The Impact of Construction on Our Lives

Every year, in the construction industry work tirelessly to create structures valued at approximately $1.4 trillion. From the office buildings that house our enterprises to the homes where we create memories, these structures form the backbone of our daily lives—built, shaped, and maintained by skilled construction professionals.

The construction industry also compromises 4% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and will need an  in addition to the normal hiring pace to meet growth demand, according to a proprietary model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors. Skilled laborer shortages have become a major issue in several construction markets, and retirements will only continue to drain the talent pool. In fact, 41% of the current U.S. construction workforce is expected to . 

The Significance of Construction Week

Whether it’s the cell tower that connects your phone to the world, the plumbing that delivers fresh morning coffee, or the schools that keep our children safe, every facet of modern life is touched by the construction industry. This week, we’re invited to reflect on and appreciate these contributions that may often go unnoticed.

Celebrating and Supporting Our Construction Heroes

91������ is at the forefront of supporting the construction industry, offering tailored risk management solutions and training programs. These initiatives are designed to enhance safety, reduce risks, and ensure the sustainability of construction practices. Our construction leadership series, for instance, offers courses like project safety pre-planning and site-specific safety plans, which are crucial for day-to-day operations.

As we celebrate National Construction Appreciation Week, let’s take the opportunity to show our gratitude and ensure the continued growth and success of this vital industry.

Interested in learning more about how 91������ supports the construction industry? We invite you to contact our team to discover how our programs can benefit you and contribute to the broader construction community.

The construction industry compromises 4% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and approximately eight million people work in the sector, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry will need an in addition to the normal hiring pace to meet growth demand, according to a proprietary model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors.

Skilled laborer shortages have become a major issue in several construction markets, and retirements will only continue to drain the talent pool. In fact, 41%of the current U.S. construction workforce is expected to . 

In recognition of this important week, 91������’s experts shared their thoughts on today’s construction trends and the importance of worker safety within the sector.

Risk Management

“Many small and mid-market sized construction firms have readily adopted the use of handheld tablets, smartphone applications and software in the field to assist with and streamline documentation-heavy processes, such as permitting, inspections and training. We’ve noticed an uptick in firms using safety-specific software to assist with, as an example, completing inspections and aggregating data for trend analysis and utilizing the software capability to ensure items are tracked, completed and used as performance indicators.”

Sean Yakicic, risk management expertise specialist

“Companies with a strong management commitment will always emphasize employee safety as part of their daily responsibilities,” said Terry. “This could be summarized by having the following priorities as their overall focus: safety, work quality, and production. “Without having employee safety as the number one goal, the other two items will not be accomplished effectively.”

Terry Hultman, risk management expertise specialist

“From what we’ve heard, today’s construction policyholders are keeping an eye out for qualified skilled labor shortages, commercial auto accidents, an increase in the age of the average worker, increasing, lagging home construction, consolidation, and material shortages.”

Todd Bernardoni, risk management expertise specialist

Field Marketing & Underwriting

“Prefabrication and modular construction are continuing trends across the construction industry and provide substantial efficiencies including high and consistent quality, reduced construction timelines, and increased project safety. These methods further reduce another considerable problem for owners and contractors by minimizing and recycling leftover materials to create a more sustainable construction project.”

Troy Dohmeyer, construction market segment director

“With years of underwriting expertise in the construction trades, we can offer risk management solutions, competitive products, and coverage enhancements to compete in the marketplace.”

Ken Munson, marketing underwriting specialist

“From what we’re seeing in the field, our construction policyholders are most excited about stable backlogs from continued high-demand in most industry sectors, advancements in technology helping to improve areas ranging from construction material supply chain to higher quality construction products and improved workplace safety, and the importance of building strong relationships with Risk Management partners to improve employee safety and higher employee retention.”

John Calloway, field underwriting director

LEARN MORE: CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP TRAINING

In-person occupational safety and health training programs can help reduce injuries and illnesses at work by identifying and addressing potential hazards. 91������’s module-based construction leadership series for day-to-day supervisors provides courses such as project safety pre-planning, managing the cost of risk, quality and site-specific safety plans. Contact your 91������ risk management consultant to learn more and enroll your team today.