Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Construction

  • Families of workers killed, injured at U of Chicago Hospital sue

    Families of workers killed, injured at U of Chicago Hospital sue

    The families of one ironworker killed and another injured at the University of Chicago Hospital construction site are suing Turner Construction Company and Adjustable Forms Inc. for negligence. 

    The first lawsuit was filed on behalf of Jeffrey A. Spyrka, an ironworker who fell over 100 feet when a scaffold at the University of Chicago Hospital’s new cancer center project failed in high winds. A second lawsuit, filed for the family of David O’Donnell, a technical engineer who suffered fatal injuries in the fall, was also filed in mid-June.

    Partners of the Chicago-based law firm GWC Injury Lawyers, Louis C. Cairo, Louis Anthony Cairo, and Michael D. Fisher represent both lawsuits. They seek redress for the workers’ deaths and/or injuries. The Spyrka lawsuit names Turner Construction Company, alleging that the GC failed to take appropriate safety measures to ensure the scaffold system that surrounded all sides of the core of a new building was safely and properly erected.

    The Spyrka lawsuit alleges that Turner caused scaffold work to continue at great heights on the building’s exterior when high winds were known to be occurring. The suit says these dangerous conditions were ignored, risking the safety of the men working on the scaffolding.

    The Spyrka lawsuit also names Adjustable Forms, Inc. as a second defendant. The company built a concrete form pouring system with a trailing scaffold set up 20 feet below the form pouring section but improperly built the scaffold system. 

    The suit alleges that the scaffold was so shoddily built that the corners could separate and move under any condition, especially the pressure of high winds. According to the lawsuit, an Adjustable Forms representative assured workers that the scaffold system raised to the 9th floor was safe to work on despite weather conditions. 

    David O’Donnell was the last worker to reach the scaffold, stepping onto it and briefly talking with Spyrka and another Ironworker near the southwest corner of the scaffold. Soon after, a gust of wind separated the southwest corner of the scaffold, causing the southerly scaffold section to swing violently away from the wall. Spyrka and O’Donnell were tossed over eight stories to the ground.

    Spyrka, 36, and his wife, Ashley, have been married for eight years. They have three children under six years old. He has extensive experience as a Local 1 Ironworker and has an impeccable safety record. 

    “The fact that Jeff survived this fall is nothing short of a miracle and a testament to the fine medical doctors who are treating him 24 hours a day in ICU at the same hospital where this horrific work accident occurred,” stated a press release from the law firm. “Nonetheless, he has suffered life-altering, catastrophic injuries as a result of this fall.”

    “The Spyrka family is thankful that those efforts have saved Jeff’s life, although they mourn the loss of David O’Donnell, who was a friend, a building trades brother, and an amazing young man,” GWC said. “For years, David worked side by side with countless Ironworkers doing the layout work for their trade work. His passing is mourned by the members of both those in the Technical Engineers division of his Local 130 union, as well as the many Ironworkers in IW’s Local 1.”

    Jeffrey Spyrka, pictured with his family, survived a fall from scaffolding on June 6 while working on a construction site at the University of Chicago Hospital.

    O’Donnell, 27, is survived by his parents, David and Christine O’Donnell, and his brothers, Brendan (32), Kevin (26), and Patrick (20). O’Donnell was trained as a technical engineer in the Apprentice Training Program with Local 130 and has since worked for his father’s company.

    David O’Donnell, 27, died after being thrown from scaffolding more than eight stories to the ground.

    “He has been groomed by his boss/father/dear friend, Dave Sr, to ultimately take over the company business. Dreams and aspirations have been shattered in the O’Donnell family as a result of this incident,” the GCW Law firm press release said.

    Turner Construction did not answer requests for comments on this story. Lombard, IL.-based Adjustable Concrete did issue a statement.
    “We are aware of the recent filings and continue to be deeply saddened to learn of this accident. We offer our sincerest condolences to the loved ones of those affected. Safety is integral to what we do, and Adjustable Concrete is partnering with Turner Construction to support a full investigation into this matter alongside the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We are deeply grateful to the University of Chicago Medical Center doctors and all first responders involved,” Eric Lindquist, PE, President of Adjustable Concrete, said in a statement on the accident.

