Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Safety

  • How to protect workers from chemical and toxic substance exposure in the workplace

    How to protect workers from chemical and toxic substance exposure in the workplace

    Some occupations require employees to work with or handle toxic substances and chemicals that can have adverse health consequences. OSHA requires employers to identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in their workplaces and ensure exposure does not exceed recommended exposure limits. Employers can keep their workers safe through engineering and work practice controls and by providing proper PPE.

    Quick look

    • Dust, solvents, mold, and man-made mineral fibers are some of construction sites’ most common toxic substances. 
    • Wood dust, silica, and lower-toxicity dust are most common on job sites, with silica dust being the most hazardous to health.
    • It is essential to take extra precautions when working around hazardous substances, such as wearing proper PPE and reducing exposure through skin or inhalation.
    • All employees have the right to know about hazardous materials on job sites, and it’s the employer’s responsibility to reduce exposure risk as much as possible.

    Common causes of toxin or chemical exposure

    Identifying the source is the first step in reducing worker exposure to chemicals and toxic substances on the job site. 

    Here are some of the most common hazardous substances on construction sites.

    Dust

    Dust is one of the most common substances found on construction sites. Although it may not seem like the biggest hazard, when inhaled repeatedly, certain types of dust can lead to serious health consequences, especially ones affecting the lungs and respiratory system. 

    Dust on construction sites usually falls into one of three categories: 

    1. Wood dust: Comes from handling wood through sanding and cutting. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), repeated inhalation of wood dust can cause cancer of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx. It’s also associated with toxic effects, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, dermatitis, and respiratory system effects that include decreased lung capacity and allergic reactions.

    2. Silica dust: Silica dust is the most dangerous type of dust on construction sites, caused by working with materials containing silica (sandstone, concrete, etc.). Tiny airborne particles are inhaled and settle into the lungs, causing long-term scarring and silicosis, a fatal lung disease. 

    3. Lower toxicity dust: Lower toxicity dust comes from working with materials like drywall, marble, and other substances. Although not as hazardous, long-term exposure can still cause lung damage.

    How to reduce exposure: The easiest way to minimize dust exposure is to utilize a system that suppresses dust. Vacuum systems are easy to install and reduce the amount of airborne dust. Using appropriate PPE can also minimize inhalation. 

    Solvents

    Solvents, commonly found in paints, adhesives, and cleaning fluids, are another common substance on construction sites. Solvents can be dangerous for the lungs and skin and can adversely affect nerve and brain function. Long-term exposure to solvents can cause arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), cancer, blindness, kidney/liver damage, and even death.

    Common symptoms of solvent exposure include:

    • Stomach pain
    • Headache
    • Dizziness
    • Nausea
    • Loss of coordination
    • Cracked/bleeding skin

    How to reduce exposure: Exercise extra caution when working with solvents. Keep them out of contact with skin and wash hands and body thoroughly after use. Avoid working in a confined space with minimal ventilation and air circulation.

    Mold

    Mold is another common hazard found on construction sites that can lead to permanent health issues with repeated and prolonged exposure. Mold arises in damp conditions and becomes problematic when moisture becomes trapped in buildings. Asthma and allergy symptoms are mold exposure’s most common side effects, but other respiratory problems can also arise. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic sinusitis, increased risk of upper and lower respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and organ failure.

    People with pre-existing respiratory conditions should take extra precautions when working around mold.

    How to reduce exposure: The easiest way to reduce exposure to mold in the workplace is to use personal protective equipment. When working in areas with mold, consider using respirators, gloves, and goggles to avoid contact with lungs, skin, and eyes.

    Man-made mineral fibers

    Man-made mineral fibers are also a common find on construction sites. They’re typically made from glass ceramic, rockwool, and slagwool and are generally used for temperature and sound insulation. When these materials are installed or removed, they release tiny fibers that can become lodged in the lungs, leading to irritation and damage to the lungs, eyes, and skin. 

    Some types of man-made mineral fibers, specifically those classed as refractory ceramic fibers, may require specialized PPE when working with them.

    How to reduce exposure: Use caution and be smart. Always wear the appropriate PPE when working with hazardous materials, which adequately protects you against contact with tiny fibers.

    How to reduce exposure to workplace chemicals and toxins

    OSHA guidelines recommend specific actions based on an employee’s level of exposure to a toxic substance or chemical hazard.

    The CDC’s hierarchy of controls can be used to assess the action an employer should take to prevent or limit exposure to hazardous substances. The top of the pyramid signifies the ideal position (best-case scenario), while the bottom is the least ideal.

    Here’s what an employer should do based on where they sit on the pyramid:

    • Elimination or substitution: If the chemical or toxin isn’t necessary, it should be eliminated. If it is needed, try to substitute it with a safer substance.
    • Engineering controls: Whenever possible, make the chemical safer to use. The workplace should also make changes to reduce or eliminate exposure to hazardous substances or materials. 
    • Administrative and work practice controls: If the substance remains unsafe after physical changes, the employer should implement specific processes or procedures that minimize worker exposure, such as retaining job assignments or altering work schedules.
    • Supply PPE: Proper PPE should always be worn on job sites, especially when exposed to hazardous materials and substances. PPE can include chemical protective clothing, gloves, eye protection, and a respirator.

