Construction Site Safety 

Midway through a year in which construction-site deaths are set to reach their largest numbers since the height of the last real estate boom, industry experts are trying to figure out what exactly is going on. This week's Super Six shares some of their opinions and suggested solutions.

• Ten deaths in 15 Days -- That was the headline in an excellent print editorial by Marcia Gruver Doyle in the May issue of Equipment World magazine. Doyle said she has received some complaints about all of the negative coverage, but makes an excellent point in her follow-up story on why the industry must stay focused on how to improve safety on the construction site. 

• In one of the most recent accidents, a crane operator in Nebraska was killed when his machine overturned. Equipment World reports that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Omaha office has opened an investigation. The office has received complaints alleging workers at the site were exposed to hazards on the site.

• Speaking of OSHA, the realdeal.com reports in their blog that some advocates are placing the blame on employers and the regulators tasked with overseeing them.

• Roads & Bridges magazine takes a look at intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and the notion of getting information about the transportation network to those who need it in a timely, efficient manner.

• Part of the issue on road construction safety, of course, is the people driving on the roads. Roads & Bridges reports on a new innovative online tool unveiled by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for businesses to constantly track the driver’s license status of employees.

• Increased awareness is certainly one solution. Equipment World reports on a new construction safety program that is ignoring a certain saying about free lunches in order to increase awareness about the specific working conditions on individual jobsites. 
  

As a supplier to the construction industry with our Galaxy brand tires, we applaud trade publications such as Equipment World and Roads & Bridges for their ongoing efforts to keep safety squarely in the spotlight. We welcome your comments on this very important issue.