  • 140k contract led to gas explosion killing 1, injuring 7

    140k contract led to gas explosion killing 1, injuring 7

    A $140k contract to remove and relocate utility lines under a mixed-use building in Youngstown led to a May 28 fatal gas explosion that killed one and the evacuation of nearby buildings, displacing businesses and residents. That small contract, issued by the city of Youngstown to Youngstown-based GreenHeart Construction, could result in millions of dollars in damages for injuries and property losses due to the explosion.

    The blast happened after a small construction crew removed utility lines in the building’s basement and made three cuts into a gas line that was thought to be abandoned and inactive. After the third cut, the crew realized the line was still pressurized with gas and that the situation was dangerous. They alerted the building’s occupants, including residents in apartments and employees of a Chase Manhattan Bank on the first floor, to evacuate.

    One worker pulled the fire alarm, as well. But the building wasn’t fully evacuated when the blast occurred. The explosion killed Chase employee Akil Drake, 27,  and injured seven others.

    NTSB investigates explosion

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the blast and will release preliminary findings by early July. NTSB officials said the full report could take one to two years to complete.

    It’s clear that the culprit in the devastation was the still-pressurized gas line being removed in the Realty Tower’s basement. A three-man crew cut it, releasing gas and leading to the explosion shortly after.

    “The explosion apparently occurred approximately six minutes after the line was cut,” said Tom Chapman, an NTSB board member.

    Depending on the conditions on the worksite at the time of the accident, noise or dust might have prevented the workers from knowing there was a problem when the first cut was made. Also, the smell of gas might not have immediately been a warning. One former plumber said it may have taken until after the third cut for the workers to realize there was a problem.

    “Removing gas lines is a situation in which you expect to smell some gas,” said retired master plumber Jim Gerard of Plum, PA.

    Multiple parties culpable

    At this point, it is unclear who is blameworthy for the explosion. More than one party may be responsible, and even if only one party seems accountable, others will likely have to pay those who were hurt or whose businesses or properties were damaged by the explosion.

    Chapman said that the gas line that caused the explosion was a service line coming off the main line. He noted that the NTSB’s role is to determine the facts regarding the blast, not to determine negligence.

    While gas explosions of such a magnitude as the Youngstown blast are not common, Chapman said, “this is particularly catastrophic. The damage to the building is devastating.”

    NTSB video footage of the Realty Tower shows a hollowed-out structure with little remaining on the first floor. Piles of rounded rebar-studded concrete rubble top mounds of cement dust littering the floor, and a long hunk of rusty pipe sticks up like a skewed flagpole.

    It resembles a scene of devastation, as seen in war footage. But a simple few ill-placed cuts into a gas line caused it all to happen, killing Chase Manhattan Bank employee Akil Drake.

    Contractor trustworthiness in question

    The contractor involved in the work leading to the accident has a questionable history. Its reported work history at the Realty Building doesn’t include any work permit for the construction work that led to the blast.

    According to WKBN, no building permits were issued for the utility line removal work at the Realty Building. The last permit issued to contractor GreenHeart Construction for work on the building was in 2020.

    An engineer’s report issued by Youngstown Deputy Director of Public Works Chuck Shasho said the ground floor of the Realty Building collapsed in several places, along with the elevator shaft. Several of the building’s columns are now precarious, braced only by a single steel beam. The situation is so bad that it has caused the partial abandonment of downtown Youngstown. That is undoubtedly a prudent move.

    The engineer’s report recommended closing all buildings within a 210-foot radius of the Realty Building. At the time of the report’s release, some nearby buildings had already been emptied. It appears that the blast could disrupt downtown activity for months.

    Within that 210-foot radius, buildings include the Doubletree Hotel and International Towers, a residential building housing seniors. The report also recommended maintaining a hazard zone around the building until it’s braced or razed.

    According to documentation uncovered by The Youngstown Vindicator, on April 25, the Youngstown Board of Control approved a $140,133 contract with GreenHeart to remove utility lines from under the sidewalk in front of the building and relocate them in the basement. Those lines included water, electrical, gas, sprinkler lines, furnace water tanks, and data and phone lines.