    All workers have the right to know what hazards are present on the job site and what they are exposed to. If their job requires them to work with toxic substances, employers are responsible for reducing or eliminating the hazard as much as possible to ensure worker safety. If removing or reducing exposure isn’t possible, ensure proper PPE is provided.

  • Heat stress mobile app from AIHA available for open beta testing

    Heat stress mobile app from AIHA available for open beta testing

    The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) has launched a new app to protect construction workers from heat stress. The Heat Stress Mobile App provides essential features that help workers stay safe in high-temperature environments.

    A tool designed for safety

    Construction workers are frequently exposed to harsh elements, including extreme heat, making them particularly vulnerable to heat stress. The AIHA’s Heat Stress Mobile App is designed to address this issue by providing real-time data and personalized recommendations. 

    The app uses local weather information to calculate the heat index, offering a clear picture of the risk level at any moment. This allows workers and supervisors to make informed decisions about protecting themselves.

    Key features

    Real-time weather data 

    The app monitors local weather conditions, including temperature and humidity, to provide an accurate heat index. This is crucial to help workers understand the potential risks they face during their shifts.

    Risk level alerts 

    The app assigns a risk level based on the current heat index and alerts when conditions become dangerous. This feature empowers workers to take immediate action, such as seeking shade or drinking more water.

    Personalized recommendations 

    App users can access tailored advice on reducing heat stress. These recommendations consider the specific work environment and can include tips on clothing, hydration, and rest.

    Educational resources 

    The app also serves as an educational tool, offering information on the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them. This helps workers recognize the early signs of heat stress and take action before the situation worsens.

    Impact on the construction industry

    AIHA’s Heat Stress Mobile App is particularly valuable in construction, where heat-related illnesses are common. The app helps reduce heat stress and related health issues by providing real-time data and actionable advice. This, in turn, promotes a safer work environment and ensures that workers can perform their jobs effectively without compromising their health.

    Bottom line

    The AIHA’s Heat Stress app is a game-changer for the construction industry, offering a practical solution to the challenges posed by extreme heat. With real-time monitoring, personalized recommendations, and educational resources, the app is essential for anyone working in high-temperature environments. As it continues to be tested in the open beta phase, the app promises to have a positive impact on worker safety and well-being.

  • Falls are the most common hazard in construction—here’s why

    Falls are the most common hazard in construction—here’s why

    Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, making up a significant part of what’s known as the ‘fatal four’—falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. Despite the risks, many of these accidents can be prevented with the right safety measures, such as proper PPE, adequate training, and integrating safety considerations during the design phase.

    Quick look

    • The ‘fatal four’—falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents—are the leading causes of accidental deaths in the construction industry.
    • The primary reasons for the high number of falls are a lack of focus on safety, improper PPE, incorrect tie-off levels, insufficient task planning, and poor risk management during design.
    • Companies can take practical steps to reduce fall-related incidents, including better training, proper use of PPE, correct installation of tie-offs, thorough task planning, and integrating safety into the design phase.

    Construction’s ‘fatal four’

    Falls

    The biggest killer in the construction industry, falls make up more than 35% of all deaths, often happening when workers fall from roofs, scaffolding, or ladders. In 2022, 395 out of 1,069 construction deaths in the U.S. were due to falls. These accidents not only cause devastating injuries and loss of life but also lead to huge costs for companies through compensation claims and lost productivity.

    Struck-bys

    These incidents happen when a worker is hit by an object, equipment, or vehicle. This might involve tools falling from a height, vehicles hitting workers, or machinery accidents. In 2022, these incidents made up 15.4% of construction deaths. The injuries from struck-bys can be severe, such as fractures and concussions, which can delay projects and increase insurance costs for companies.

    Electrocution

    Electrocution hazards account for about 8.3% of related deaths. This usually happens through contact with overhead power lines [Backlink to powerline safety article], faulty wiring, or improper use of electrical equipment. Electrocution can be deadly, and those who survive often suffer from serious burns or long-term injuries, leading to high medical expenses and long recovery times.

    Caught in or between

    Workers being crushed, caught, compressed by equipment, or struck in collapsing structures account for about 5.5% of construction fatalities. Such accidents often happen in trench collapses or when workers are caught between heavy machinery and stationary objects, leading to catastrophic injuries or death and causing significant emotional and financial burdens on everyone involved.

    Falls account for more than 35% of deaths in construction

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls, slips, and trips were the most common fatal accidents in construction, making up nearly 38% of all fatalities in the industry​​​​. In 2022 alone, the construction industry saw 395 out of 1,069 fatalities due to falls​​.

    The American numbers are alarming. The BLS reports that in 2021, there were 1,102 fatal injuries in the construction sector, with 418 of these being from falls, slips, and trips​​. Events like the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction are crucial for raising awareness and promoting safety practices to prevent these deaths​​.

    Canada faces similar issues. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety states that falls are one of the leading causes of severe injuries and deaths in construction, particularly from ladders, roofs, and scaffolding​​.

    What’s even more amazing? According to BLS data, fall-related fatalities have been on the rise. From 2018 to 2021, there was a nearly 6% increase in fatal construction falls​​. Additionally, the Center for Construction Research and Training reports that over 300 fatal and 20,000 nonfatal fall injuries occur each year in the construction industry​​. 

