High=Profile: May 2026 | Page 26

( inches) high.
STCKY( Stuff That Can Kill You): Moves, Picks / Lifts | Energy Wheel: Motion Fatal / Focus Four: Struck-By | High Hazards: Logistics & Material Handling, Demolition
Every construction site presents move risks. Here, all the equipment presents move risks. The overhead power lines represent an electrical or shock hazard. With Motion, Struck-By & Logistic hazards, keep in mind:
• Are backup alarms, proximity detection, and cameras on all heavy mobile equipment and trucks functional?
• Has a clear method of communication between equipment operators and ground personnel been implemented and communicated?
& Shock hazards, keep in mind:
High Hazards:
• Are all folks wearing“ Hi Visibility” clothing or vests following ABC’ s of fall protection:
pelvis, thighs) to prevent injury.
exposures is required. designed to make wearers easily seen in hazardous environments?
• Clear designated walking routes for‘ on foot workers’ prevent struck by incidents.
• Establish and delineate haul routes and prohibit ground personnel from being on foot in these areas.
• Cover all catch basins with grates to eliminate the possibility of being pulled in.
• Struck-by hazards could also result from: plant must be tied off.
▪ Struck-by Falling Objects( gravity and working at heights)
▪ Struck-by Flying Objects( pressurized systems releasing parts or debris; nails or fasteners ejected from nail guns; fragments from grinding, cutting or drilling)
▪ Struck-by Swinging or Rolling Objects( crane loads that swing unexpectedly; rolling pipes, materials, or equipment; uncontrolled movement of suspended loads) bucket of an excavator or backhoe.
devices. cement. lockout / tagout procedures.
26

Spotlight: Construction Safety Week

Construction Safety Week 2026 Promotes‘ Recognize, Respond, Respect’

Providence, RI – Construction Safety Week, the industry’ s annual initiative uniting around shared commitment to health and safety, takes place on May 4-8. This year’ s theme,“ All in Together,” reinforces unified focus on preventing serious injuries and fatalities( SIFs) through the pillars“ Recognize, Respond and Respect.”
This year’ s theme,“ All in Together,” reinforces unified focus on preventing serious injuries and fatalities( SIFs) through the pillars“ Recognize, Respond and Respect.”
Construction Safety Week announced a new alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration( OSHA). This official partnership strengthens the shared commitment to preventing SIFs and advancing Total Worker Health across the
APRIL 6TH- MAY 7TH
PREVENTION BEGINS WITH RECOGNITION
full construction project life cycle with all industry stakeholders.
“ This alliance with OSHA is an important step forward in unifying the industry,” said Adam Jelen, Gilbane Building president and CEO and 2026 Safety Week chair.“ The alliance will support information, education and

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $ 1,000!