    “I don’t know why they were cutting a gas line. They obviously thought it was dead,” said Charles Shasho, Youngstown’s Deputy Director of Public Works. 

    YO Properties 47 LLC, which owns the Realty Tower, issued a statement through its legal counsel, Bryan M. Ridder, stating: “YO Properties 47 LLC, in cooperation with the relevant governmental agencies, is investigating how and why this explosion happened. Pending this investigation, YO Properties 47 LLC will not be making any future public statements.”

    According to The BlueBook, GreenHeart Companies, based in Boardman, OH, is a general contractor with 20 years of experience in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company does residential and commercial construction, including malls, plazas, and freestanding single-use buildings. It has worked for Dollar Tree, Dunkin Donuts, and Stonebridge Restaurants. It also performs manufacturing and distribution facility construction, warehouses, apartment buildings, hotels, hospitals, and assisted care facilities.

    First lawsuit filed

    Drake’s family has filed a lawsuit over his death. One of their attorneys, Ben Whitman of Clark Fountain law firm in Florida, said other claims resulting from the catastrophe, such as injury and property claims, do exist. He wouldn’t speculate on how large a settlement might occur if his clients win the lawsuit, saying you can’t put a price on a human life.

    “Our understanding is that [Akil] was trapped and passed away,” Whitman said.

    Clark Fountain attorneys Don Fountain, Julie H. Littky-Rubin, and Ben Whitman filed the suit on behalf of some of Drake’s family, including Traesha Pritchard, Drake’s sister. She said in a statement, “Our family is devastated by Akil’s death. He was a wonderful son, brother, boyfriend, and community member who was innocently doing his job when this preventable tragedy took him from us.”

    The lawsuit was also filed on behalf of Sharnette Crite-Evans, Drake’s mother.

    The suit has many defendants, including but not limited to YO Properties 47, LLC, LY Property Management LLC, of Youngstown; GreenHeart Companies LLC, of Boardman, OH; the East Ohio Gas Company, of Cleveland; Enbridge Elephant Holdings, of Houston; Enbridge Alternative Fuel, of Columbus, OH; Dominion Energy Incorporated, of Richmond, and others.

    GreenHeart did not return requests for comments on this story. YO Properties 47, LLC also didn’t respond to requests for comment. LY Property Management declined to comment.

    Mathew Stoddard, a personal injury attorney based in Atlanta, said the costs of this and other lawsuits could be significant.

    “When there’s a natural gas explosion, the results tend to be catastrophic…We had a client who was injured in that way and died several months later,” said Stoddard. “Natural gas is an extremely dangerous product that’s highly explosive.”

  • Ontario contractors expect robust growth in 2024

    Ontario contractors expect robust growth in 2024

    The Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) 2024 Contractor Survey found plenty of ongoing and future projects have Ontario contractors hopeful for a busy year ahead. 

    While increasing materials and labor costs are still a big concern for Ontario contractors, about two-thirds of those surveyed expect positive business growth this year.

    “There is a massive project pipeline in Ontario that is fueling positivity,” OCS chief executive officer Robert Bronk said. “Power generation, transit, and healthcare facilities are leading the list of projects currently under construction or slated for construction over the next few years in every region of the province.”

    Sixty-five percent of respondents surveyed said hiring workers will be more challenging this year. About half of them (48%) said their biggest worry this year will be getting skilled workers on the job.

    Nonetheless, 34% of those surveyed expect their workforce to grow in 2024.

    “Despite a mostly positive outlook for ICI construction in 2024, the rising costs we are all facing remain a concern,” Bronk said. “But it is encouraging that despite this worry, there are still strong expectations for growth and expansion over the coming year, with many contractors implementing new technologies to help create efficiencies and support business success.”

    More than eight in ten (83%) of respondents expect that adopting new tech will help them improve their businesses in the future. About 44% of respondents said they use BIM, and 43% use job site data collection apps.

  • Skanska wins $861-million contract to transform major seaport into offshore wind ports

    Skanska wins $861-million contract to transform major seaport into offshore wind ports

    Swedish construction giant Skanska has been awarded an $861-million contract to transform the 73-acre South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) in Brooklyn, New York, into one of the country’s largest dedicated offshore wind ports. It will support the 810-MW Empire Wind 1 project currently being developed by Equinor ASA 15-30 miles off New York.