    Put simply, there has never been a better time for effective fall prevention strategies and safety protocols.

    5 reasons construction falls keep happening

    1. Not enough focus on safety

    Why it’s happening: A lack of a strong safety culture, insufficient training, and an emphasis on productivity over protection are major reasons that falls continue to occur. Many construction sites focus more on completing tasks quickly rather than safely, which can lead to unsafe practices and shortcuts that put workers at risk. Unfortunately, safety violations are all too common, and many companies fail to comply with even basic safety standards.

    What to do about it: To prevent falls, companies need to implement comprehensive training programs that educate workers about the importance of safety and the correct procedures to follow. Establishing a strong work culture where preventing accidents is a top priority is essential. Enforcing strict safeguarding protocols and holding regular meetings or updates can help keep safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

    2. Improper (or lack of) PPE

    Why it’s happening: Falls often happen because workers are not using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) or are using it incorrectly. Sometimes, the right PPE isn’t available, or workers aren’t aware of how important it is. 

    What to do about it: It is crucial to ensure that all workers have access to the proper PPE and know how to use it correctly. Companies should provide regular training sessions on the correct use of PPE and enforce compliance on job sites with regular checks to ensure all safety gear is in good condition.

    3. Tie-offs at the wrong level

    Why it’s happening: Incorrect installation of tie-off points or a lack of understanding of proper tie-off procedures can lead to falls. Workers might tie off at the wrong height or use improper anchor points, which can create a falling hazard.

    What to do about it: Training workers on proper tie-off techniques and ensuring they understand the importance of tying off at the correct level can help prevent falls. Regular inspections of tie-off points are necessary to ensure they are installed correctly and are safe to use.

    4. Insufficient pre-work task planning

    Why it’s happening: A lack of detailed planning before starting work can lead to falls. Many hazards can be identified and mitigated during the planning stage, but this step is often overlooked. Poor planning can result in workers being unprepared for the risks they might encounter.

    What to do about it: Developing detailed task plans that identify potential fall risks and how to manage them is essential. Involving safety professionals during the planning stages can help identify hazards that might be missed. Conducting pre-work safety briefings can also ensure that all employees are aware of the risks and know how to work safely.

    5. Not mitigating risks during design

    Why it’s happening: Many fall risks are built into a construction project’s design. Design flaws that increase the likelihood of a fall often occur because worker safety isn’t adequately considered during the design process, leading to inherently dangerous work conditions.

    What to do about it: Integrating safety considerations into the design phase can greatly reduce fall risks. Involving safety experts in the design process ensures that potential hazards are identified and mitigated early on. Ultimately, safer design practices create a safer working environment from the start.

    The bottom line

    Falls remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Addressing the root causes of falls can significantly reduce these incidents, and implementing the strategies discussed can go a long way to creating safer work environments.

    Prioritizing safety is not just about compliance; it’s about protecting lives. Construction companies have to take proactive steps to ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.

  • Asbestos exposure in construction: the looming threat

    Asbestos exposure in construction: the looming threat

    Asbestos is a fibrous mineral often found in older building materials, such as insulation, floor, and ceiling tiles. Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer, scarring of the lungs, mesothelioma, and other serious health problems—and workers are exposed to it by disturbing material that contains asbestos on job sites. Avoid exposure and reduce contact with asbestos materials through testing and proper PPE.

    Quick look

    • Older buildings often contain asbestos in the ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and insulation
    • Workers who are exposed to asbestos are at higher risk of developing health issues such as lung cancer and mesothelioma
    • Regular testing, abatement, and ensuring workers are equipped with the proper PPE are all vital to mitigating asbestos exposure

    Asbestos is a fibrous mineral found in older buildings

    Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used to insulate buildings from cold weather, noise, and fireproofing in decades past. 

    From the 1930s through the 1970s, asbestos was common in building materials, vinyl goods, and other construction products, meaning older buildings are likely to contain asbestos in some form.

    Most workers gain exposure to asbestos during construction or renovation work, but some industries are at a higher risk than others. These include:

    Hazards of asbestos exposure

    Breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to severe illnesses such as lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and emphysema or chronic bronchitis. But, since these illnesses are slow to show symptoms, it can take up to 15 years or more before workers feel the effects of their exposure.

    Approximately 235,000 Canadians are exposed to asbestos at work, most of whom are in the construction industry. The largest exposed groups by trade are carpenters, with 36,000 workers exposed, followed by helpers and laborers, with 36,000 workers exposed, electricians with 21,000 workers exposed, and janitors and caretakers, with 19,000 exposed. 

    From 2006 to 2016, the number of workers exposed to asbestos increased by approximately 83,000.

    But it’s not just Canadians. Roughly 38% of Americans have been exposed to asbestos at work in high-risk industries. Even worse, 47% of family members have been exposed indirectly. Indirect exposure carries the same risks as primary exposure, and in some cases, secondary exposure reaches occupational levels.

    If you’re surprised, consider that exposure can happen even with the simplest of tasks, such as washing a family member’s work clothes. Direct contact or disturbing clothing, furniture, and carpets embedded with asbestos fibers can cause particles to become airborne. 

