Hat-Trick Safety, Inc.

08/25/2026

How are employers addressing contractor-related serious incidents and fatalities? The National Safety Council wants to find out.

NSC has launched a survey in an effort to gain feedback about SIFs from organizations that manage contractors or perform work as a contractor. The online survey, which takes no more than 10 minutes to complete, includes questions on:

- Contractor inclusion in SIF definitions and programs
- Reporting expectations for SIFs and potential SIFs, or pSIFs
- Critical control verification and leading indicators
- Contractor prequalification and oversight practices
- SIF metrics, investigations and learning reviews
- Challenges, barriers and emerging best practices in contractor SIF management

“The National Safety Council’s SIF Prevention Model encourages organizations to move beyond traditional injury metrics and focus on the exposures, hazards and control failures that could lead to life-altering injuries or fatalities,” NSC says. “Preventing SIFs requires learning from pSIFs, verifying critical controls and understanding where catastrophic risk exists before someone gets hurt.”

How are employers addressing contractor-related serious incidents and fatalities?

08/24/2026

Legislation recently introduced in the Senate is aimed at bolstering su***de prevention efforts in the construction industry.

The industry has one of the highest rates of su***de, according to a press release from the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). It adds that in 2023, almost a fifth of deaths by su***de with a reported industry code were tied to construction, despite construction workers making up only 7% of the U.S. workforce.

The Constructing the Path to Su***de Prevention Act (S. 5327) would direct the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collect data on the “unique su***de risk factors facing construction workers that can be used to inform future su***de prevention programming.”

Among those risk factors are lack of employment and financial stability; substance and alcohol use; and limited access to health care coverage, employment benefits and employee assistance programs.

“From our homes to our offices, our roads to our favorite coffee shops, construction workers are responsible for building America,” Cortez Masto said in the release. “But work in this industry presents distinct mental health risks, and we owe it to construction workers to find solutions. This legislation will give us the tools we need to combat the tragically high rate of su***de among construction workers and work to end the stigma around mental health on the jobsite.”

The bill has been referred to Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. It’s backed by North America’s Building Trades Unions, the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention, the Laborers’ International Union of North America, and the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, among other organizations.

https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/senate-bill-targets-tragically-high-su***de-rate-in-the-construction-industry/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sh&_zs=sUglS1&_zl=Fke88

08/21/2026

OSHA Safety Workplace Reminder:
Remind employees of available mental health services.

https://www.osha.gov/preventingsu***des

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

08/20/2026

OSHA Workplace Safety Reminder: Always wear fall protection when working 6 feet or more above the ground.

https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

08/13/2026

DOB Service Notice: Follow up #1: Local Law 48 and Local Law 51 of 2025 – Sidewalk Shed Progress Report and Progress Report Fee

Beginning August 17, 2026, a Registered Design Professional (RDP) is required to provide specific information about the progress of the work for which the sidewalk shed is required on renewal of the sidewalk shed permit in DOB NOW. Payment of the new $90 progress report fee will also be required on every renewal. See 1 RCNY §101-03 and §102-07.

Exception

The above requirements will not apply to sidewalk sheds associated with one- or two-family homes or sidewalk sheds installed in connection with new building, enlargement, or demolition work for which a permit has been issued.

Total Fee to Renew Sidewalk Shed Permit

All sidewalk shed permits expire after 90 days. A renewal fee of $130 is required for every permit renewal. For sidewalk shed permits that are not associated with one- or two-family homes or installed in connection with new building, enlargement, or demolition work for which a permit has been issued, a total fee of $220 (the renewal fee of $130 plus the $90 progress report fee) will be required to renew the permit.

08/12/2026

Small businesses that put worker safety strategies and resources in place soon after beginning operation can help “decrease injuries and related burden,” according to a study from the Institute for Work and Health.

Researchers examined previous studies while interviewing 11 individuals experienced with issues related to small-business occupational safety and health.

