The improved economy has boosted construction starts, but a shortage of experienced trade workers has led to more on-the-job injuries and construction defects, says Doug Cauti, senior vice president and chief underwriting officer of Liberty Mutual’s construction practice.
The increase in injuries stems from mistakes such as falls from heights due to forgetting to tie off and tripping over items that could have been easily moved—things that experienced workers tend to avoid, Cauti says.
The first six months of employment are the most risky for new tradespeople.
Experienced workers who return to the job after a long layoff may need refresher courses in safety protocols, Cauti points out. Some may be more injury prone if they were physically inactive while they were out of work.
Insurance executives are also seeing an uptick in construction-defect claims, particularly in the apartment and condo markets which have been hot in some regions recently.
There is good news, though, for contractors—at least this year. Insurance rates are expected to hold steady or rise modestly for the remainder of the year for most construction clients.
(http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2014/05/07/building-on-a-rebound?t=es-specialty)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 13, 2017
New BIM guide for owners released
National Institute of Building Sciences releases a manual for developing standard set of BIM documents.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2017
OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety
Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2017
Plunging solar power costs making PVs more compelling for owners, developers
Technical and manufacturing advances are driving down prices.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
Boston’s plans for new development at odds with flood projections
One plan calls for building in areas predicted to be flooded during high tides as sea levels rise.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
New LEED for Cities, LEED for Communities pilot certifications unveiled
Requires tracking of performance data and progress toward goals.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
China claims top ranking outside of U.S. for total LEED-certified space
Canada, India, Brazil, and Korea round out top 5.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2017
OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety
Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2017
2018 building energy code upholds efficiency gains
Efforts to scale back efficiency requirements largely defeated.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2017
Low-income housing doesn’t lower neighborhood housing values
A Trulia study contradicts longstanding fears.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2017
Intelligent transportation systems have implications for designers, construction firms
Sensors and Internet of Things devices will have to be embedded in infrastructure.