    Some symptoms of indirect exposure include:

    • Chest pain or tightness
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Abdominal swelling or distention
    • Clubbed fingers

    But here’s the thing. Even with early screening for asbestos exposure, many workers retire before asbestos-caused lung scarring appears. This makes it hard to determine when they were exposed and for how long it’s been an issue.

    Asbestos regulation and worker protection

    Since 2018, Canada has prohibited the manufacture, import, sale, and use of asbestos products. 

    • Asbestos products in the US have been gradually phased out. As of March 18, 2024, a rule has been finalized to ban chrysotile asbestos, allowing a 12-year phase-out of the material used. It doesn’t ban all asbestos products, but is considered a major step in the right direction. 
    • OSHA has set regulations for permissible exposure limits (PEL) to protect workers with engineering controls, work practices, and proactive equipment to limit exposure. 

    Effects of asbestos exposure

    Asbestosis

    Asbestosis, also called diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, is a chronic lung condition that can develop years after asbestos exposure. It is caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers that can get stuck in the lung tissue, leading to inflammation and scarring over time. Asbestosis is not a type of cancer but can become more severe, creating a higher risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.

    Mesothelioma

    Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure through inhaling or ingesting it. The most common sites in which it develops are the pleural and peritoneal tissues (lungs and lining surrounding your abdominal organs). Still, asbestos fibers can also get lodged in internal organs and cause tumors. The life expectancy of mesothelioma ranges from 18 to 31 months with treatment like surgery and chemotherapy.

    Lung cancer

    Lung cancer from asbestos exposure develops in lung tissue with two main types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The Burden of Occupational Cancer in Canada project estimates 1,900 lung cancer and 430 mesothelioma cases each year from past exposures. 

    Creating a safer workplace

    Regular asbestos testing

    Asbestos isn’t present in every building, but those built before the mid-80s typically contain it. For contractors, hiring a qualified asbestos testing company is important. For older homes and buildings that have experienced flood or fire damage, it’s vital to test for asbestos, as disturbing contaminated materials could release asbestos fibers into the work area.

    Asbestos abatement

    Abatement involves identifying, removing, or encapsulating materials in a structure to eliminate or limit the threat of asbestos exposure by trained professionals. Hiring an asbestos removal company is the only safe and effective way to reduce or eliminate harm and worker or employee exposure. Be diligent in hiring a reputable abatement company to avoid fraudulent work that could put your workers at risk.

    Don’t remove asbestos yourself

    Do not attempt to remove asbestos materials on your own or by using unqualified employees. Hire specialists who can do the job safely and correctly to protect everyone in the surrounding environment. 

    Reducing the risks

    Controls to consider on the job site to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure include:

    • Eliminate or substitute asbestos materials whenever possible
    • Modify facilities, processes, or equipment to encapsulate or enclose the hazard
    • Implement administrative controls through work practices, awareness, and proper safety training
    • Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers

    Common materials containing asbestos

    While most construction industry people know that asbestos exists in older buildings, many aren’t clear on where it can be found. Here are some of the most common materials that contain asbestos:

    • Drywall joint compound
    • Vermiculite insulation
    • Vinyl floor tiles
    • Ceiling tiles
    • Pipe duct insulation
    • Ceiling texture coat
    • Vinyl floor tiles

    Other methods of asbestos exposure include:

    • Sanding or breaking old floor or ceiling tiles
    • Sawing or drilling of old plaster
    • Removing old insulation from pipe wraps or duct wraps
    • Removing old roofing shingles or roofing material

    Working with the looming risk of asbestos

    Although asbestos use is decreasing and, in some places, prohibited, the threat of exposure will always need to be considered. For crews working in older buildings, the protection of high-risk industry workers should be a top priority. Having a safety procedure in place to mitigate exposure through testing and the use of proper PPE while working around asbestos is critical to reducing its health impact.

  • 10 steps construction companies can take to save lives

    10 steps construction companies can take to save lives

    September is Suicide Prevention Month, and trade workers are more at risk for substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicide than any other industry. While some of the onus is on employees, employers play a crucial role in preventing suicide. Bold leadership, promoting mental health resources and awareness, and screening for substance abuse and mental health problems are some strategies employers can take to help combat mental health issues and reduce suicide rates.

    In this article, we’ll break down ten critical steps companies can take to support their teams before it’s too late. 

    Why suicide prevention is important in construction

    Discussions of mental health and well-being in the workplace have historically been taboo. While there is a positive shift toward more open conversation around mental health, the construction industry is slow to catch on. 

    Workers in trades lack access to mental health resources at an alarming rate. A 2020 survey by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) shows that 83% of construction workers have experienced a mental health issue. Because the industry is so male-dominated, it still reflects outdated gender roles and conventions around masculinity. 

    Physically strenuous jobs make these men “tough,” and in the same breath, mental health issues are still seen as “weak,” making it a challenge to make strides in suicide prevention in the industry. Workers feel like they can’t ask for help; if they do, it may fall on deaf ears. Sadly, the environment these ideals have cultivated has led to distress and alarmingly high suicide rates. 

    To help combat the issue from the root, companies can take a three-pronged approach to improvement set forth by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). The tactics are divided into early, mid, and late.

