Crawford & Company’s Post

🚧 🏗 To a whole population of men and women, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, that often feel like they are forgotten about, often feel that they are just used up, and only as good as the work that they are able to perform that day, resources are available for help. “In the construction industry, we’ve generationally been taught that if you talk to someone about a weakness or you’re struggling then you’re weak and you won’t get hired.” There are so many layers to the facts in this article, but all of them can be assisted by reaching out and checking on someone in the industry. And when you ask them if they are doing okay, and you get a generic answer, ask them again and let them know you mean it. If you are a worker in the Boston area or know one who needs assistance, reach out. I can get you connected, confidentially, with your Employee Assistance Program. You'll never need to worry about whether you're going to lose your job or not. Remember that asking for help is sometimes the hardest thing. https://lnkd.in/dJfBeQHK

𝗔 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 & 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 During a recent holiday trip to a least-developed country, I was met with a stark contrast between the beauty of the landscapes and the harsh realities faced by the local workers. While I understand the financial constraints of these nations, nothing prepared me for the conditions in which these people are forced to work. Walking through the streets, I observed construction projects where both local and foreign developers were pushing forward with their plans, seemingly indifferent to the dangerous conditions these workers were enduring. It was like stepping into an image from the internet - one where multiple workplace hazards are evident at a glance. But this wasn't a photograph; these were real people right in front of me, risking their lives every day just to make ends meet. I had the privilege of engaging in meaningful conversations with some of the local workers. Their stories were heartbreaking. Many of them spoke of their desperation to provide for their families, doing anything necessary to put food on the table. They faced long hours, unsafe environments, and minimal protection, all for a minimum wage. The lack of basic health and safety measures was evident everywhere I looked. The absence of protective gear, proper training, and basic safety protocols made every worksite a potential death trap. Scaffolding without guardrails, workers without proper PPE, exposed excavations, unsafe welding operations, and exposed electrical wires were just a few of the hazards I spotted but the list goes on. The disregard for human life in favour of rapid development was devastating to witness. This experience has reinforced my commitment to advocating for better health and safety standards globally. It is crucial for us, as professionals in this field, to not only focus on our local environments but also extend our concern and expertise to those who are often overlooked. Every worker, regardless of where they are in the world, deserves the right to a safe and healthy workplace and to return home safely to their families every day. Let's continue to push for global standards, raise awareness, and support initiatives that aim to improve working conditions in least-developed countries. #HealthAndSafety #GlobalStandards #WorkerRights #HumanDignity #MakeADifference

THE VOICE OF CONSTRUCTION SAYS In #construction, a confluence of trends and issues has resulted in the industry having among the highest of #suicide rates. Contributing factors including: • Occupational culture of the industry • Transient nature of the workforce with no connection to workplace community • #substanceabuse originating from pain management • #education • #demographic make-up of the #constructionindustry • #physically demanding and dangerous work • #accessibility to lethal means Traditional industry risk control efforts focus entirely on physical loss and greatly ignores #mentalhealth and #wellbeing. By applying the same mentality into #safety and wellbeing, safety professionals can help create an environment which: • Creates a culture in which workers are comfortable to initiate a dialogue about their personal issues • Breaks through the #stigma surrounding the topic of #mentalhealth • Enables communication on the topic with the labor force and makes it a subject for safety meetings and company communications • Facilitates leadership in setting the tone on this issue by making suicide prevention a #health and safety priority • #supports employers in ensuring that #suicideprevention resources are accessible and that personnel are trained in suicide intervention skills #risk control must look beyond #mentalhealth to other factors that can also contribute to suicide including job strain, sleep disruption, #bullying or #harassment and other #workplace and environmental stressors. #loveconstruction Take to us, #thevoiceofconstruction #haulage #demolition mike@constructionbuddies.co.uk constructionbuddies.co.uk #haulage #transport #thevoiceofconstruction #stress #tv #radio #demolition #makeitvisible