    Award: Marine terminal transformation

    Contract value: $861 million

    Location: Brooklyn, New York

    Client: Equinor

    As a leading global constriction and development company, Skanska will leverage its civil infrastructure and building expertise to support the construction process for the low-emissions facility. 

    The project is extensive and Skanska’s involvement will include:

    • Demolition of existing buildings
    • Ground improvements to support wind turbines 
    • Underground utility installation 
    • Upgrades to site lighting, security, and safety systems
    • Installation of two new heavy-lift crane pads 

    Significant waterfront and marine upgrades will also occur, including dredging new and existing berths, bulkhead upgrades, and installing new wharf and dock facilities. Skanska will also participate in constructing a brand-new 85,000-square-foot operations and maintenance building that features a warehouse, office, and parking facilities.

    “We are proud to play a role in the transformation of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which will transition a historic feature of Brooklyn’s waterfront into an industry-leading offshore wind port,” said Richard Kennedy, EVP, President, and CEO for Skanska in the U.S. “This project underscores Skanska’s commitment to building sustainable infrastructure, and this state-of-the-art facility will provide New York City with clean and alternative energy, as well as serve as a national model for renewable energy hubs.”

    When complete, SBMT will be an essential infrastructure for the Empire Wind 1 project, facilitating the reception, storage, and pre-assembly of critical offshore wind turbine components. The port will serve as the operational and maintenance hub for the wind farm and act as the point of interconnection to integrate power from the wind farm into New York’s electricity grid at Brooklyn’s Gowanus Substation.

  • Fern Hollow Bridge lawsuits target Pittsburgh and three engineering firms

    Fern Hollow Bridge lawsuits target Pittsburgh and three engineering firms

    A dentist, former bus drivers, and other survivors of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse are suing the city of Pittsburgh and three prominent engineering firms for negligence. The suits claim the four parties are responsible for not fixing decades-long issues with the bridge, which collapsed on January 28, 2022.

    Lawsuits claim incompetence

    Former Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus driver Daryl Luciani and his spouse are two of several plaintiffs involved in these lawsuits. They were filed on behalf of nine plaintiffs who named the city of Pittsburg and its consultants and engineering firms Larson Design Group, Gannett Fleming Inc., and CDM Smith Inc. defendants.

    Dr. Clinton Runco, a dentist traveling on the bridge when it collapsed, is also suing the city with his wife Irene (who was not present at the collapse). Runco was on his way to work when the bridge collapsed and plunged his car into the chasm, where it hit the hillside beneath the bridge and rolled before stopping. He broke his neck, sternum, and several of his ribs in the accident.

    Runco’s attorney, Jason Matzus, said the evidence in this case is clear.

    “The engineering companies’ incompetence, coupled with the city’s inaction, created a recipe for disaster. Collectively, over 15-plus years, the defendants watched the Fern Hollow Bridge rot, crumble, and deteriorate until the inevitable happened—it collapsed,” Matzus said.

    When contacted for comment on the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Pittsburgh’s mayor said the city had no comment due to pending litigation.

    Engineering powerhouses under fire

    Larson Design Group, Gannett Fleming Inc., and CDM Smith did not return calls for comment on this story. The three firms are well-known in the construction world and collectively have over 200 years of corporate history. Given their history and reputation, their involvement in this matter is shocking.

    CDM Smith is a 75-year-old Boston-based firm with 5,000 employees. In 2023, the company had $1.3 billion in revenue.

    Larson Design Group is a Williamsport, PA-based firm that has repeatedly been ranked among the nation’s top 300 design firms. The company had $75 million in revenue in 2022.

    Founded in 1915, Gannett Fleming employs about 1,900 people and had revenues of $483 million last year.

    Matzus said that the defendants’ failure to fix the bridge before it collapsed on its own put thousands of people’s lives in jeopardy for many years.