THE HAZARD
Each of us has a role to play and a responsibility to recognize, respond to and respect the hazards that lead to serious injuries and fatalities( SIFs) in construction. By deepening our awareness and recognition of these hazards across the industry, we can significantly reduce fatality rates and advance our shared mission to proactively prevent SIFs.
Through an interactive educational experience, you’ ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and ability to recognize the hazards that are known as common precursors to SIFs in construction. Play for a chance to win one of ten $ 1,000 prizes between April 6th and Thursday, May 7th. Earn one entry into the giveaway for every completed round and for each correct answer you submit.
resources that strengthen Construction Safety Week’ s impact and its focus on elevating health and safety and deepening the culture of care across the industry.”
Safety Week and OSHA will again partner on the National Safety Stand- Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, encouraging companies across the U. S. and Canada to pause work on May 6, or during the week, to create the industry’ s largest safety stand-down.
This year’ s theme centers on the three pillars – Recognize, Respond and Respect – and a unified call to action on high energy, high hazard work to prevent SIFs. To support this, Safety Week launched a new technical bulletin series developed with the Technical Committee, informed by industry leaders, safety experts and skilled craft professionals. The bulletins reflect a shared responsibility to protect lives throughout the project life cycle.
As part of 2026 planning, Safety Week launched a five-year vision to further deepen the culture of care centered
May 2026
around respect for the skilled craft to drive alignment in how health and safety is understood, owned and engineered across the entire project life cycle with all stakeholders.
“ For over a decade, Construction Safety Week has been a catalyst, creating tangible change in how health and safety is owned and engineered across projects,” said Jelen.“ By emphasizing the importance of recognizing, responding to and respecting high energy hazards, we are strengthening safety culture across our industry and helping ensure every worker returns home safely.”
The annual Construction Safety Week event highlights the industry’ s ongoing commitment to building a culture of safety. By sharing best practices, tools and resources at job sites and offices across North America, Safety Week fosters collaboration and continuous improvement.
Founded by members of the Construction Industry Safety Initiative( CISI) and the Incident & Injury Free Executive Forum( IIF), the event includes more than 150 supporters, including over 70 contractors and 80 sponsors and advocates. Additional support comes from a growing network of partners and supporters who amplify the message of health and safety across the industry.
Giveaway Program Focuses on Hazard Recognition
The Spin the Wheel, Spot the Hazard giveaway running April 6 – May 7, is designed to strengthen high energy hazard recognition. Individuals and companies can enter at www. constructionsafetyweek. com / giveaway for a chance to win $ 1,000.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE Resources and Participation
MOTION, STRUCK-BY
& LOGISTIC HAZARDS
GRAVITY & HEIGHT HAZARDS
STCKY( Stuff That Can Kill You): Falls | Energy Wheel: Gravity Fatal / Focus Four: Falls | High Hazards: Working at Heights, Temporary Structures
The potential gravity and height hazards include the falls from the edge of the building and mast climber. Additionally, falling objects from both of these contribute to the potential hazards. The telehandler( forklift) in the photo represents a possible struck-by hazard. With Gravity & Height hazards, keep in mind:
• The guardrail systems at the leading edge of the building are engineering controls to prevent falls.
▪ Top Rails 42” +/- 3”( inches). Mid-rails installed midway between the top rail and the surface. Toe boards at least 3 ½”
▪ Top rail must resist 200 lbs downward / outward force without
ELECTRICAL & SHOCK HAZARDS
STCKY( Stuff That Can Kill You): Shocks / Electrical | Energy Wheel: Electrical Fatal / Focus Four: Electrocution | High Hazards: Hazardous Energy
All the motors and cabling in the photo present electrical and shock hazards. The various belt systems and the hydraulic pistons are considered“ stressed or tensioned” hazards. They occur when an object or material is stretched, compressed, or otherwise loaded with energy that can be suddenly released. With Electrical
• Guardrail systems are the preferred method of fall protection when applicable. Personal fall arrest systems should be used as the last resort. Training in fall arrest systems / equipment required.
▪ A personal fall arrest system shall consist of the
• Identify potential voltage and implement steps to isolate / insulate employees from potential shocks.
• Place danger overhead power lines signs when working around power transmission and distribution lines.
CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
STCKY( Stuff That Can Kill You): Toxic / Flammable | Energy Wheel: Chemical, Biological, Radiation
The photo shows containment and controls for asbestos abatement. They include containment & isolation: establishing regulated areas with barriers and signage to restrict access, and the use of
represent trip hazards within the image. With Chemical, Biological & Environmental hazards, keep in mind:
• PPE would be the last line of defense but still essential for workers. Use of NIOSH-approved respirators appropriate for asbestos work. Fit testing and medical evaluations are required under OSHA regulations.
▪ ANCHORAGE- A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices. Must be independent of the means of supporting or suspending the worker. Must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs per worker.
▪ BODY HARNESS- A full-body harness that distributes fall forces across the body( shoulders,
▪ CONNECTOR – The device( examples: shock absorbing lanyard, self-retracting lifeline) that connects the harness to the anchorage.
▪ ALWAYS FOLLOW MANUFACTURER’ S RECOMMENDATIONS OF EQUIPMENT.
• ALWAYS plan ahead to prevent gravity and height hazards. Clear communication of the potential fall
• The exclusion zones represent protection for falling objects. Additionally, mesh and netting on guardrail systems support protection from falling objects.
• All impalement hazards must be guarded.
• All employees working on the drag slat in an asphalt
PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE & OTHER PHYSICAL HAZARDS
STCKY( Stuff That Can Kill You): Stressed / Tensioned( pressure), Work Environment( temperature extremes, Energy Wheel: Pressure, Temperature, Sound | High Hazards:( implicit in Hazardous
The photo shows locations of potential hazards and controls including LOTO protection system access, and additional guarding of locations with potential high-pressure release. This location represents a reminder about proper housekeeping. We need to ensure that trip, slip and fall hazards are eliminated on project sites, especially if there is equipment that could present risks if fallen into. With Pressure, Temperature and Other Physical hazards, keep in mind: for all overhead and underground utilities.
▪ Any potholing should be performed with either a vacuum truck or a hand shovel— NOT with the
▪ All generators / electrical equipment must use ground fault circuit interrupter( GFCI) safety
▪ Inspect all hand tools and power tools for electrical hazards prior to operation.
▪ Methods of procedure( MOPs) and proper planning are essential for protection against electrical and shock hazards. Follow all
energized electrical equipment( 50V +)
by standards like NFPA 70E, and must show voltage, boundary, incident energy( or PPE level), and required PPE to protect workers from severe burns and injury, with the equipment owner responsible for accurate, durable placement.
▪ Disposable protective clothing, gloves and boot
▪ Another example of environmental / chemical hazards could be respirable crystalline silica dust. Control of dust using wet methos, HEPA
reduces airborne dust. Respirators are essential for workers in high-risk environments. Agencies like OSHA set permissible exposure limits. Other potential hazards include lead, welding fumes, solvents, paints, fuels, and
▪ Safety Data Sheet( SDS) review of all materials on the project will support controls in chemical exposures. Safety Data Sheets are detailed documents that provide comprehensive information about a hazardous chemical, including its properties, health or environmental risks, safe handling procedures, storage guidelines, and emergency response measures.
▪ BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS – Wildlife, stinging insects, poisonous plants, and mold.
▪ Pressure control and guarding is essential in protection against potential hazards.
lacerations. Proper PPE, safe working distances and training on hazards are critical.
▪ Pressurized equipment could have a rupture
valves and isolation( LOTO) are critical.
atmosphere must be tested at varying depths for atmospheric hazards.
▪ Ensure that there is signage present to notify workers about potential hazards.
▪ Employees onsite must be trained in First Aid, CPR and AED during operations.
Free resources, including technical bulletins, discussion topics and mental health resources are available at www. constructionsafetyweek. com / plan-for-safety-week / resources /.
Visit constructionsafetyweek. com / giveaway

1 2 3

Scan here or the QR code on banners at your project site.
Follow the instructions to play.
Click the link provided to review answer key for more details and education on the hazards and your results.
Stay tuned on our social media and website to track your company’ s participation and see the ten grand prize winners who will be announced during Safety Week.
www. high-profile. com