A Kansas alliance wants to make one of the most dangerous industries safer. Here’s their plan. In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked construction workers second in occupational fatalities, with 1,056 workplace deaths. The industry is also among the highest in suicides and mental health challenges. Difficult working conditions and injuries can lead workers to become dependent on substances, which can contribute to mental health struggles, or vice versa. Our new alliance in Wichita, Kansas, with Associated General Contractors of America aims to change that. It will address industry and worker needs by providing: 💠Resources 💠Toolbox talks 💠Training 💠Outreach Read the full story. ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/dpu8pvvr

In the #construction industry, topics of #mentalhealth #SuicidePrevention #AddictionRecovery & #OverdosePrevention are gaining recognition as essential to worker #HealthAndSafety. Register now -- "Construction Working Minds Summit" and learn more: https://lnkd.in/eyv2A7MR

THE VOICE OF CONSTRUCTION SAYS In #construction, a confluence of trends and issues has resulted in the industry having among the highest of #suicide rates. Contributing factors including: • Occupational culture of the industry • Transient nature of the workforce with no connection to workplace community • #substanceabuse originating from pain management • #education • #demographic make-up of the #constructionindustry • #physically demanding and dangerous work • #accessibility to lethal means Traditional industry risk control efforts focus entirely on physical loss and greatly ignores #mentalhealth and #wellbeing. By applying the same mentality into #safety and wellbeing, safety professionals can help create an environment which: • Creates a culture in which workers are comfortable to initiate a dialogue about their personal issues • Breaks through the #stigma surrounding the topic of #mentalhealth • Enables communication on the topic with the labor force and makes it a subject for safety meetings and company communications • Facilitates leadership in setting the tone on this issue by making suicide prevention a #health and safety priority • #supports employers in ensuring that #suicideprevention resources are accessible and that personnel are trained in suicide intervention skills #risk control must look beyond #mentalhealth to other factors that can also contribute to suicide including job strain, sleep disruption, #bullying or #harassment and other #workplace and environmental stressors. #loveconstruction Take to us, #thevoiceofconstruction #haulage #demolition mike@constructionbuddies.co.uk constructionbuddies.co.uk #haulage #transport #thevoiceofconstruction #stress #tv #radio #demolition #makeitvisible

The workplace of first responders includes the roads. With every shift, first responders are at risk due to the distraction and speed of motorists. Please slow down, pay attention and give them room to work. #safety #FirstResponders #slowdownmoveover #slowdown

We all want to come to work knowing that we will be met with inclusion, and respect. Our Respectful Workplaces (Vilt) program, teaches how to identify different forms of disrespect and harassment in the workplace, and how to support those who have been affected. Learn more: Realize Your Potential: Your ACSA (csod.com) #safetyticket #safety #alberta #ABconstruction #construction

Harnessing the power of the sun comes with its own set of safety considerations. Are you aware of the potential hazards during a solar eclipse? Dive into this article by Canadian Occupational Safety to learn why stopping work might be necessary to ensure everyone's safety. #SolarSafety #WorkplaceSafety #SolarEclipseAwareness

We all leave our homes in the morning with the intention of returning safely to our families at the end of the day. For 39 construction professionals in British Columbia last year, that did not happen. On this National Day of Mourning, we remember and honour those who have lost their lives to workplace injury or illness, while renewing our commitment to creating safer workplaces. According to WorkSafeBC, 175 BC workers died from a workplace injury or disease in 2023, with 93 a result of occupational disease. At Acres, preventing injuries is a crucial aspect of our business says HSE Manager, Joel Moore. “Before engaging in a task, taking the time to pause and think about the potential negative outcomes and their impact they would have on you as a worker is crucial in injury prevention. The decisions you make today may not impact you in the short term, but they certainly may have negative consequences for you in the long term. We all need to keep in mind that no job is worth risking our lives for and our health and wellbeing not only impacts us directly, but all the people in our lives. All workers should expect that their workplaces have processes in place to ensure their safety and the safety of their coworkers, as we all want to go home to our families.” Today, on April 28th, let's all take the time to pause, reflect, remember, and renew our commitment to creating safe and healthy workplaces. #dayofmourning #workplacesafety #constructionsafety #worksafeculture #safetyculture