    “You’re talking about national and international engineering firms… They promise the best service, but Fern Hollow Bridge is a damning indictment of that,” Matzus said. “It’s appalling to think that professionals who were well paid did their work so poorly and with such a disregard for public safety.”

    Municipal cap on damages

    When these lawsuits are settled, the engineering firms may hold the compensatory bag for a collapse that was arguably primarily Pittsburgh officials’ fault. Due to a Pennsylvania statute, plaintiffs in this collapse, if they win, can only receive $500,000 in total damages, meaning all plaintiffs would receive a share of that total amount.

    Such a statute is meant to protect cities and municipalities from insolvency resulting from lawsuits. But it also shields incompetent public officials from paying heavily for near-fatal mistakes, Runco said.

    “That $500,000 cap incentivizes carelessness and disregard… These organizations [like the city of Pittsburgh] are capable of buying insurance to manage their risk,” Matzus said.

    How much of a payout can taxpayers expect these plaintiffs to get? Matzus said that it was at least in the millions of dollars for the compensatory verdict part of the case. Punitive damages also could be awarded, he added.

  • Fire safety for construction sites

    Fire safety for construction sites

    Fire prevention is one of the most important factors in job site safety. Proper training, in-place fire procedures, and situational awareness are key strategies for reducing and preventing fires on construction sites. 

    Liberty bridge fire

    While under rehabilitation, the fire at Liberty Bridge in 2016 prompted an investigation that closed the project for 24 days. Not only did it create headaches for contractors, but it also created hassles for commuters. 

    The blaze started when sparks from a welder’s torch ignited plastic tubing [and tarps on and beneath the bridge. Post-investigation, officials said the bridge was moments from collapsing before the fire was contained. 

    The lesson: Though no injuries resulted from the fire, it could have easily been prevented had workers implemented a fire safety plan. 

    Fire safety plans can prevent flames

    In a case like the Liberty Bridge fire, having the right fire safety plan—including more than one plan of action if a fire occurs—could have prevented the blaze. Greater situational awareness could also have prevented the blaze. For example, if workers had taken notice of flammable material in an area where torches were used, the fire could have been avoided.

    When it comes to fire safety, planning is critical.

    Proper safety planning and environmental awareness among workers can prevent on-site fires. Even when they can’t, having the correct procedures will save lives.

    Here are some of our top tips for preventing job site fires. 

    6 tips for work site fire safety and prevention

    1. Implement fire prevention training

    Every person on a job site should be trained in the codes, regulations, standards, and best practices of having a solid fire prevention plan. The National Fire Protection Association’s 241 standard helps safeguard construction and demolition work from fire.

    2. Include fire prevention in safety meetings

    Safety meetings should include fire safety as well as machine safety. Identify work areas more prone to fire and devise fire prevention plans in the event a fire breaks out. 

    Remind workers of fire hazards and have safety devices like fire extinguishers readily accessible. Workers should also be encouraged to speak up about potential fire hazards seen in the workplace.

    3. Set fire procedures

    Devise multiple fire evacuation routes in the event of a fire. Have a plan of action for notifying authorities and set a worker chain of command to follow during an onsite fire.

    4. Teach workers situational awareness

    Remind workers they are crucial to preventing fires. Teach them to stop, look around, listen, and smell throughout their shift. 

    Being aware of your surroundings is vital to preventing accidents. Heightened awareness means they won’t miss any environmental clues that a fire has started or could be about to start.

    5. Use technology to prevent or stop fires

    Almost all workers have cell phones that can be used to take photos when a fire hazard is spotted. It’s then their duty to inform management. Technology is also critical to a fire safety plan—mainly to notify authorities and co-workers. 

    6. Learn from mistakes

    Fires of all sizes happen on worksites, but most are caught before extensive damage. Learning from mistakes is key to preventing future issues. 

    Mistakes caught in time are excellent teaching moments for employees to evaluate the situation and what could have been done differently—what was done wrong, what was done right, and how the blaze might have been prevented. Analyzing failures can devise better procedures.

    Wrapping up

    Fire prevention on a construction site involves proper training and devising preventative measures to avoid fires, including properly staging materials. It means teaching workers to spot fire hazards before they happen and report them when they see them. It also involves planning to respond safely to fire emergencies and teaching workers how to respond appropriately.

