OSHA Announces Enforcement Policy for Failing To Electronically Submit Required Injury & Illness Records

On February 21, 2018, OSHA issued an enforcement memorandum to Regional Administrators regarding the agency’s policy for non-responders. As part of any on-site inspection, OSHA has instructed its compliance officers to inquire whether that establishment has electronically filed its 2016 300A form. If the compliance officer learns that the establishment was required to electronically submit […]

Officials issue hazard alert after rise in trench worker fatalities

Brief: • The Kentucky Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program has issued a hazard alert about safe trenching operations after an “alarming” increase in trench-related deaths in Kentucky, according to Safety + Health. • FACE offered tips for protecting construction trench workers, including regular inspections before shifts and after potentially hazardous events like rainstorms; protective […]

Why Every Employer Should Have an Employee Handbook

As most employers know all too well, the number and cost of employment-related law suits continue to rise each year. In 2016, more than 10 percent of small to mid-size businesses faced an employment charge of discrimination of some kind, most of which involved more than one claim (i.e., discrimination based on race, sex, disability, […]

The Impact of Generosity

Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-Fil-A, wrote in one of his books, “If you wish to enrich days, plant flowers; If you wish to enrich years, plant trees; If you wish to enrich Eternity, plant ideals in the lives of others.”  What an impact and legacy he left, one that is still felt today.  I think […]

Construction adds 36,000 jobs in January 2018

The U.S. construction industry began 2018 with a bang, adding 36,000 jobs in January with 2017 spending up 2.6%. Total industry employment increased for the fifth consecutive month in January and now stands at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of nearly 7.1 million workers, according to the Labor Department. The January total is 3 percent […]

Servant Leadership

The model quote of Servant Leadership I recently read was written by the greatest example of Servant Leadership we have in our history.  He said: “Anyone wanting to be a leader must first be the servant.  If you want to lead you must serve.” –  Jesus My desire is to be a positive influence on […]

ICE Audits Are On The Rise – Are You Ready?

The Trump administration has made immigration reform a top priority, and that includes a careful look at who employers are hiring. If you do not know what a Form I-9 is, or if you are unsure how to complete one properly (or not sure if your organization has someone who knows), take heed. Federal law […]

The Value of Values

A lot of things have changed since our company was founded by my grandfather over 60 years ago, but many values have carried through our history and remain with us today.  Principles such as trust, respect, character, loyalty, integrity and humility are some examples of values that were instilled in me that I believe are […]

Managing Risk in PPE

When it comes to PPE, construction workers should be covered head to toe. Injuries and illnesses continue to plague the construction industry each year.  With one in five worker deaths in the United States last year attributed to the industry, the right personal protective equipment (PPE) is a line of defense that is required and crucial to protect […]

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in Construction

I know we are going back to the basics but our teams need to be reminded of the little things that could save a big thing. A plethora of options are available when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE). Here’s how America’s Safest Companies choose which PPE to purchase. Hats, gloves, fall arrest systems, […]