HBACA Safety Awareness
The HBACA Safety Committee is a group of builders and subcontractors that meet to discuss various safety and worker health-related topics, including new safety products, upcoming safety classes, and OSHA policies. In addition, the group shares experiences and information regarding safety trends affecting our industry and market.
As a part of the HBACA Safety Committee, the committee designates specific safety awareness months throughout the year. Each month, the HBACA encourages member companies and employees to use the following Awareness Kits to learn more about working safely.
For questions about the HBACA Safety Committee or workplace safety, please contact James at (602) 274-6545 or ashleyj@hbaca.org.
Members are reminded that this information is offered for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a total project safety program or as a substitute for federal, state, or local laws and regulations.
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Early Power, Lockout/Tagout - March 2026
During the month of March we highlight the importance of a sustainable lockout/tagout (LOTO) program. This is critical for protecting workers from hazardous energy releases during equipment adjustment, maintenance, or repair. By identifying energy sources, isolating them with locks and tags, and verifying safety before work begins, it prevents serious electrocutions which can result in injuries and fatalities. Long-term effectiveness depends on consistent training, regular audits, clear procedures, and a strong safety culture that ensures ongoing compliance.
Small Tools/Cords/Guarding - February 2026
Our new February monthly safety awareness topic includes the latest in requirements and reminders for safety related to Small Tools/Cords/Guarding. Workplace safety concerning small tools, cords, and guarding is critical because these elements are among the most common sources of preventable injuries in construction and maintenance settings.
Hand and portable power tools, if damaged, improperly maintained, or used incorrectly, can cause cuts, punctures, amputations, or electrical shocks—often from frayed or damaged cords or overloaded extension cords that create fire or electrocution hazards. Similarly, failing to maintain or bypassing guards on tools and machinery exposes workers to rotating parts, blades, nip points, and flying debris, which OSHA standards emphasize must be safeguarded to prevent contact with dangerous moving components. Prioritizing regular inspections, keeping cords free of damage and tripping risks, and ensuring guards remain intact and functional significantly reduces the risk of injuries.
Toolbox Talks - January 2026
Workplace safety toolbox talks (also known as tailgate talks) are short, informal meetings—typically 5–15 minutes long—held right on the jobsite, often at the start of the day or shift. Led by a foreman, supervisor, or safety lead, they focus on a specific hazard or safe work practice relevant to the day's tasks, such as fall protection, ladder safety, power tool use, trenching, or any aspect of jobsite safety. These talks share best practices, discuss recent near misses, reinforce regulatory requirements, and encourage worker input to promote awareness and prevent hazards.
Regular toolbox talks keep safety top-of-mind in a fast paced, ever-changing environment, reduce injury risks, help comply with regulations, foster a strong safety culture, and ultimately can save lives.
Mental Health - December 2025
During the month of December we recognize the importance of Mental Health Awareness.
This recognition, both on the jobsite and at home, is vital for everyone, especially construction workers, whose work can involve long hours, physical strain, and high-risk environments that can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. The construction culture can historically be known to discourage workers from seeking help, increasing risks of substance abuse and suicide—rates that are among the highest of any occupation.
Promoting open conversations about mental health, providing access to confidential support resources, and training supervisors to recognize warning signs can save lives. Equally important is carrying that awareness home where workers can decompress, talk openly with family, and maintain routines that support proper sleep, nutrition, and emotional well-being to help prevent the spillover of job stress into family life. When mental health is prioritized both at work and at home, construction workers are better equipped to stay safe, productive, and there for the families who depend on them.
Ladder Safety - November 2025
During November, we highlight the importance of ladder safety as a critical focus for safety in the workplace to prevent injuries.
Falls from ladders can result in severe injuries, such as fractures or head trauma, leading to lost productivity and increased medical costs.
Proper ladder use, including inspecting equipment for defects, maintaining three points of contact, and ensuring stable placement, significantly reduces risks.
Ladder safety also involves ensuring that, in addition to stable placement, the surface around the base of the ladder is free from debris or any obstacles that could interfere with stepping on or off of the ladder.
Regular training on safe ladder practices helps workers recognize hazards and follow protocols.
