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 | Nov 11, 2019
New retrofit design guide for metal roofing published
Metal Construction Association document provides best practices for re-roofing with metal.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2019
New York City among the top hotel construction pipelines in the United States
Hotels presently under construction are at 102 projects/17,504 rooms.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2019
Group focused on using AI for construction safety gains key members
Major contractors join partnership to share data to predict hazards, incidents.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2019
Undisclosed ICC agreement with NAHB alleged to thwart more stringent efficiency codes
Homebuilders’ seats on ICC made it easier to block new provisions, report alleges.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2019
ASHRAE releases new version of energy efficiency standard for buildings
Standard 90.1 includes revisions of envelope, lighting, HVAC provisions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2019
Resiliency of a community’s housing stock can be measured according to new benchmark
Metric can help municipalities prepare for disasters.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2019
FEMA, ICC release updated guide on integrating I-Codes into floodplain management regulations
Provides advice on satisfying requirements for the National Flood Insurance Program.
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2019
ILFI releases new version of Living Building Challenge Framework for Affordable Housing
Document includes updated findings, case studies, new strategies for financing, designing, building affordable housing.
Codes and Standards | Oct 28, 2019
U.S. military demands landlords address health hazards in troop housing
Air Force threatens formal dispute process.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2019
ASHRAE design contest winners demonstrate building resilience
Model building, a city hall, could operate without utility service for two weeks.