GM Developed ‘Roboglove’ Could Make Construction Workers Stronger, Less Fatigued

July 18, 2016 Shane Hedmond

With the introduction of 3D printers on construction job sites, many are worried that robots will begin taking over the jobs of hardworking tradesmen. It’s more likely, however, that workers will be working WITH robots long before we’re completely replaced. For example, one company that makes exoskeletons to help paraplegics walk is also developing an exoskeleton specifically for constructions workers that will allow them to lift 50 pound pieces of equipment with one finger. Now, a former NASA and General Motors (GM) partnership has turned into an expedition into the blue collar fields.

OSHA’s Controversial New Injury Reporting Rule Enforcement Has Been Delayed

July 15, 2016 Shane Hedmond

In May of 2016, OSHA announced a new rule hoping to gain valuable data regarding workplace incidents would go into effect starting August 10, 2016. After the announcement, several construction industry groups spoke out about their apprehensions of the new rule and the effective date has recently been pushed back to November 1, 2016. The new rule will not only help OSHA gain data into workplace injuries, but it will also require construction companies to make their injury records public, much like restaurant health records are made public. Personal health data will still be kept private, but the injury numbers will be counted against employers. OSHA also requires employers to allow workers to report injury without fear of retaliation under the new rule.

This 1980 Construction Safety Video is Throwback, But Contains Powerful Lessons

July 14, 2016 Shane Hedmond

“Shake Hands With Danger,” as the below safety video from 1980 is called, will ignite your nostalgia for the decade and maybe even give you a few laughs. No matter how cheesy it can get at points, It will also remind you how important it is to conduct your business safely.

Convert Corded Power Tools to Battery Power with DeWalt’s New Portable Power Station

July 13, 2016 Shane Hedmond

DeWalt is killing the power tool battery game right now, there’s no doubt about it. With the recent release of their new flagship product, FLEXVOLT, which consists of a line of 60V and 120V cordless power tools and batteries, their mission is to turn every jobsite into a mobile jobsite. Now, their doubling down on battery solutions with the announcement of a portable power station that can power most corded tools by plugging into a series of batteries.

Missouri is Testing Out Solar Roadways Along Historic Route 66

July 12, 2016 Shane Hedmond

Imagine a world where the millions upon millions of square feet of roadway and parking lots across the world actually served a greater purpose than a flat surface to drive and park a vehicle. That’s the world that Scott and Julie Brusaw, creators of Solar Roadways, imagine and their dream is becoming closer to reality after years of testing and research.

Watch 16 Million Pounds of Concrete Be Poured for New York’s Gigantic Ferris Wheel

July 11, 2016 Shane Hedmond

The World’s first Ferris Wheel was designed and built for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, IL in 1893 by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. Since then, the wheels have been a staple of many state fairs across the United States and many other places throughout the World. Much like tall buildings, the past few years has shown us that having the tallest Ferris Wheel is a strong source of pride for a city or country.

OSHA Fine Increase Rate and Effective Date Has Been Announced

July 8, 2016 Shane Hedmond

Way back in 2015, a small provision in the newest Federal budget created the path for OSHA to raise their fines for offenders for the first time since 1990. In an effort to catch up to and keep current with inflation rates, the provision stated that OSHA can and should increase their fines a substantial amount in 2016 and also increase that penalty each year based upon inflation.

[Infographic] 8 of the Most Incredible Green Office Buildings From Across the World

July 7, 2016 Shane Hedmond

Green construction isn’t just a fad, it’s becoming a large part of the construction industry. It has been estimated that 1/3 of all construction projects in the United States will be green by 2018, which is now just a short 2 years away. It’s not just an American thing either, countries all over the world have embraced the trend and have brought incredible new designs and green features to light.Green construction isn’t just a fad, it’s becoming a large part of the construction industry. It has been estimated that 1/3 of all construction projects in the United States will be green by 2018, which is now just a short 2 years away. It’s not just an American thing either, countries all over the world have embraced the trend and have brought incredible new designs and green features to light.

Cool Tools: New Smart Tape Measure is All of Your Favorite Measurers Rolled into One

July 6, 2016 Shane Hedmond

Tape measure, wheel measure, and laser measures are all great tools for their own situations, but why isn’t there one that can do all three of those jobs? That doesn’t have to be a question anymore, because there’s a new smart measure hitting the market that can do it all.

[VIDEO] Wheeled Crane Flips Trying to Remove Water Tower Tank

July 5, 2016 Shane Hedmond

Crane collapses can cause serious injuries and fatalities to construction workers and civilians. That’s why it’s so incredibly important to not only pay attention to the weather, especially high winds, as well as the total load that you’re able to lift. If either of those two things are ignored, disaster can strike.