Thank you to the HBACA Safety committee for their Ladder Safety Initiative and Stand-Down Kit presentation below.
Silica Safety - October 2025
During October, we emphasize the importance of Silica safety awareness to understand and mitigate the risks associated with exposure to crystalline silica, a common mineral found in materials such as sand, stone, and concrete. Inhaling silica dust, often generated during activities such as cutting, grinding, or drilling, can lead to serious lung diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer. To ensure safety, workers should use proper ventilation, wet cutting methods, and personal protective equipment, such as respirators. Regular training, monitoring, and compliance with regulations, such as OSHA’s silica standards, are critical to minimizing exposure and protecting worker health.
Hazard Identification - September 2025
During September, we highlight the importance of hazard identification in the workplace involving a proactive, structured, and collaborative approach to ensure a safe working environment.
Strategies include conducting routine workplace inspections, engaging employees in the process, training every member of your team to spot hazards specific to your environment, and holding regular safety meetings to discuss results and solutions.
We encourage all our members to spend time with their employees discussing how to identify hazards on the job site.
Scaffolding Safety - August 2025
During the month of August we highlight promoting scaffolding safety which involves several components with the importance of clear guidelines, training, and vigilance.
Resources for Scaffolding Safety Month include a video created by HBACA Safety Committee members, the OSHA Fact Sheet titled “Tube and Coupler Scaffolds – Erection and Use”, and OSHA’s Scaffolding Standards (29 CFR 1926.451).
New Employee Safety - July 2025
A critical component of onboarding a new employee is instilling your company’s safety practices and policies into the new employee’s first orientation.
July is New Employee Safety Month and a reminder of the ongoing opportunities to emphasize the importance of your safety culture for both new and long-term employees.
From your company’s safety philosophy to the required personal protective equipment for the job hazards that exist to reporting protocol and requirements, safety training for your new employees, and reminders for all your employees, are among the keys to a safe workplace.
Trenching and Excavation Safety - June 2025
Trenching and excavation work pose significant hazards, including cave-ins, falls, and equipment-related accidents. Following safety regulations and best practices is essential to protect workers.
Below, you can find the June Safety Awareness and Stand Down toolkit, which provides several toolbox talks in English and Spanish, as well as OSHA’s Working Safely in Trenches Quick Card.
Fall Protection - May 2025
During the month of May, the HBACA devotes additional attention to the importance of Fall Protection on the jobsite. The proper use of Fall Protection is critical to save lives, adhere to OSHA regulations, and maintain a safe, productive workplace.
Through safety stand-downs, vigilant observance of required standards, and utilizing the many resources available, HBACA members can continue to place a priority on workplace safety.
Heat Awareness - April 2025
The HBACA Safety Committee has designated the month of April as Heat Awareness Month. As we head into the summer months, this is an important reminder to be familiar with workplace safety best practices to prevent heat-related illnesses and hazards.
Along with the importance of providing water, shade, rest, and written plans, it is also important to acclimatize new workers who may not be familiar with working in high heat environments, and to provide routine heat safety reminders to the entire workforce.
Early Power/Lockout/Tagout - March 2025
March is Early Power/Lockout/Tagout Month. Preventing the hazardous release of energy from machinery or equipment that is either malfunctioning or otherwise not intended for use is a key component of a successful lockout/tagout program.
Adding all applicable lockout/tagout devices and signage will keep employees safe and facilitate safe repair, replacement, or removal of the machinery or equipment.
Throughout the month, the HBACA is encouraging each of its member companies to learn more about Early Power/Lockout/Tagout.
Personal Protective Equipment - February 2025
February is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Month. PPE not only protects you from physical injuries, but can also protect your health by preventing illness. Throughout the month, the HBACA is encouraging each of its member companies to learn more about PPE.
Toolbox Talks - January 2025
January's safety topic is a focus on Toolbox Talks. Frequent toolbox talks are an important way to keep safety at the forefront on the jobsite by engaging employees, raising awareness of evolving hazards, and promoting safety. Throughout the month, the HBACA is encouraging each of its member companies to learn more about Toolbox Talks.