Caught-in and caught-between fatalities are rising
A 2017 report from The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) revealed the number of fatal construction caught-in and caught-between injuries increased 33 percent from 2011 to 2015, exceeding the overall 26 percent increase in construction fatalities for the same period, according to www.constructiondive.com.
From 2011 to 2015, 275 construction workers were killed in caught-in or caught-between incidents—more than any other major industry. Nearly 67 percent of workers who died were caught or crushed in a collapse of materials. Of the nonfatal caught-in and caught-between incidents, 93 percent of injuries were caused by equipment or other objects.
The report indicated older construction workers were at a greater risk of dying in a caught-in or caught-between accident, and workers under age 20 were at a high risk of experiencing fatal and nonfatal incidents.
Along with falls, struck-by incidents and electrocutions, caught-in and caught-between accidents are part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Focus Four initiative.
OSHA says falls remain the biggest cause of accidental death on construction job sites, and fall protection was the most-cited construction industry violation in OSHA's Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for fiscal year 2017. To reduce the number of falls on construction sites and send a message to contractors who violate the agency's fall-protection standards, OSHA continues to cite offenders and issue hefty fines for violations.
National Roofing Week is June 3-9
This year's National Roofing Week will kick off June 3 and continue through June 9. Organized by NRCA, the event is held each year to increase awareness about the significance of roofs on every home and business in the U.S.; promote the good deeds of the roofing industry; and emphasize the value of professional roofing contractors.
A roof is one of the most important components of a home or building, yet it often is taken for granted until it falls into disrepair. During National Roofing Week, NRCA members are encouraged to participate by engaging in their communities and informing the public about the essential roles roofs and professional roofing contractors play in every community.
NRCA will host a social media campaign to highlight NRCA members and their contributions to the roofing industry. Members are encouraged to share photos and videos that will focus on a different theme each day during National Roofing Week, tag NRCA and use the hashtag #nationalroofingweek.
In addition, NRCA members and staff members celebrate National Roofing Week through contributions to charitable organizations in their communities. Members throughout the U.S. are encouraged to share their stories of charitable giving with NRCA, which will promote their efforts through social media, NRCA's Roof Scoop blog and Professional Roofing magazine.
The winners of NRCA's 2018 Children's Art Contest will be announced during National Roofing Week. Children in grades 1-8 who are relatives of NRCA members or their employees were asked to depict what roofs may look like in the future or what the children may look like as grown-up roofing professionals. Contest winners will have their artwork featured on all 2018 National Roofing Week material and additional promotional material to be displayed at industry events throughout the year, including the 2019 International Roofing Expo® and NRCA's 132nd Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
For more information about National Roofing Week, click here.
FM Global reports 2017 results
Commercial and industrial property insurer FM Global announced the company ended 2017 with 5 percent growth in gross premium to $5.7 billion and 9.3 percent growth in policyholder surplus to $13.03 billion.
The company posted a combined ratio of 129.9 primarily resulting from an unprecedented year of natural disasters, as well as a planned $415.2 million membership credit provided to policyholders. Despite the combined ratio, net income was $254 million compared with $797 million in 2016 because of a combination of favorable investment results and U.S. tax law changes.
In addition, FM Global outperformed catastrophe model predictions because of its loss-prevention engineering differential. The company's financial strength rating recently was affirmed at "AA" by Fitch Ratings and "A+" by A.M. Best and S&P Global with a stable outlook from all three rating agencies.
"Our capital base is stronger than ever, which is a testament to the strength and stability of a business model built for volatility," says Thomas A. Lawson, chairman and CEO of FM Global. "As a mutual company owned by our policyholders, we know our resilience reflects our clients' resilience. This past year, our engineering advice and strong balance sheet helped many of our clients deal with potentially devastating disasters and weather such events with minimal disruption."
Additional information about FM Global's reported 2017 results is available at www.fmglobal.com.
NRCA announces 2018-19 board of directors
NRCA announced its 2018-19 slate of officers and directors during its 131st annual convention held Feb. 4-8 in New Orleans. The officers and directors will begin their terms June 1.
Kent Schwickert, senior vice president—national business unit for Schwickert's Tecta America of Mankato LLC, Mankato, Minn., was named chairman of the board. Nick Sabino, president of Deer Park Roofing Inc., Cincinnati, was named chairman of the board-elect. Kelly Braddy Van Winkle, vice president of contracts for King of Texas Roofing Co. LP, Grand Prairie; Monica Cameron, vice president of Diamond Roofing, Dodge City, Kan.; Scott Kawulok, executive project manager for B & M Roofing of Colorado Inc., Frederick; and Rod Petrick, president of Ridgeworth Roofing Co. Inc., Frankfort, Ill., were named vice chairmen.
In addition, 18 new directors were elected. A complete list is available by clicking here.
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