuel-efficient than before.

Värde Partners and David Weekley Homes join forces for land banking venture
August 13, 2024
A global investment firm and a home builder recently announced a joint venture to bank residential land in high-demand U.S. markets.

Protecting skilled trades workers from silica exposure
August 12, 2024
Construction workers are often exposed to silica dust, which can lead to lung cancer or silicosis. Protect yourself with these tips.

Kyowa Kirin to build $530 million facility in NC
August 12, 2024
Japan-based pharmaceutical company Kyowa Kirin recently announced plans to build a new biologic facility in Sanford, NC.

Maryland and other states crack down on work zone speeding with steeper fines
August 12, 2024
Maryland doubles work zone speeding fines to improve safety, responding to a fatal I-695 accident. Fines can now reach up to $1,000 to deter dangerous driving.

Honolulu begins work on $174M wastewater project
August 9, 2024
Upgrades to the Sand Island bioconversion facilities will boost efficiency and capacity. They are scheduled to be completed in October 2028.

Tough love: Cory Fisk talks about soft skills in a hard industry
August 9, 2024
Cory Fisk provides insights on the crucial role of soft skills in the construction industry, highlighting the need for effective communication, leadership, and awareness.

Solving the worker shortage, one employee at a time
August 8, 2024
Showing respect, offering perks and benefits, and providing growth opportunities are a few ways to improve employee retention in the construction industry.

Blood pressure is high in construction: 6 healthy habits to lower it
August 7, 2024
Regular physical activity, good sleep, a healthy diet, and implementing a bedtime routine are habits that can help reduce blood pressure.

UTHH top picks: Best protein powders for construction workers 2024
August 7, 2024
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein and Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate are some of our top picks for the best protein powders of 2024.

Making mining safer: FIRSTGREEN reveals remote-operated electric skid steers
August 6, 2024
FIRSTGREEN’s remote-operated electric skid steers enhance mining safety and productivity with zero emissions and advanced features.

Construction on $1.5B Rivian factory in Georgia paused
August 6, 2024
Rivian’s $1.5B Volkswagen deal boosts EV software, cuts costs, and supports launching affordable R2/R3 models, enhancing production and market reach.

Business spotlight: Canvas robot revolutionizing drywall installation
August 2, 2024
San Francisco-based construction robotics firm Canvas’ robot drywall finisher makes installing and finishing drywall easier and more efficient.

Downtown Orlando welcomes new $500M mixed-use project
August 2, 2024
The Westcourt Orlando 8.43-acre mixed-use project is scheduled to break ground in late 2024 just North of the Kia Center in downtown Orlando.

On the path to construction: The rise of women safety consultants
August 1, 2024
Women in construction safety face challenges like harassment and lack of mentorship. Support and networking can empower success and drive industry progress.

Alberta feeling pressure from construction labor shortages
August 1, 2024
Aging infrastructure, booming population growth, and a rapidly retiring workforce spell labor woes in Alberta.

Struggle with chronic work-induced pain? Try these natural pain management techniques
July 31, 2024
Meditation and mindfulness, acupuncture, hot/cold therapy, and exercise are natural ways to reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life.

6 off-the-job breakfast ideas you need to try
July 31, 2024
Burritos and sandwiches and smoothies—oh my! These mouth-watering breakfast recipes are a great way to fuel your day.

Reduce job site plastic use with these 8 reusable water bottles
July 30, 2024
Yeti, Healthy Human, Stanley, and Hydro Flask offer durable and insulated water bottles to stay hydrated on the construction site.

Tutor Perini gets $48 million Alcatraz renovation contract
July 30, 2024
Tutor Perini landed a $48.6 million renovation contract for Alcatraz that’ll make it safe for the more than one million annual visitors.

Are stricter regulations needed for interior gas line removal work?
July 29, 2024
The May 28 gas line explosion in Youngstown showed the pitfalls of untrained workers removing natural gas lines. More regulations on such work are needed.

The KX080-5: Kubota’s newest and largest excavator
July 24, 2024
Kubota’s new KX080-5 compact excavator improves in-cab comfort and operation and features a two-pump load-sensing hydraulic system for smoother attachment operation.