    • Early tactics: What preventative measures can workplaces take to stop mental health issues from surfacing? 
    • Mid tactics: How can employers and colleagues identify people who might be currently struggling in the early stages of a substance abuse or mental health problem? 
    • Late tactics: How can companies respond effectively to a crisis if it occurs? 

    Early tactics

    Here are some measures to be implemented on your job site to prevent future mental health crises. 

    Be bold leaders

    Nominate champions internally who can confidently promote suicide prevention and mental health. 

    These leaders should acknowledge that some employees experience complex life changes, mental conditions, and substance abuse challenges. They should also assess their internal readiness by hosting a leadership roundtable to identify best practices and how to keep an open dialogue going. 

    Another action would be to allocate funding and resources for marketing, training, mental health services, and program evaluation. 

    But perhaps more importantly, leaders should act as role models by sharing personal stories and obstacles to work to dismantle the mental health stigma.

    Promote mental health education and awareness

    We naturally fear the unknown. By clearly and confidently promoting mental health education and awareness, we can replace these feelings of fear with reassurance. 

    To ensure proper promotion and education of mental health, start with these resources:  

    • Offer mental health first aid
    • Set up talks on psychological first aid
    • Post the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on your safety board
    • Organize a trip to a local mental health center or addiction recovery center
    • Host a lunch and learn about mental health wellness  

    Build a caring culture and safe work environment

    Much like precautions for physical safety, regulations must also be established for mental health.

    Starting is as easy as acknowledging awareness campaigns like World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th), Construction Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13) and Mental Health Awareness Month (May). Because mental health is a broad topic, it’s easy to tie to an awareness theme in a quarterly campaign, like “You can’t keep your mental health together with a staple gun,” so it stays interwoven in company culture. 

    Provide training on practical coping skills 

    Adding mental health and wellness workshops to yearly safety training, onboarding, orientation, and executive coaching effectively provides hands-on support. 

    Workshop themes could include positive relationship building, conflict resolution, stress management, responsible drinking, pain reduction, mindfulness, and meditation. 

    Mid tactics

    Support and education don’t stop at prevention. These mid-tactics should be implemented to help workers currently struggling. 

    Begin screening for substance abuse and mental health conditions

    Mental health issues are more treatable when caught early. Much like screening for physical ailments, mental health and substance misuse screenings should be a regular, standard practice. 

    Health information should remain private, but encouraging and promoting regular evaluation could help employees tremendously. Screening reminders could be integrated with the regular workflow by encouraging the Man Therapy 20-Point Head Inspection, suggesting they take a quick, anonymous mental health assessment, or encouraging them to participate in National Depression Screening Day. 

    Promote mental health services like Employee Assistance Programs

    Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are crucial in the workplace. Some of the services EAPs offer include “fitness for duty” evaluations, counseling, incident management, and reintegration for employees on leave for a mental health issue. 

    EAP programs should be promoted during new employee onboarding and through posters and brochures in the workplace. Company benefit announcements or reminders should also encourage the use of EAP services. You could also bring in representatives from EAPs to give a recurring information session. 

    Train managers and employees to navigate difficult conversations

    Employees can turn to each other for support once your workplace fosters a culture of openness and respect around mental health. When they do, the receiving party must be well-trained to converse. 

    Training should be integrated into leadership and management coaching and regular training for employees, much like CPR. Participants should be confident with active listening, referring to qualified resources, and asking difficult questions like “Are you having thoughts about suicide?” 

    The aim is for leadership and employees to step in when someone is showing signs of mental health decline before things escalate. Organizations could provide general awareness training or search for local evidence-based training programs to host a workshop. 

    Late tactics

    Late tactics should be used when someone is in a crisis or to assist after one has occurred. 

    Handle mental health crises in the workplace 

    In the event of an active mental health crisis, there are a few things others can do to help. 

    First, review your current policies on mental health. What procedures should be followed when a worker has a crisis that could require medical leave? What accommodations are required, and when and how will they be reintegrated into the workplace?

    Then, collaborate with the employee in need to create a safety plan. This plan should first and foremost determine the level of confidentiality and identify who in the organization is included in the support team. Ask what the employee thinks would be helpful and offer the resources that best support them. 

    Reduce the access the employee has to lethal means if there’s a risk of suicide. Encourage the employee to restrict access to pills and guns, and do not allow the employee to operate from a significantly elevated surface. 

    Bring awareness to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

    Today, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) is one of the most effective workplace resources, representing a vast network of lifelines. 

    With NSPL, a worker in a crisis or assisting in a crisis can call for help. This is an extremely effective option if an employee needs an immediate resource but feels shame or wants to maintain confidentiality. 

    Employees can call toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 or call/text 9-8-8 in Canada, and a counselor will assist them with devising a plan to cope and making decisions to avoid and de-escalate a crisis. Callers are often in a life-threatening scenario and need immediate help. The hotline can take aggressive measures like tracing locations and alerting medical personnel. 

    The NSPL removes the financial, time, and travel barriers, making it one of the most accessible resources for people in a crisis. They also offer a chat function at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 

    Following a suicide death, provide compassionate grief and trauma support

    Preparing for and preventing mental health crises is complex, and navigating grief in the workplace after a suicide can be just as hard. 

    In these scenarios, review the resources you offer in the workplace and work to provide counseling and trauma support to employees. Your management team should have training in crisis support, and you should work to put a plan in place to coach employees on how to communicate in the event of a suicide safely. 

