January is Safety in Construction Month
Welcome to Construction Safety Month! As we step into January, Highways.Today is dedicated to championing the critical importance of safety in the construction industry.
This month, we turn the spotlight on the vital practices, innovative equipment, and steadfast commitment to safety that protect millions of workers on construction sites worldwide. From personal protective gear to advanced machinery protocols, safety is not just a policy; it’s a lifeline.
Join us in promoting a culture of vigilance and care, where every measure taken is a potential injury prevented. Together, let’s build a safer future, one construction site at a time.
Safety in Construction Champions
Known for its commitment to safety, Skanska has implemented numerous innovative safety programs and technologies. They emphasize a ‘Safety First’ culture and have received accolades for their rigorous safety standards and training programs.
Turner Construction is renowned for its ‘Building L.I.F.E.’ (Living Injury Free Everyday) initiative. This program underscores their commitment to creating a zero-harm work environment through continuous education, strict safety protocols, and employee empowerment.
Hensel Phelps is recognized for its innovative approach to construction safety, incorporating advanced technology like wearable devices and drones for safety inspections. They have a strong safety culture that is deeply embedded in their operational practices.
Bechtel is a global leader in construction and has a well-established reputation for its comprehensive safety policies. Their safety programs focus on proactive risk management, employee training, and the use of cutting-edge technology to ensure workplace safety.
Lendlease, an international property and infrastructure group, has a strong focus on creating a safe and healthy environment for its workers. Their approach to safety extends beyond compliance to proactive risk management and well-being programs. Lendlease has been recognized for its innovative safety training and commitment to reducing incidents on site through various safety initiatives.
As a leading international construction company, Laing O’Rourke places a high emphasis on health and safety, adopting a zero-harm approach. They invest heavily in training and development programs, ensuring their workforce is skilled in the latest safety practices. Their use of technology, like advanced data analytics for safety risk management, sets them apart in the industry.
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Technology and Innovation in Safety
The field of construction technology is rapidly evolving, and new innovations are constantly emerging, so keep up-to-date with latest tech news on Highways.Today.
Here are the top three construction safety technologies we will be covering extensively in 2024:
Wearable Technology
Wearable tech, like smart helmets, vests, and wristbands, has become increasingly popular in construction safety.
These devices can monitor vital signs, detect falls, and alert workers to potential hazards. Some wearables also incorporate GPS tracking to monitor the location of workers, especially useful in large or complex job sites.
An example includes the DAQRI Smart Helmet, which provides real-time data overlay in the user’s field of vision.
Drones for Site Inspection and Surveillance
Drones are used extensively for site inspections, offering a safe way to survey hazardous or hard-to-reach areas.
They provide aerial views, which are essential for large-scale projects, and can be equipped with cameras and sensors to collect data or monitor site conditions.
Drones reduce the need for workers to physically access unsafe or unstable areas, thereby significantly reducing risk.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) for Training and Simulation
VR and AR are powerful tools for safety training in construction. They allow workers to experience and interact with realistic job site scenarios in a controlled, virtual environment.
This kind of training is particularly effective for hazard recognition and emergency response drills.
Technologies like Microsoft’s AR and VR headsets are used for training, and even for overlaying construction plans over the physical job site. We will be testing VR headsets very soon at Highways.Today.
Technologies such as these will be instrumental in improving safety standards, reducing accidents, and enhancing overall efficiency in construction projects.
Highways.Today is committed to bringing you the latest technology for the construction industry and especially reporting on its impact on safety.
Safety in Construction Top Ten Resources
Here are ten of the best information resources available that offer a wealth of information ranging from safety guidelines and best practices to the latest research and technology trends in construction safety:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA provides comprehensive guidelines, resources, and training materials on construction safety. Their website is an essential resource for understanding legal safety standards and best practices in the U.S.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) : NIOSH offers extensive research, data, and training resources focusing on preventing workplace illnesses and injuries, including those in construction.
- American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP): ASSP provides professional development resources, educational materials, and networking opportunities for safety professionals. They have specific sections and publications dedicated to construction safety.
- Construction Safety Council: A non-profit organization offering training and resources specifically focused on construction safety. Their offerings include certification programs and customized training.
- The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR): CPWR conducts research and provides training and practical resources for construction safety and health.
- British Safety Council: While UK-based, their resources, research papers, and training materials are useful for a global audience interested in construction safety.
