Earthcam has introduced AI-based visual identification features to monitor material deliveries and installations, integrating with Procore and Autodesk to update project progress. The system also tracks safety violations, such as lack of personal protective equipment and fall risks, using onboard camera AI processing.
More than one-third of work-related injuries in the retail and wholesale industry involve employees in their first year on the job, according to Sentry's 2024 Retail & Wholesale Injury Report. The analysis of more than 22,000 injury claims also shows that 63% of injuries occur among workers younger than 30 and older than 50, with strain from lifting being the most common cause.
Workplace horseplay, often seen as harmless fun, can lead to serious injuries and liabilities. Common injuries include slips, trips, falls, struck-by incidents and musculoskeletal injuries. To mitigate these risks, organizations should implement clear policies, provide consistent training and enforce a firm stance against unsafe behavior.
The construction industry is facing a mental health crisis, with suicide rates among male workers significantly higher than work-related fatalities. Companies such as BL Harbert International are implementing mental health training and suicide prevention initiatives, but challenges remain, including stigma and lack of paid sick leave.
Workers' compensation premiums are set to decline in several states in 2025, including Connecticut, West Virginia, Missouri, Massachusetts and Florida, while rates in Washington state will see an increase. Meanwhile, legislative changes in workers' comp in some states include expanding protections for first responders and requiring employers to notify workers of their right to legal counsel in workers' comp cases.
On Dec. 11, the Department of Labor announced that OSHA finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment standard for construction. The final rule updates the personal protective equipment standard for construction (29 CFR 1926.95(c)) to explicitly require that PPE fit properly. The rule takes effect on January 13.
Unsafe conditions can arise unexpectedly in work environments, often created by individuals not directly supervised. Mark Lamendola suggests maintaining safety control by roping off work areas, coordinating with other parties, answering questions, overcoming resistance, being vigilant and not tolerating aggressive transgressions.
Recovery-friendly workplaces are gaining attention in the US as businesses recognize the value of employees who are recovering from substance use disorders, writes Mark Bonta, executive director of Recovery Jobs Foundation. Businesses that adopt recovery-friendly practices can see improved productivity, lower turnover and reduced costs, contributing to national economic growth, writes Bonta.
AI will continue to transform the construction industry in 2025 by enhancing project management, energy efficiency and sustainability, writes Diego Padilla-Philipps, director of decarbonization and innovation for building structures at WSP. Automation and robotics will become more integrated, particularly through design for manufacture and assembly, while AI agents will handle tasks such as inventory monitoring and email sorting.
Announcing BHHC's 2025 Workplace Safety Webinar Schedule! Every month, BHHC Loss Control experts dive into crucial topics like compliance, technology in risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and more — all aimed at supporting a proactive safety culture.
Whether you’re focused on training supervisors or staying ahead of regulatory updates, these twice-monthly webinars offer valuable insights for all safety leaders. Join us throughout the year to reduce risk, protect employees, and enhance workplace safety. Stay informed, stay safe — view the full schedule and save the dates today.