    Bottom line

    Change doesn’t happen overnight; unfortunately, changing workplace culture to embrace mental health awareness won’t happen tomorrow. However, by following these actionable steps, employers and employees can become more aware of mental health issues and the steps needed to save lives in the future. 

    Working in construction, warehousing, farming, or any other trade comes with a lot of pride, but it also casts a shadow over anything perceived as “weakness.” Don’t let the mental health stigma seep into your workplace culture. It could cause ridicule, harm, or something much worse.

  • Company spotlight: ScaffSource

    Company spotlight: ScaffSource

    ScaffSource provides sales and rentals of scaffolding and shoring equipment to the construction sector through a network of U.S. locations. The company sets itself apart as a service-focused group by offering 3D-designed, tailored solutions to suit contractors’ needs and even materials procurement from manufacturers.

    Skyward corporate growth

    Since its purchase in 2019, ScaffSource has seen a strong vision for its future.

    Launched in 1992 under the name United Scaffolding Inc., the company acquired three other scaffolding companies by 1998. In 2019, it was bought by American Industrial Partners and rebranded as ScaffSource in 2022.

    With nine U.S. locations, many partners and suppliers, 17 million pieces of scaffolding in its inventory, and a fully stocked inventory of shoring equipment, ScaffSource has made a name for itself as one of the most reputable scaffolding suppliers in the nation. Part of its salability is its nimbleness—ScaffSource provides equipment from product yards across the U.S. and several manufacturers and materials suppliers nationwide.

    The company isn’t just an equipment and materials supplier—they also offer other services to support their customers, such as help with planning, erecting, and using scaffolding and shoring materials and equipment. Projects are planned with the help of ScaffSource professionals, who will be on-site when the customer needs it. Customers receive a 3D model of the planned setup and their scaffolding and/or shoring equipment order. Materials planning, procurement, and other details are also planned with the model, allowing customers to focus more on labor management, safety, access, and materials use.

    The company’s rapid growth over the decades shows the success of its customer-first business strategy—this is a brand that delivers, and they’re repaid with customer loyalty.

    Most of ScaffSource’s clientele are repeat customers, said Earl Mclunkin, Director of National Accounts for ScaffSource. “Our biggest value is honesty. It’s how you gain that trust from the [client] company, and eventually, the loyalty,” Mclunkin said.

    Consistent inventory upgrades

    Scaffolding and shoring concerns are, first and foremost, matters of safety. That’s partly why ScaffSource continually strives to provide the best solutions for customers and invests in its equipment.

    ScaffSource regularly upgrades its inventory to provide the best possible equipment and solutions. In the last several years, the company has replaced more than 4.5 million new pieces of inventory. While doing so, ScaffSource also upped its inventory in adjustable toe boards, galvanized clamps, low-profile planks, and other items. 

    Loyal customers deserve the best (and safest) the market offers.

    Shored up in a call

    When it comes to providing shoring items, ScaffSource offers many solutions for new construction builds. It also offers items for demolition work, infrastructure improvement jobs, and other projects. The idea behind the full array of solutions provided is to make the process as painless and quick as possible for the customer by working with experienced ScaffSource professionals who know the business and how to stage and execute jobs.

    Just one customer call to ScaffSource, and a chat with a rep to describe the project and needs, and the solution is on the way to the customer, sometimes within just a few days. The company will spec out special materials and equipment for a customer and order items directly from one of the many manufacturers it sources from.

    Rush jobs are also possible, like delivery of equipment on Monday morning after the request was made the Friday night before. Though not always feasible in every case, ScaffSource will always try to deliver.

  • How CIASP is working towards a zero-suicide construction industry

    How CIASP is working towards a zero-suicide construction industry

    In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a report showing construction workers had the highest male suicide rate out of any occupational group. It was a sobering statistic that immediately spurred the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) to act.

    CFMA soon created the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), an organization tasked with shattering the stigma around mental health issues in construction and building a zero-suicide industry. 

    Construction suicide prevention week

    September 9-13 is Construction Suicide Prevention Week, designed to bring awareness and action to the unique challenges faced by the construction industry during September’s National Suicide Prevention Month. 

    To mark this week, we spoke with Sonya Bohmann, executive director of CIASP, about how the organization has been working to tackle mental health issues and prevent suicide in construction. Bohmann shares that tackling prevailing attitudes remains one of their biggest battles eight years after that initial CDC study. 

    “There’s still a really big stigma around mental health; I think that not everyone is ready for the conversation,” she says. “All the things we love about construction—that tough mentality, that pull-yourself-up-by-your-boostraps mindset, that grit, and determination—are also the things that are barriers to accessing help or accessing the conversation. That’s our biggest hurdle, breaking down that stigma.”

    CIASP resources

    The organization raises mental health and suicide awareness in the construction industry and provides resources to reverse existing trends. It empowers individuals and organizations by educating, providing training, and sharing resources.

    One of the resources for individuals is the MindWise Screening, which allows workers to take a free, anonymous test to gain awareness of their mental health, identify areas for concern, and become empowered to seek help. Bohmann stresses that the MindWise tool isn’t a diagnostic tool, nor are the results monitored. Still, it provides an excellent, anonymous way for workers to check in with themselves when they might feel uncomfortable approaching their insurance or EAP.