New Hilti Nuron power tools 2024
July 23, 2024
The SC 6WP-22 Plunge Saw, SIW 10-22 3/4-Inch High-Torque Impact Wrench, and SF 10W-22 Drill Driver are a few new tools from Hilti’s Nuron lineup.

Feeling hot, hot hot: What you need to know about heat stress and how to avoid it
July 22, 2024
With summer headed our way, it’s crucial to understand the dangers of heat stress and how you can prevent it.

CVD rates in construction are high—adding cocoa to your coffee might help your heart
July 19, 2024
Coffee contains more than 100 bioactive compounds that mitigate inflammation and fight oxidative stress to improve heart health, and adding cocoa amplifies these benefits.

Cordish Companies unveils $1.4 billion Petersburg project
July 17, 2024
The Cordish Companies announced a $1.4 billion mixed-use development in Petersburg, VA, including a casino.

Suicide rate among construction workers hits crisis levels: ‘We have to watch out for each other’
July 15, 2024
The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries, the CDC said.

12 Home Depot tools for the DIYers in your life
July 12, 2024
The SKIL JS314901 6 Amp Corded Jigsaw and Milwaukee Tool 7-inch Billet Torpedo Level are some DIY-friendly tools available at Home Depot.

Construction workers are dying from suicide at an alarming rate
July 11, 2024
The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates among professions, with an estimated 6,000 construction workers dying by suicide in 2022.

B.C. construction labor shortage good for workers
July 11, 2024
A shortage of construction workers in British Columbia is increasing wages and impeding contractors’ ability to take on new projects.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act protects workers with pregnancy-related conditions
July 10, 2024
The new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act helps employees with pregnancy-related health conditions by offering reasonable accommodations at work.

Construction sector adds 27,000 jobs in June
July 9, 2024
According to a press release from ABC, the construction industry added 27,000 jobs on net in June, plummeting unemployment to its lowest recorded rate.

8 global megaprojects on the go in 2024
July 9, 2024
Plant Vogtle nuclear plant, JFK airport expansion, Nusantara, and Navi Mumbai International Airport are just a few megaprojects ont he go this year.

Check out the best new tools Milwaukee has to offer
July 8, 2024
The M18 Fuel 6-1/2 Inch Circular Saw, M18 Compact 1-Ton Chain Hoist with One Key, and M18 FUEL™ Duplex Nailer are some of the newest tools from Milwaukee Tools.

Worker receives $900k settlement for busted hip
June 28, 2024
Allowing hazardous construction site conditions ruined a young union operating engineer’s hip, damaging his livelihood, and cost those he sued $919,000 for injuries.

Work on billion-dollar Pittsburgh hospital tower halted
June 27, 2024
Pittsburgh city officials have paused work on a 900,000 SF hospital tower due to a lack of building permits, putting over 100 workers temporarily out of work.

Families of workers killed, injured at U of Chicago Hospital sue
June 27, 2024
Families of one ironworker killed, and another injured due to falls suffered in high winds on a Chicago construction site are suing two defendants for negligence.

NTSB preliminary report on Youngstown explosion released
June 26, 2024
The NTSB’s preliminary report on the fatal gas explosion in Youngstown answered some questions regarding the blast that killed one and injured nine others.

140k contract led to gas explosion killing 1, injuring 7
June 25, 2024
A small-dollar contract to remove and relocate utility lines in Youngstown led to a fatal gas explosion. The incident is currently under investigation by NTSB.

Ontario contractors expect robust growth in 2024
May 27, 2024
The annual Ontario Construction Secretariat Survey found Ontario contractors are hopeful about the upcoming year and expect business growth.

Skanska wins $861-million contract to transform major seaport into offshore wind ports
May 22, 2024
Skanska has locked down an $861M contract to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into one of the country’s largest offshore wind ports.

Fern Hollow Bridge lawsuits target Pittsburgh and three engineering firms
May 21, 2024
Survivors of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse are suing three prominent engineering firms and the city of Pittsburgh for negligence.

Fire safety for construction sites
May 21, 2024
Fire safety in the construction industry involves proper fire training, regular safety meetings, fire safety procedures, situational awareness, and learning from mistakes.

