Construction Supervisors Strained by Safety, Mental Health, Training Gaps

• A new survey reveals that while construction supervisors and managers are accountable for both safety and culture, many say they lack the preparation and resources to deliver on those responsibilities.
• The findings come from Vector Solutions’ The State of Frontline Safety Leadership in Construction report, based on a survey of more than 600 full-time construction supervisors and managers across the U.S.
• More than 90% of the survey’s respondents said that structured supervisor training leads to fewer safety incidents. However, without stronger buy-in from leadership, supervisors are left in the dark to navigate hazards and sensitive crew issues.
• As well, workers are increasingly turning to their supervisors for support that extends well beyond day-to-day operations, as 71% say a crew member has approached them with personal issues such as mental health or substance abuse.
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Bechtel Issues Internal Report on Deaths of Texas LNG Workers

• Bechtel Corporation’s internal report on an April accident that killed three workers at its Port Arthur, Texas LNG construction site, details seven factors in the event.
• Bechtel blamed an improperly secured bracket connection, the failure to utilize fall protection systems properly, inadequate training, the absence of an experienced crewmember at the time of the incident at the scene, non-compliance with the company’s mentoring processes, performing high-risk work on a night shift, and that their culture of safety was not correctly applied at the work site.
• Two others were injured in the accident.
• “We’ve been cooperating fully with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and we welcome the results of their investigation,” said Craig Albert, Bechtel’s President and Chief Operating Officer, in a statement.
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Saskatchewan Looks to Review Occupational Safety Regulations

• Saskatchewan is seeking feedback and comment for its review of Canadian province’s The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020/
• The review will take place in three phases. The first phase of the review includes parts one to five of the regulations. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to share feedback on these parts by November 30.
• Later phases will include reviews of the remaining parts of the regulations and will be announced at a later date.
• “This review is an important way to ensure that these regulations remain relevant and meet the needs of both employees and employers,” Deputy Premier and Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter said. “We look forward to hearing insights from organizations and individuals.”
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Most Small-Business Employees Worry About On-the-Job Safety

• Some two-thirds of small-business employees are worried about safety at work, according to a survey released Wednesday by Pie Insurance.
• The results showed that 58% witnessed workplace injuries in the past year and 43% reported “feeling pressured to work through unsafe conditions,” according to an announcement from Pie.
• The Colorado-based workers compensation insurer commissioned the online survey on workplace safety and culture, which covered 1,021 full-time and part-time employees at businesses of up to 500 workers.
• Some 83% feel comfortable reporting safety concerns, but 17% are reluctant to do so.
• Reluctance is fueled by concerns about retaliation (35%) and the desire to not be seen as difficult (33%).
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