Struck-by vehicle hazards are commonplace on most if not all construction sites. For example, picture this scenario: A contractor is operating a backhoe when an employee attempts to walk between the swinging superstructure of the backhoe and a concrete wall. As the employee approaches from the operator’s blind side, the backhoe’s superstructure swings in the same direction. This seemingly routine action ends with the employee being struck, resulting in life-threatening injuries.

The value of a comprehensive safety culture cannot be overstated when it comes to reducing workplace illnesses and injuries, and their associated costs. But creating such a culture is not an overnight process or “flavor of the month” program. Instead, it is a multi-year, top-management commitment that results in an organization with low accident rates, low turnover, low absenteeism and high productivity. This is a big-picture, long-term project.

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that affects more trucking professionals than you might think. In fact, According to a recent study sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), nearly 30% of commercial truck drivers experience mild to severe sleep apnea.

Theft on a construction job site can be of particular concern as expensive materials, tools and machinery are often left in plain sight or are easily accessible to criminals. Discovering you have thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment and materials missing from a job site is, by itself, devastating.

Any business owner will tell you an effective sprinkler system is without question the best first line of defense should a workplace fire occur. But a sprinkler system alone is only part of the fire protection picture. An equally important addition that every sprinkler system should have is something not every business owner is familiar with – a fire department connection (FDC).

The number of accidents across the manufacturing industry is much lower today than in decades past. Yet, the unfortunate truth is that many on-the-job accidents can still be avoided by focusing on safe practices and taking necessary precautions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading contributor to sick days is back pain, which costs businesses in both workers and productivity. In fact, a recent CDC study revealed back injuries cost employers $1,685 per employee every year. On a national level, this equates losses north of $225 billion annually.

More and more companies are enlisting the support of staffing agencies to meet their personnel needs for a variety of reasons, including increased workloads and high employee turnover rates. This is especially true in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Repetitive motion injuries are temporary or permanent injuries to muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons caused by performing the same motion over and over again. Also known as repetitive stress injuries, they occur most commonly in the hands, fingers, thumbs, and wrists, but can also happen in the back, neck, knees and feet.

More and more companies today are powering their commercial fleet with alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). While these alternative options can reduce emissions and operating costs, many employees have never handled natural gas in this capacity. Accordingly, there are safety measures and training protocols to carefully consider.

As an employer, you’re tasked with the challenge of ensuring high-quality, yet affordable follow-up care in the event an employee suffers a work-related injury. That’s where telemedicine can help. Telemedicine allows employees to receive virtual, non-urgent medical services after they’ve been injured on the job. Such an option can give your employees quick and easy access to the care and information they need — and may lower your workers’ compensation costs in the process.

You may have noticed that product liability litigation has become more and more common in recent years. Even when a business does everything possible to ensure that its products are safe for the public, mishaps can still occur without warning – leading to costly legal battles and settlements that can easily reach six figures.

Working near power lines is serious business for construction workers. Each year, workers are needlessly hurt on the job because they fail to use caution when digging in the vicinity of power lines. Electricity – whether above-ground or underground – is a powerful force, and using caution is the best way to avoid injury or death.

If you run a small business, you may be surprised to learn that the average cost of an employment-related lawsuit exceeds $270,000. More surprising is a recent study that revealed over half of all claims filed for employment-related liabilities are against employers with fewer than 50 employees. The same study also indicated that not even 2 percent of small businesses have employment practices liability (EPL) coverage.

When conducting road construction or repair work, it’s up to roadside workers to protect the public and themselves from dangerous accidents. Unfortunately, when a motorist is confused, distracted or driving recklessly, a roadside construction zone has the potential to become deadly.

Many contractors assume an environmental claim will be covered under their commercial general liability (CGL) policy. The unfortunate reality is that most CGLs contain pollution exclusions that leave contractors uninsured in the event of a pollution incident. Thankfully, contractors are increasingly turning to Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) Insurance to ensure they have the right coverage in place to remain secure and profitable.