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 | Mar 22, 2022
Dept. of Energy awards $32 million for next-generation building retrofits
The U.S. Dept. of Energy has awarded a total of $32 million for more than 30 next-generation building retrofit projects that will dramatically improve affordable housing technologies, according to a DOE news release.
Legislation | Mar 18, 2022
New framework to help site community solar projects released
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) released a new report to aid policymakers in siting community solar projects.
Codes and Standards | Mar 17, 2022
Dept. of Energy seeks input on building-integrated photovoltaic systems
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and Building Technologies Office (BTO) recently issued a request for information to gather input on technical and commercial challenges and opportunities for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems.
Legislation | Mar 16, 2022
Weak federal commercial real estate rules will hamper seizing Russian assets
Lax disclosure regulations that have made the U.S. a global hot spot for money laundering via real estate holdings will make it difficult for officials to seize properties from Russian oligarchs.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2022
First company awarded Fitwel Certification in Senior Housing for Occupant Health & Wellness
The Springs at Greer Gardens in Eugene, Ore., is the first property to earn a Fitwel global health certification under the newly created senior housing scorecard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2022
HOK offers guidance for reducing operational and embodied carbon in labs
Global design firm HOK has released research providing lab owners and developers guidance for reducing operational and embodied carbon to meet net zero goals.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2022
Late payments in the construction industry rose in 2021
Last year was a tough one for contractors when it comes to getting paid on time.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2022
Massachusetts proposed energy code changes don’t ban gas
Proposed changes to the Massachusetts energy code would provide incentives for builders to fully electrify buildings, but not impose a ban on natural gas hookups.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2022
Construction industry faces a 650,000 worker shortfall in 2022
The U.S. construction industry must hire an additional 650,000 workers in 2022 to meet the expected demand for labor, according to a model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2022
FAA offers $1 billion in grants for airport terminal and tower projects
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now accepting applications for about $1 billion in grants for airport projects during fiscal year 2022.