New tools you’ll want on your job site
May 20, 2024
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL high torque impact wrench and the Bosch GDX18V-1860CN Professional are a couple of new tools you’ll want on your job site.

OSHA rule change on employee representation is effective May 31
May 17, 2024
A controversial rule change allowing a non-employee to represent employees during an OSHA walkthrough investigation takes effect May 31.

Work paused after piece of metal falls at Boston worksite
May 16, 2024
Work has halted at Boston’s South Station construction site after a steel concrete form fell more than 20 stories, damaging windows but causing no injuries.

Meet Bobcat’s newest brand ambassador
May 15, 2024
Entrepreneur, handyman, home renovation expert, and all-around funny guy Chip Gaines was named Bobcat’s newest brand ambassador in hopes of inspiring DIYers.

Kubota partners with MLB Toronto Blue Jays
May 15, 2024
Canada is the home of many great construction projects, and a partnership between Kubota and the Toronto Blue Jays aims to keep Kubota’s brand visible here.

PCL Construction one of Fortune’s top 100 places to work
May 15, 2024
Based largely on employee feedback, PCL Construction Enterprises was named Fortune’s Top 100 Places To Work for the second year.

BMO Centre expansion is nearly complete, opening set for June
May 14, 2024
The BMO Centre expansion morphs the venue into a modern entertainment and convention spot. The facility is now an updated pillar of the Arts District.

STACK Construction Technologies announces STACK Assist AI feature
May 14, 2024
STACK’s construction management platform now has AI-generated Takeoff abilities through its STACK Assist feature.

ESA Powerline Safety Week is approaching
May 13, 2024
Powerline Safety Week is May 13-18. Workers can stay safe by identifying powerlines, staying 3 meters away from overhead powerlines, and staying alert.

7 money saving tips for contractors
May 13, 2024
Contractors’ profits are often thin. Avoiding activity lags, using local suppliers, avoiding scope creep, and using tech can help contractors boost profits.

Teaching kids their AECs: 10 construction books for kids
May 13, 2024
Want to teach your child about construction? Pete The Cat: Construction Destruction and Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site are two books to start with.

Atlanta welcomes new $30M boutique hotel
April 30, 2024
The $30 million Chambray Hotel is Atlanta’s new boutique hotel featuring 1,300 square feet of flexible meetings and events space, a 24-hour market, and a fitness center.

Fall safety violators targeted by OSHA
April 25, 2024
OSHA has cracked down on fall safety violators and is taking contractors to task over safety violations, sometimes even forcing compliance.

Emerging risks outlined in survey
April 25, 2024
A report from HKA highlights the state of construction disputes around the world—most of which are completely preventable.

Ontario to ban discriminatory job posting requirements
April 25, 2024
Ontario’s government is introducing legislation to help foreign-trained candidates compete for jobs fairly by banning Canadian work experience requirements.

Blackline Safety Corp wins $2.7 million job with U.S. energy provider
April 25, 2024
Blackline’s tech features, including broad real-time connectivity, wearable devices, enhanced safety features and more, led to it winning the large contract.

Storing your tools just got smarter with these wall storage systems
April 24, 2024
Pegboards, steel and magnetic storage units, and French cleats are a few wall storage systems that will organize and simplify your tool searches.

8 best women’s work boots 2024
April 24, 2024
Timberland Pro, CAT Echo, Double H Women’s Haddie, and LaCrosse Women’s Alpha Thermal are some of the best women’s work boots of 2024.

How to attract construction workers to remote job site locations
April 23, 2024
Incentivizing work, advertising location benefits, and offering more work hours are ways to attract workers to infrastructure projects in remote locations.

Keeping workers amounts to three letters: P-A-Y
April 23, 2024
Construction companies complain about poor worker retention while wages stagnate or decrease. Higher pay and more opportunity will solve this problem.

Upgrades to MetLife Stadium in preparation for 2026 World Cup
April 23, 2024
Renovations on MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced in January 2023 and are set for completion in May 2025.