  • New tools you’ll want on your job site

    New tools you’ll want on your job site

    From more ergonomic designs to faster-acting tools and more power, manufacturers serving construction sites are constantly updating and improving their tools. The M18 FUEL™ ½” High Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring, the Skil 7-1/4 IN. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw, and the Bosch GDX18V-1860CN Professional Impact Driver/Wrench are three new tools that can increase efficiency, productivity, and results on your job site.

    M18 FUEL™ ½” High Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring

    Billed by its maker as the most powerful impact wrench in its class, the M18 FUEL™ ½” High Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring from Milwaukee Tools offers maneuverability in tight spaces and provides faster removal speeds. With up to 1,200 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1,600 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque when paired with M18™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ batteries, this wrench is more powerful than its predecessor. 

    Product features

    • Battery isolation system that controls vibration while providing a secure battery connection
    • LED lights surrounding the anvil for brighter light
    • 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL™ offers greater precision with a range of pre-set RPM and IPM levels, selectable from a single button on the tool
    • To prevent overtightening, AUTO SHUT-OFF™ control’s Mode 4 enables the user to apply no more than 50 ft-lbs of torque for hand-tight fastening applications
    • The ½” Friction Ring design enables quick and tool-free socket change

    Skil 7-1/4 IN. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw

    Workers are always searching for lighter and more efficient tools—and Skil has done it with their new circular saw. Pairing unmatched durability with lightweight ease, the new Skil 7-1/4 Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw is just 12.5 lbs. without the blade, cord, and wrench, making it easier to use for long periods. Less fatigue means less downtime and more productivity. It also features:

    Product features

    • Dual-Field™ motor designed for saws to increase cooling and extend the tool’s life
    • A die-cast magnesium foot with a large, easy-to-read bevel and depth-of-cut scales
    • A 24-tooth Diablo carbide blade (included)
    • Bevel allows for a wide variety of cuts
    • STAY TRUE™ guarantee: 180-day money-back guarantee plus a one-year limited warranty

    Bosch GDX18V-1860CN Professional Impact Driver/Wrench 

    This 18V Connected-Ready Two-In-One 1/4 In. and 1/2 In. Bit/Socket Impact Driver/Wrench from Bosch Tools is a two-in-one cordless impact driver/wrench that provides a single tool for use with bits and sockets. You can easily dial back the tool’s power with three speeds and torque settings. It also features AMPShare™ System—a unique design that enables multi-brand compatibility across many cordless products.

    Product features

    • Advanced modes offer preset and custom modes that help prevent workplace and fastener damage
    • The Auto Bolt Release feature stops rotation when there’s no load to prevent accidentally dropping nuts and bolts during removal
    • Connectivity allows you to link to a connected device with Bosch Toolbox App to customize settings, create custom modes, and get feedback
    • The brushless motor delivers up to 1,860 In/lbs. of torque and up to 4,100 ipm for professional power
    • Covered by a five-year limited warranty
  • Work paused after piece of metal falls at Boston worksite

    Work paused after piece of metal falls at Boston worksite

    Work on a condo tower being erected at Boston’s South Station was halted for less than a week after a steel concrete form fell and smashed windows on the structure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating but hasn’t released its findings yet.

    Suffolk Construction Company has been contracted for a 51-story mixed-use project that includes office, residential, and parking spaces. The tower is being built directly above Metro Boston Transit Authority’s South Station rail and bus terminal.

    The large piece of steel fell more than 20 stories before becoming lodged in the South Station commuter rail platform roof. No injuries were reported.

    Suffolk Construction announced that it had agreed to halt work on the project while investigators investigated the matter. Work resumed six days after the steel fell. It is still unclear what caused the steel, which was described in some reports as a steel concrete form, to fall, damage the building, and lodge itself into the roof of the MBTA South Station.

    Falling objects are common in construction

    While workers and commuters navigating Boston’s South Station construction site dodged a bullet when a large piece of steel recently fell from the under-construction tower, this isn’t an uncommon occurrence on construction sites.

    Falling objects are common. Although not always fatal, OSHA noted that some incidents do lead to fatalities. 

