Author: Nazia Shah
On April 15, in honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, AGC hosted a Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Forum focused on Alcohol Awareness and Workplace‑Supported Recovery, featuring experts from SAFE Project. The session highlighted how alcohol use affects worker wellbeing, explained key definitions like heavy and binge drinking, and emphasized that recovery looks different for everyone. The presenters shared practical ways employers can reduce stigma, support recovery, and create more inclusive, recovery‑friendly workplaces – starting with simple steps like alcohol‑optional events and open conversations about available resources. The recording and slides are now available on AGC’s website. The AGC Mental Health…
On April 10, OSHA issued its revised national emphasis program (NEP) for outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards in the workplace. Originally issued in April 2022, the revised enforcement policy remains largely unchanged with a few exceptions. The 2022 policy required each OSHA regional office to double their heat-related enforcement activity, while the most recent policy avoids establishing any inspection metrics. Another change in the new policy is the reduced number of targeted industries. Compared to the 2022 Heat NEP, the data update resulted in 46 target industries removed from the tables, 22 industries added, and 33 industries retained, for a…
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) 2026 is set for April 20-24. It encourages drivers to slow down, stay focused, and use extra caution when approaching and passing through a roadway work zone. This year’s theme is “Safe Actions Save Lives”. In 2023, 899 people died in work zones and 82 highway worker fatalities occurred in road construction sites. As part of AGC’s commitment to protecting workers, AGC of America and contractor members will take part in the official kickoff event on April 21 in Farmington, CT. Interested in attending and advocating for safer work zones? RSVP by contacting Jonathon Porter…
AGC participated in OSHA’s 2026 Alliance Program Construction Roundtable on March 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C., joining industry, labor, and government leaders to advance construction safety and health through collaboration. Hosted by OSHA’s Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, the roundtable highlighted cooperative approaches to addressing persistent and emerging safety challenges. AGC’s participation reinforces its long-standing commitment to working with OSHA and industry partners to improve jobsite safety outcomes for construction employers and workers. Key Discussions and UpdatesThe roundtable theme—“Building Bridges: Enhancing Collaboration and Strengthening Partnerships in the Construction Industry”—framed discussions led by OSHA senior leadership, including Deputy Assistant Secretary…
The National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-By Incidents is held annually during National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) to raise awareness of struck-by hazards, which may include falling and flying objects, vehicles and heavy equipment, and crane swing hazards. These incidents are the number one cause of nonfatal injuries in construction and the leading cause of death among heavy and civil construction workers. Fortunately, they can be avoided by careful planning, training, and the use of controls. Plan or participate in a stand-down event by taking a break to focus on struck-by hazards and reinforce the importance of training and prevention: Contact Nazia Shah for more…
As the days get warmer and excavation projects pick up, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. April is recognized as National Safe Digging Month to raise awareness about excavation hazards and the potential to strike underground utilities and pipelines – or “dig-ins.” There are more than 500 “dig-ins” every day in the U.S.* – each presents a risk of serious injuries to workers and impacts to communities. The good news? By following a few key safety steps—including contacting 811 before every dig—you can help ensure smooth and incident-free excavations. Whether you’re working on a large construction project or a routine dig,…
AGC previously reported that the DOL/OSHA recently made appointments to and scheduled a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH). The meeting is scheduled to take place from March 1st to April 1st. The focus of the meeting will be for OSHA to brief the nine-member committee on sixteen (16) of the twenty-six (26) proposed deregulatory initiatives that will impact construction, which were published on July 1, 2025. The committee will then make recommendations as to how the agency should proceed on each. AGC, along with three other construction trade associations, submitted a letter to the…
In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, join the AGC Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Forum, April 15, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern, for a timely discussion on alcohol use in the construction industry and how workplaces can better support recovery. Speakers Learning Objectives The AGC Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Forum meets virtually on a quarterly basis to gather and share information, resources, and best practices among stakeholders in the construction industry. Open to all AGC members and chapters, the goal of these forums is to provide a safe space where construction industry stakeholders can come together to share success stories,…
As the summer months approach, AGC is encouraging contractors to take proactive steps to protect their teams, recognizing that construction work often takes place outdoors, in direct sunlight, or in hot, enclosed environments where heat-related risks can increase. Visit the AGC Heat Safety Resource Center where you will find a repository of information about heat hazards in the workplace and ways to mitigate these hazards. The resource center also houses information on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) current enforcement policy and what contractors can expect in the event of a heat-related enforcement inspection. You can also access state-specific…
The Summer 2026 Construction Safety & Health Conference is coming up, with an all-new agenda and experiences awaiting your safety team, including an unbeatable network of safety professionals. Why the Construction Safety & Health Conference? Signing up early also means pocketing at least $115 in registration savings, scoring discounted accommodations, and getting first dibs on our free post-conference 3M Experience. Join us at the best construction safety event of the year. For more information, please contact Nazia Shah. Looking for sponsor/exhibitor opportunities? Contact Adam Lingenfelter.