In October, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its preliminary Top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety standards for fiscal year 2021.

Job sites have been getting safer over the years, down to 15 worker deaths per day in 2019 from 38 a day in 1970. This trend, however, can only continue with consistent efforts to train workers on, and protect them from, OSHA violations on construction sites.

Commercial buildings, including office spaces are responsible for over 40% operating expenses borne by the business. It is estimated that office and residential buildings will contribute to 8% of the total global energy by the year 2050. It is also estimated that commercial buildings all over the world alone will release 3,800 megatons of carbon by 2050.

Operating heavy equipment increases a worker’s risk of injury. However, this risk can be greatly mitigated with strong safety training and commitment to technology like equipment operator monitoring.

Record-breaking heat in the U.S. in 2021 endangered millions of workers exposed to heat illness and injury in both indoor and outdoor work environments. Workers in outdoor and indoor work settings without adequate climate-controlled environments are at risk of hazardous heat exposure, and workers of color are exposed disproportionately to hazardous levels of heat in essential jobs across these work settings.

Painting is common across many manufacturing facilities and doesn’t appear to be particularly dangerous on the surface. Despite all appearances, workers in these areas may encounter more health hazards than they realize.

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) maintains data-driven and solutions-based positions on issues that impact occupational safety and health. ASSP has developed new policy statements on anticipated federal standards related to heat stress and COVID-19 as it aims to inform government officials and key stakeholders in improving the regulatory approach to workplace safety and health.

The construction industry has long been considered a relatively analog sector. Though there is certainly a great deal of machinery involved, it is still most often associated with hands-on activities. Experts in engineering, building, and architecture applying their talents to creating everything from basic housing to impressive works of art. Yet, just as with almost every area of our contemporary way of life, there are ways advanced digital technology is transforming the construction sector.