    CIASP MindWise tool

    CIASP also offers resources like the Needs Analysis Tool, which allows organizations to check in and evaluate their company’s mental health training, awareness, and resources and create a plan to fill any gaps.

    Bohmann says CIASP also plans to launch a Pathway Model program to provide organizations with the tools they need to get started. “We will take what we have currently and partner with others to create a resource that anyone in construction—whether you’re a large, medium, or small company—can build your own mental health and wellness program and be able to start using that to support suicide prevention and mental health and reduce the stigma around this topic.”

    Making strides

    As of 2023, construction still has one of the highest suicide rates across all industries, but CIASP has seen promising signs of improvement. “I think we are making progress, “ Bohmann says. “Before this year, I don’t know that anyone during safety week was talking about mental health. Now it’s been all over social media, and it’s been a big part of what people are doing.”

    In a testament to the importance of CIASP’s work, Bohmann also shared the story of a CIASP board member who was invited to speak about suicide prevention to a construction company in Texas. Shortly after the board member returned from the trip, CIASP received an email from the company, which shared that two of their workers had reached out after the talk. “One went to their supervisor and said, ‘Wow. I think I need some help. Can you connect me with our EAP?’ So, there’s an immediate impact.”

    Safe sharing

    One way to raise awareness about mental health and suicide is to hear from someone who’s been there. Bohmann emphasizes that while sharing your story can be incredibly powerful, it’s essential to do so safely. 

    CIASP offers the following guidance for safely sharing your mental health story:

    • Emphasize the journey: Highlight the before and after the loss or attempt, if possible, and how far you have come in recovery.
    • Avoid glamorizing or sensationalizing: Use compassionate language. The word “commit” is no longer used when speaking about suicide. There has been a shift to less stigmatizing wording such as “died by” or “ended one’s life.”
    • Skip the details about the suicide method: You can tell the same story by taking the listener on your journey, avoiding the activating or graphic details.
    • Be honest and comprehensive: Share your struggles and how you manage your mental health today.

    The world needs you

    Through conversation, awareness, and action, CIASP is making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most. Bohmann explains that the unique contributions of construction workers are what motivate her to continue doing her work. 

    “I loved working in construction. I still love everything about it,” she says emphatically. “Everything that we use—from the roads we drive on to the plumbing or electrical systems we use every day, the houses we live in—all of it is connected to the construction industry. We take it so much for granted, but there are hardworking men and women who really put themselves in dangerous situations every single day and stressful situations that are very hard on our bodies. They continue to do what they do because the world needs them.”

    If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, call or text 988 24/7 to access trained crisis counselors who can assist you.

  • Pennsylvania greenlights improve safety measures for highway construction sites

    Pennsylvania greenlights improve safety measures for highway construction sites

    Pennsylvania has passed a new bill allowing the use of green lights to identify maintenance and construction work on its highways. As of August 16, any Department of Transportation (DOT), Pennsylvania Turnpike, or municipal motor vehicle conducting maintenance work or construction can use flashing green lights to enhance visibility and make worksites safer. 

    Image courtesy of Pa. Turnpike

    Beaver County State Representative Jim Marshall proposed the bill, which passed unanimously before being signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro. The bill states that the new green light regulations apply to all maintenance and construction vehicles, including those used for snow removal, traffic-line painting, sign and signal maintenance, street sweeping, traffic control, and dump trucks and mowers. 

    Pennsylvania isn’t the first to explore using green lights to alert motorists to roadwork. In 2012, Ohio passed a similar bill allowing its snow plows to display green lights. 

    Although work zone accidents in Pennsylvania are at their lowest rates in years, there were still 1,216 crashes in work zones in 2023, resulting in 689 injuries and 22 fatal injuries—two were workers. Officials hope the new guidelines for construction and maintenance vehicles will help reduce them even more.

  • OSHA soliciting comments on proposed new heat safety regs

    OSHA soliciting comments on proposed new heat safety regs

    With record-high temperatures in recent years in the U.S., federal officials are working to keep workers cooler and safer. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is soliciting comments from the public on its proposed new heat safety regulations. The new National Emphasis Program (NEP) is meant to protect workers from heat-related injuries and illnesses by mandating that certain conditions be maintained for workers, including access to shade, water breaks, and other measures to protect them from heat-related illnesses.

    However, some are questioning the new rule’s practicality. The rule includes regulations regarding indoor and outdoor work temperatures, specific to workers who wear protective clothing and those who don’t. For example, asbestos abatement workers who wear protective body suits and respirators while removing asbestos in hot conditions.

    The proposed regulation mandates, among other things, that indoor workplaces must be cooled to below 87 degrees Fahrenheit when employees are present. If feasible, the indoor work area must also be cooled to 82 degrees in places where workers wear protective clothing or work in high-radiant areas.

    The proposed rule is part of a package of more stringent heat safety regulations that OSHA is developing. This includes a rulemaking process to develop a workplace heat standard. OSHA is seeking public input on the rules before their final adoption.

    The NEP will include worksite inspections, communication with companies on the new rules, and support for companies in complying with them. Under the proposed rule, OSHA will inspect worksites on days when the heat index is expected to be 80 degrees or higher.

