Editor's Blog

By Brian Binke

Some construction employers prioritize productivity over safety. Although meeting deadlines is important in the construction industry, it should never come at the cost of a human life. Collapsing building materials, overhead power lines and heavy machinery are just a few of the potential dangers in commercial construction jobs that can all be avoided with the proper safety protocols.

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By Jonathan Hegranes

It’s no surprise that drones are becoming a common sight in the world of construction. They are a versatile tool that can be used by managers to map, plan and keep track of progress, while also providing supplementary material for presentations and clients. But apart from the speed, convenience and quality of aerial imagery, introducing drones to a construction site comes with a number of safety benefits.

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By Jeremy S. Cook

Manufacturing has seen a huge advancement in automation over the past few decades, but in the construction industry, where every jobsite is different, automation has been slow to catch on. At most building sites, new technology comes in the form of upgraded pneumatic nailers and increasingly portable table saws and routers.

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By Brian Binke

Once you’ve landed the best candidates for your construction jobs, the focus of your organization should shift to employee retention strategies. As a matter of course, retention should be an ongoing focus for your firm. Losing skilled workers, especially during a labor crisis, will negatively impact your company’s bottom line through lost time, slower project completion, and repeated training. A great way to help with retention is to implement performance-based incentives.

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By Roy Rasmussen

Communications problems can cripple your business. When communications break down between your company’s team members or between your staff and customers, the result can be stalled workflow, misunderstandings and even lost workers and clients.

One root of companies’ communications crisis is reliance on outdated equipment. Here’s a look at current communications tools that can help you improve your construction company’s internal and external communications and boost your efficiency and your profits.

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By Alison Stanton

As a business owner, it goes without saying that you are committed to staying compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). But as you have found out firsthand, wanting to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and keep your workplace safe as per the OSHA standards requires constant vigilance as well as a keen knowledge of the rules and regulations.

In order to help ensure that your company is compliant with OSHA requirements, check out the following tips:

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By Construction Today staff editor

Travelers’ latest Risk Index identified three major risks in the construction industry: 1) the ability to attract and hire qualified workers, 2) employee safety and 3) the changing workforce. Other emerging risks include the potential for a cyber attack and distracted driving.

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By Roy Rasmussen

A would-be thief got more than he bargained for when he tried to steal a $1,200 saw from a construction site in University Park, Texas. When the suspect tried to get in his car and flee, one construction worker jumped on the hood to prevent him from seeing the road, while others pursued in a pickup truck. The truck then began bumping the car to force it off the road, knocking the back off of the vehicle. Instead of getting away with the saw, the thief barely escaped a beating, and was eventually caught and arrested.

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By Brian Binke 

Settling for mediocre talent could be sabotaging your construction company’s success and shaving thousands of dollars off your bottom line. Since there is an ongoing labor shortage to fill construction jobs, some companies are attempting to resolve the issue by hiring subpar workers. Although it might seem like convenient, short-term solution, it’s a costly mistake that will only hurt your bottom line in the long run.

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By Brian Binke

American Baby Boomers are retiring in record numbers and are often looking to simplify their living arrangements. With the number of Americans over 65 years expected to (more than) double to 88.5 million by 2050, it’s easy to see that assisted living construction will be in high demand. Even though a significant portion of the aging population prefers to remain in their own homes, there are also those who need more specialized living arrangements that are typically provided by senior living communities, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

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