    The reason: Lack of proper worker training, incorrect use of tools or equipment, and malfunctioning equipment are sometimes the causes of these dropped objects.

    Other reasons for potentially deadly drops of materials include:

    1. Improperly securing tools

    2. Wrongly stacking tools, equipment, or materials

    3. Inadequately securing loads on a boom, crane, or hoist

    4. Not using safety devices designed to stop falling debris and objects

    5. Operating in poor working conditions (especially wind)

    Tips to reduce injury from falling objects

    To lower the chance of injury from falling objects, there are a few steps workers can take.

    1. Always wear PPE, including helmets, goggles, and hard-toe boots

    2. Never walk or stand under heavy equipment, such as beneath a front loader, hoist, or crane, particularly when it’s loaded

    3. Use the proper safety equipment for the job you are doing

    4. Never stack materials or objects too high

    5. Inspect equipment and tools before using them

    6. Never use faulty equipment or tools

    7. Secure tools and equipment properly when the workday is over

    8. Block off areas where fall hazards may exist

    9. Inspect PPE before using it to confirm it meets manufacturers’ recommendations

    10. Keep all material a minimum of 3 feet from a leading edge

  • Kubota partners with MLB Toronto Blue Jays

    Kubota partners with MLB Toronto Blue Jays

    One of the world’s largest construction machinery manufacturers, Kubota, has partnered with the Toronto Blue Jays, Canada’s only Major League Baseball team. Kubota is proud to serve Canadians and recently signed a 6-year agreement with the MLB team to become an Official Partner.

    The company said in a press release that Kubota’s new partnership shows its commitment to further engaging with local communities across Canada and its desire to expand its brand in the Canadian market.

    Kubota said in a recent press release that the partnership is a natural fit for brands with similar qualities. “The Blue Jays value teamwork, innovation, success, and community—all qualities that not only resonate with Canadian consumers but also align perfectly with Kubota’s brand values.”

    It’s an alignment of similar winning teams, in a way. Perhaps winners think alike.

    “The Blue Jays are known for their dedication to excellence and performance on the field,” said Steve Sweetnam, Director of Marketing at Kubota Canada. “By partnering with them, we’re aligning our company with an organization that values teamwork, reliability, and high performance, all of which are key attributes of our brand and products.”

    Toronto Blue Jays officials were grateful for their team’s corporate backing. They see a synchronicity in the partnership.

    “We’re thrilled to partner with Kubota Canada. Our two companies have many shared values and we’re excited to bring this partnership to life,” said Mark Palmer, Director of Partnerships for the Toronto Blue Jays. “As Canada’s baseball team, we have the unique opportunity to connect with fans and Kubota Canada consumers from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”

    About Kubota Canada

    Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. It sells a line of tractors, performance-matched implements, compact construction products, commercial turf and landscaping products, utility vehicles, and consumer lawn and garden equipment.

  • PCL Construction one of Fortune’s top 100 places to work

    PCL Construction one of Fortune’s top 100 places to work

    In what seems to be a regular repeat performance, PCL Construction Enterprises Inc. was recently recognized by Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2024. 

    This marks the second year in a row PCL has been the only general contractor on the list. The company’s success is long-lived, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.

    This year, PCL took 90th place, marking its 15th time being named among the top companies to work for. According to employees, PCL is one of the best U.S. companies to work for in terms of employee satisfaction with employer treatment.

    The ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ list reflects how employees feel about their workplace, based partly on employee feedback and comparing against human resources information from participating companies. 

    The company said the recognition is an affirmation that that contractor is doing right by its employees.

    “We strive to build a culture centered on our core values of honesty, integrity, and respect,” said Deron Brown, PCL president and chief operating officer for U.S. operations. “PCL’s placement on this list affirms our success in building a vibrant and welcoming workplace. It’s an honor to be in the company of elite corporations from across the country when it comes to employee satisfaction. Knowing this recognition is based on feedback from our employees makes it all the more meaningful.”


    Great Place To Work created the notables list using analytics and responses from more than 1.3 million U.S. employees. Companies must employ at least 1,000 U.S. employees and be Great Place To Work Certified™ to be considered.