    OSHA is working to lower workers’ exposure to heat-related hazards that result in illness, injury, or death. OSHA officials could inspect a work site for heat stress conditions under certain conditions, such as when an employee injury occurs and the heat index is above 80 degrees onsite, if an employee complains about heat-stressing conditions, and in pre-planned inspections that investigate a combination of conditions which could result in heat-related injuries or death.

    With the proposed new rule, OSHA is scrutinizing more than 70 high-risk industries, including construction and agriculture. The NEP requires a company’s Certified Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) to review documents and inspect for heat illness-related compliance procedures. Companies must be prepared to do the following:

    • Supply OSHA 300 Logs and 301 Incident reports (if required by that industry)
    • Interview workers for conditions that may indicate heat-related illnesses
    • Determine if the employer has a heat illness and injury program

    OSHA has programs that will help employers comply with the new rules, including its Heat Safety Tool. The tool provides safety information that’s accessible on mobile phones and enables workers to calculate the heat index on their worksite while displaying a risk level for that heat index. From there, the app provides protective measures to maintain workers’ safety, like reminders to schedule rest breaks, keep employees hydrated, plan for an emergency related to the heat, and more.

    To submit comments, please follow these instructions:

    You may submit comments and attachments, identified by Docket No. OSHA–2021–0009, electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions online for making electronic submissions. After accessing ‘‘all documents and comments’’ in the docket (Docket No. OSHA–2021–0009), check the “proposed rule” box in the column headed “Document Type,” find the document posted on the date of publication of this document, and click the “Comment Now” link. When uploading multiple attachments to regulations.gov, please number all of your attachments because regulations.gov will not automatically number the attachments.

  • NYC focus on construction worker ODs highlights an epidemic

    NYC focus on construction worker ODs highlights an epidemic

    The Big Apple has become the ‘Big Chill’ for construction workers caught up in drug addiction. Overdose deaths in New York in the construction sector have soared to unheard-of levels, and officials are taking action to stop the epidemic.

    NYC construction workers lead occupational groups in overdose deaths

    In late October 2023, following shocking survey results, New York City officials announced a plan to connect with construction workers to reduce drug overdose deaths.

    New York’s Health and Buildings departments have implemented two methods to reduce OD-related deaths:

    1. Informing the city’s construction sector about the dangers associated with substance abuse.
    2. Providing construction workers with resources to prevent fatal overdoses.

    Staff from both departments are visiting construction sites to talk about substance abuse and the dangers of street drugs.

    According to data from the New York City Health Department, at least 269 construction workers died of an overdose in 2020—the most of any occupation considered in the analysis.

    A separate 2018 analysis done by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) came to similar conclusions: “Construction occupations had the highest proportional mortality rates for drug overdose deaths and for both heroin-related and prescription opioid-related deaths.”

    Overdoses by the numbers

    About 15% of US construction workers have a substance abuse disorder compared to 8.6% of the general population.

    • 2% have an alcohol use disorder compared to 7.5% nationally
    • 16.5% of construction workers report heavy alcohol consumption within the previous month
    • 11.6% of construction workers reported illicit drug use within the previous month
    • 14.3% of construction workers were diagnosed with a substance use disorder in the past year
    • 2.3% have a marijuana use disorder

    About 1.3% of construction workers have an opioid use disorder, almost twice the national average. And nearly 3 out of 4 injured construction workers were prescribed a narcotic for pain relief in 2016.

    Opioids account for nearly 20% of the total spending on prescription drugs in the construction industry—higher than any other industry, according to a report published by CNA Financial. 

    But the statistics don’t improve from here.

    • Construction workers are seven times more likely to die of an opioid overdose than workers in any other industry
    • Construction workers have the highest percentage of heroin-related overdose deaths
    • Construction workers represent roughly 25% of fatal opioid overdoses among workers in all industries 

    Changing construction culture

    NYC politicians prompted publicity on drug overdoses in the industry, but it points to a larger issue in construction: a culture that celebrates hard work and a good work ethic but also where substance abuse (drugs, tobacco, alcohol) runs rampant.

    A November 2020 study published in Drug Alcohol Review stated that one in six construction workers reported workmates being visibly affected by alcohol on the job. Prevalence for risky drinking in construction was higher than the national average, especially for workers 25 and under and for middle-aged workers 45 to 54. 

    The solution: Tailoring educational programs to at-risk age demographics can help increase awareness of risks to workplace safety. But it’s also on companies to adopt workplace norms that inhibit the social acceptability of risky behavior on the job.

    Drug testing employees is a common practice in many companies to ensure employee safety.  Instituting a drug testing policy could not only save a company from potential lawsuits resulting from workplace injuries, but it could also save lives. 

    An article published in OHS Online on drug testing in the workplace backs its implementation. A survey of companies with high workers’ compensation incidence rates reported a drop in those rates from 14% to 6% following the implementation of drug testing programs.

    Getting rid of the stigma associated with mental health and addiction can also go a long way to improving outcomes for construction workers. But all of this must be done alongside enforcing “no alcohol and drugs” in the workplace. 

    Signs of drug or alcohol abuse in workers are generally not obvious. Whether you’re a CEO or someone at the bottom of the chain, know the signs—it could save a life.