Although evidence shows that educating leaders of small or new businesses about OSH management was the most common intervention, the group found that multiple other strategies were successful. Among them:

Enablement: Providing onsite consultations, coaching and tools for risk assessments to “help increase capacity or reduce barriers” to OSH

Training: Focused on building skills in risk assessments, stress management, leadership and OSH management; provided in-person or online

Persuasion: Intended to instill positive or negative emotions to convince organizations to take OSH management action

Organizations often used a combination of strategies, the study states. Whatever an employer’s approach, the researchers agree about the importance of early intervention, as small businesses can experience increased worker injury and fatality rates because of a gap in knowledge and resources.

“As soon as they hire someone, a business owner or the person responsible for the day-to-day operations should be ready to manage the health and safety risks posed to that employee,” Lynda Robson, study co-author and IWH scientist, said in a press release.

Andrew Mudge, executive director of the Workers Health and Safety Centre in Markham, Ontario, agrees.

“Small businesses are a vital engine in our economy, but it is clear too many lack the tools and confidence to keep workers safe,” Mudge said in separate release. “By making health and safety resources easier to access, especially early on, and combining education and training with clear requirements, we can help employers build strong lifesaving health and safety practices from Day One.”

The study was published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.

https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/small-business-study-using-safety-approaches-early-can-help-limit-injuries/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sh&_zs=sUglS1&_zl=QJQ88

08/11/2026

Plan & Promote Your Participation for Safe & Sound Week using OSHA's resources.

https://www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek/plan-and-promote

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

08/10/2026

Safe & Sound Week 2026: August 10-16, 2026

Safe & Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. This year, OSHA will focus on recognizing safety and health program achievements.

08/06/2026

OSHA has announced that Aug. 27 is the new deadline to comment on a proposed update to the agency’s standard (1910.1028) on benzene.

According to a notice published on July 28, the 30-day extension comes after the agency consulted with its Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health.

“To read or download the ACCSH recommendations, comments and other materials submitted in the docket, go to Docket No. OSHA-2025-0023,” the notice says. “Additional materials and information related to OSHA’s consultation with ACCSH will be available at osha.gov/advisorycommittee/accsh/minutes.”

With the proposed update, the agency is seeking to “reduce compliance burdens, allow for the use of more up-to-date technology and improve the comprehensibility of the requirements for respiratory protection programs under the standard.”

The notice adds that part of OSHA’s intent is to “better align this standard with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (1910.134).”

OSHA recently extended to Aug. 21 the comment deadline for 13 other proposed rules.

In comments submitted in August 2025 on behalf of the Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association, Bart Pickleman, association chair, said OSHA is “removing the more prescriptive respiratory protection requirements, which provide better guidance to employers and employees, and replaces them with references to the general respiratory protection requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134, the ‘horizontal’ Respiratory Protection Standard. OSHSPA believes this is a move in the wrong direction.”

He added that the change “will not overall lessen the regulatory burden on employers.”

https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/osha-extends-comment-deadline-for-proposed-changes-to-benzene-rule/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sh&_zs=sUglS1&_zl=4V788

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

08/06/2026

***WEATHER ADVISORY***

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS ADVISES PROPERTY OWNERS, CONTRACTORS, & WORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES DURING SEVERE HEAT AND THUNDERSTORMS

The New York City area may experience severe weather including high temperatures, with heat indices potentially reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and isolated thunderstorms, starting today, Thursday, August 6, and continuing through Friday, August 7. Accordingly, DOB is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment. All contractors and workers who are outside are also urged to take every precaution, and follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to prevent heat-related illness. That includes ensuring everyone on the work site stays properly hydrated, avoids prolonged sun exposure, and are taking necessary breaks.

On June 22, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 17, requiring city agencies to develop enhanced protocols during days with extreme heat. The Department of Buildings is required to send out hear notifications to the industry reminding them of their legal responsibilities to protect their workers.

Know the signs of heat illness. Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature rises quickly, which can lead to death. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you or someone you know has the following symptoms:

- Hot, dry skin
- Confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation
- Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Fast, strong pulse
- Weakness
- Dizziness

People suffering from heat exhaustion need to get to a cool place, remove extra clothes and drink lots of water. Symptoms to look for:

- Heavy sweating
- Cold, clammy skin
- Muscle cramps
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Headache
- Decreased energy
- Loss of appetite or nausea

New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.

Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition.

Department weather advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties for severe weather and cannot be read to suggest that the department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.