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 | Jun 19, 2020
Demand for family rentals expected to jump over next few years
Developers’ focus on single, urban millennials leaves family market underserved.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2020
AIA offers retail and office 3D models for reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission
For modifying stores and offices with 17-point architectural, engineering, and administrative framework.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2020
Santa Fe is second city in the world to achieve LEED v4.1 Gold
New Mexico community gained credits for resilience planning, including public health crises.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2020
NSF International’s Checked by NSF program helps businesses reopen safely
Includes third-party validation of COVID-19 preventive measures.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2020
Workers want policy changes before they return to offices
More office cleaning, work from home opportunities, and staying home when sick among the desired adjustments.
Codes and Standards | Jun 12, 2020
Carbon emission legislation prompts commercial real estate to innovate
Mass timber, augmented reality, and modular construction among the trends.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2020
USGBC offers new pilot credit to address green cleaning and COVID-19
Provides guidance on cleaning and disinfecting buildings using green cleaning best practices.
Codes and Standards | Jun 10, 2020
AIA issues tools for reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission in buildings
Tailored strategies offered for offices, retailers, schools, and senior living facilities.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
OSHA construction safety inspections fall 84% during COVID-19 pandemic
Agency focuses on preventing disease transmission in healthcare industry.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 8, 2020
Frank Lloyd Wright sites set to reopen and construction jobs rise by 464,000.