Bobcat expands construction product lineup
April 23, 2024
Bobcat’s newest commercial products include forklifts, industrial air compressors, turf renovation equipment, and portable power products.

RENCO blocks provide a lighter and simpler building solution
April 23, 2024
RENCO USA is revolutionizing building construction with lightweight structural blocks for building structures up to five stories.

These new technologies are modernizing the U.S. energy industry
April 23, 2024
From oilfields to 3D modeling and digital twins, new technology and methods resulting from it are upgrading the U.S. energy sector.

Build a winning team with these 5 psychological safety tips
April 18, 2024
Encourage psychological safety among employees by asking for opinions and openly discussing issues. This will bring innovation, lower safety incidents, and more.

Hitachi opens new sustainable HQ in Georgia
April 18, 2024
Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas’ new sustainable headquarters in Georgia utilizes sustainable practices and reuse principles to optimize energy efficiency.

32% of homes are new construction but market is still tight
April 18, 2024
Newly constructed homes were up 32% last year, and the boom continues. U.S. government figures attest to the strength.

Price escalation clauses protect contractors and homeowners
April 18, 2024
COVID-19 impacts on the supply chain brought volatile materials costs not easily absorbed by contractors or owners. Price escalation clauses can protect both.

Unveiling the hidden hurdles: 5 challenges women encounter in construction
April 18, 2024
Ill-fitting PPE, workplace bias, workplace culture, and harassment are some of the biggest challenges women face when entering the construction industry.

Construction backlog declined to 8.1 months in February
April 18, 2024
Contractors are losing confidence in the backlog of work they are facing, according to a recent ABC members’ poll. The biggest contractors have taken the biggest hits.

Cutting down on cannabis use on job sites
April 18, 2024
Cannabis is legal in many states. Random drug tests, encouraging communication, and providing access to resources are easy ways to reduce job site cannabis use.

Stadium projects at a glance
April 18, 2024
CPKC Stadium, Rogers Centre, and Scotiabank Arena are a few stadiums undergoing renovations in North America in 2024.

Health woes plaguing construction workers—and how to prevent them
April 18, 2024
Lung diseases, mental health issues, hearing impairment, and cardiovascular diseases are some of the major health concerns plaguing the construction industry.

Infrastructure upgrades must be addressed
April 18, 2024
U.S. infrastructure is in deplorable shape, but technology exists that is helping to solve this problem.

Tips for getting into the skilled trades
February 29, 2024
A career in the trades offers flexibility, variability, and learning opportunities—but it’s also a high-stress environment with long work hours.

Top 5 causes of construction litigation—and how to avoid them
February 28, 2024
Nonpayment, failure to meet contractual terms, and workplace injuries are some of the most common reasons for construction litigation.

Crane safety becomes a focus for WorkSafeBC after multiple incidents
February 28, 2024
WorkSafeBC initiatives aim to identify and eliminate unsafe work practices and equipment hazards after multiple tower crane incidents in the province.

Working in construction is stressful—Here’s how to manage it
February 21, 2024
Deadlines, budgeting, and physical demands are the most common causes of stress among construction workers—proper nutrition and sleep can help manage stress.

Hydration roundup: Top electrolyte products to keep you hydrated on-site
February 21, 2024
Looking to stay hydrated under the hot summer sun? NUUN, LMNT, Tailwinds Nutrition, and Cymbiotika are a few of our favorite electrolyte drink picks.

Top 8 supplements for construction professionals to improve sleep quality
February 21, 2024
Melatonin isn’t the only sleep aid. Tart cherry, valerian, GABA, chamomile, and CBD are science-backed alternatives that may improve sleep quality.

Is your hard hat a relic?
February 12, 2024
Check the expiration date on your hard hat and never use a hard hat that is expired. Most hard hats are good for up to five years, but yours might need to be replaced sooner.

Your guide to apprenticeships in the skilled trades
February 12, 2024
Apprenticeships are a form of post-secondary education that combines on-the-job training and in-class learning in the trade of your choice.

Nutrient-rich foods for construction workers: Should you eat organ meats?
February 12, 2024
Beef liver, heart, kidneys, and other organs are nutrient-dense meats that can boost brain health, energy, and muscle growth for construction workers.