- Construction Industry Institute (CII): CII offers research and publications on various aspects of construction management, including safety. Their research is data-driven and collaborative.
- Safety and Health Magazine: This magazine provides updates on the latest news, trends, and best practices in workplace safety, including a focus on the construction sector.
- Building Safety Journal: Offers articles and news related to building safety, including construction safety topics.
- International Labour Organization (ILO): The ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that sets international labor standards, including those for safety and health in construction. Their website offers a wealth of information on construction safety standards, guidelines, and best practices from a global perspective. They also provide extensive research and reports on safety and health trends in the construction industry worldwide.
These resources cover a broad spectrum of construction safety topics, providing valuable insights for industry professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in construction safety.
Construction Safety Events
Here’s a list of some of the top construction safety events around the world, known for their focus on promoting safety practices, showcasing new technologies, and facilitating industry networking:
- World Congress on Safety and Health at Work: This global forum, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA), brings together experts, decision-makers, and practitioners from around the world to share strategies and solutions for improving safety and health at work, including in the construction industry.
- The National Safety Council (NSC) Congress & Expo: Hosted in the United States, this event is one of the largest annual safety conferences, featuring workshops, educational sessions, and an expo with the latest in safety products and solutions, including construction safety.
- Safety and Health Expo: Held in the UK, this event is Europe’s leading health and safety show, featuring a wide range of exhibitors and comprehensive seminar programs that address various aspects of workplace safety, including construction.
- The Construction Safety Conference: This conference, often held in different locations, focuses specifically on safety in the construction industry, offering seminars, training sessions, and showcases of safety equipment and technologies.
- American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Safety Conference: An annual event that provides education and networking opportunities for safety professionals. The conference includes sessions specifically dedicated to construction safety.
- International Conference on Construction Safety and Health (ICCSH): This conference focuses on the latest scientific and technical advancements in construction safety and health, attracting academics, researchers, and practitioners.
- CPWR Construction Safety and Health Conference: Organized by the Center for Construction Research and Training, this conference focuses on research findings and practical applications in construction safety and health.
- Australian Workplace Health & Safety Show: An important event in the Asia-Pacific region, featuring the latest in safety gear and technology, with a significant focus on the construction industry.
- BuildSafe Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Leadership Conference: This conference focuses on sharing best practices, new technologies, and strategies to enhance safety performance in the construction industry.
- Construction Safety Week: An annual event that focuses on reinforcing a safety culture in the construction industry. It involves various activities and awareness campaigns at construction sites and company offices.
These events play a crucial role in advancing safety practices in the construction industry, promoting a culture of safety, and introducing innovative technologies and methodologies. They offer excellent opportunities for professionals to learn, network, and stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in construction safety.
Construction Safety Training, Education and Certification
Here is a list of globally recognized construction safety training programs and certifications:
- NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety: A globally recognized qualification from the UK, offering comprehensive understanding of construction-related health and safety issues.
- OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Construction Safety Courses (USA): These courses provide foundational and advanced training on construction safety and health hazards, tailored to U.S. standards.
- IOSH Managing Safely in Construction (UK): The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) offers this course focusing on the essentials of managing and maintaining safety in a construction environment.
- CCHEST Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) Certification (Global): This certification focuses on safety, health, and environmental technology, including construction safety.
- Canadian Construction Association (CCA) Gold Seal Certification (Canada): A certification program focusing on safety and project management in construction, recognized across Canada.
- National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Global): While not construction-specific, this certification is highly respected worldwide and covers essential aspects of occupational safety and health, relevant to construction.
- Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) Training Programs (Australia): AIHS offers various courses and workshops on occupational health and safety, applicable to the construction sector.
- Singapore Institution of Safety Officers (SISO) Work-at-Height Course for Supervisors (Singapore): This course is specific to work-at-height safety, a critical aspect of construction safety in Singapore.
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) (UK): CSCS provides cards that certify the training and qualifications of individuals working on construction sites in the UK.
- CITB Site Safety Plus (UK and International): The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) offers the Site Safety Plus suite of courses, which are highly regarded in the UK and have gained international recognition. These courses cover a range of levels, from a one-day Health and Safety Awareness course to the five-day Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS). They are designed to provide construction site workers, supervisors, site managers, and directors with the knowledge needed to ensure health and safety on construction sites.
These programs and certifications offer comprehensive training in construction safety, addressing different regional standards and regulations. They cater to a wide range of professionals within the construction industry, from workers and supervisors to safety managers.
