February 23, 2026 In 2023, 725 workers were killed after a fall to a lower level, according to Injury Facts – an online statistical database managed by the National Safety Council. Falls to a lower level, which includes ladder-related falls, is the third leading “fatal workplace event.” Are your workers properly trained in ladder safety? March is Ladder Safety Month , so make ladder safety the focus of your next safety meeting. Remind workers that when they’re selecting a la

February 23, 2026 How can workplaces reduce confusion and misinformation during emergencies through standardized response communication? The worst time to develop an emergency action plan is during an actual emergency. There’s simply no replacement for pre-planning. Most employers know this but often don’t know where to start. The truth is that an EAP can be as simple or as in-depth as the amount of time and resources you want to invest. For anyone tasked with the health an

February 20, 2026 Takeaways Current work authorization remains valid for now. Employers should update Form I-9s with specific notations according to USCIS/E-Verify guidance (expiration “03-15-2026” and “as per court order”). Employers should handle E-Verify consistently and use the 03.15.26 date from the I-9 in E-Verify cases. Status of Haiti TPS Work Authorization A federal court in the D.C. District has stayed the planned termination of Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (

February 19, 2026 Four construction workers were hospitalized after a scaffolding collapse in West Palm Beach Thursday morning, according to police. A little after 7 a.m., West Palm Beach Police and Fire Rescue responded to the 300 block of Lakeview Avenue, where they found that construction scaffolding had collapsed, injuring four workers, police said in a news release. Paramedics took all four workers to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. The collapse took pl

February 19, 2026 A 53-year-old construction worker was killed Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a dump truck in a construction zone for a new subdivision in Manatee County, troopers said. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 12:02 p.m. on Feb. 18 near Diamond Reef Drive and Bella Mar Trail. Investigators said a 2026 Kenworth dump truck, driven by a 46-year-old woman from Wesley Chapel, was backing east on Bella Mar Trail. The man, who was

Step 4. Interviewing Candidates: How to Interview Like a Pro You’ve written the job description , posted the ad , and sorted through applications . Now it’s time to interview and find the right fit for your crew. Interviewing is your chance to go beyond the resume and see how someone communicates, handles pressure, and fits with your team. A good interview process helps you make smart hiring decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Start with Preparation Before you meet with can

Step 7: Final Compliance: Drug Testing and Employment Documentation After Hiring and Before Starting Work Hiring the right person is a big win. But before they step onto the job site, you need to take care of a few important details: drug testing and paperwork. Pre-employment drug testing happens after you make a conditional job offer. It’s the most common type of test, and applicants agree to it as part of the hiring process. New hires must sign a consent form before test

Step 5: Verify Before Hiring: References & Background Checks are Essential Hiring the right person isn’t just about a great interview. Checking references and verifying background details can save you from costly mistakes. These steps confirm skills, uncover potential red flags, and make sure the candidate truly fits your team. In construction, the stakes are even higher. One bad hire can lead to expensive errors, damage your reputation, or even cause legal trouble. Backgroun

Step 8: Welcome Aboard: Setting Up New Hires for Success Congratulations! You’ve made it through the hiring process. Now it’s time to help your new employee hit the ground running. Hiring is just the beginning. What comes next can make or break your team’s success. Whether your new employee is fresh to the field or a seasoned pro, a strong introduction builds confidence, reduces risk, and keeps projects running smoothly. In construction, high turnover and tight timelines oft

Step 1. Job Descriptions: Defining the Role and Skills Needed Let’s start with the basics. Before posting a job, reviewing resumes, or scheduling interviews, you need a clear understanding of the role and the person you're looking to hire. Defining the position upfront helps you stay focused, attract the right candidates, and avoid costly hiring mistakes. Let’s look at what that process involves, starting with the difference between a job description and a job posting. Jo

Step 2: How to Write a Job Post That Gets Noticed Now that you’ve nailed down the job description and know the kind of person you’re looking for, it’s time to write the job post, the part candidates actually see. A good job post connects you with people who not only have the right skills but also fit your crew and company culture. In a competitive market, a clear, honest post can help you stand out and attract the kind of applicants you actually want to interview. Use your jo