C+S April 2023 Vol. 9 Issue 4

Organized Job Sites Finally, keeping a clean and organized jobsite, better known as “house- keeping” in OSHA 1926.25, is a recognized element in project produc - tivity and safety performance. The Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America highlighted the importance of housekeeping stating, “Housekeeping is not just cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly…” They also highlighted the importance of continual housekeeping stating, “Keeping a site clean and organized is an ongo- ing operation. Periodic ‘panic’ cleanups are costly and ineffective in reducing accidents. Housekeeping must be done regularly, not just at the end of the shift” (Parsons 2013) The tradeswomen repeatedly noted that they were more attentive to continually maintaining a clean and organized jobsite than their male colleagues and management agreed.

Despite the significant benefits offered by tradeswomen, the construc - tion industry has largely neglected this valuable resource. Rebuilding the US manufacturing, energy, and transportation infrastructure is a multi-generational challenge that will require a diverse workforce that leverages all facets of our society to overcome it. This same diversity brings benefits beyond sheer numbers and ultimately results in a bet - ter work environment, project execution, and safety which ultimately leads to improved project outcomes. TIM TAYLOR, P.E., PH.D., is the Director of Research for the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and a former chair professor of civil engineering at the University of Kentucky. His field experience comes from working in his family’s excavation company, in the coal industry as pit foreman and mine support engineer, and later as railroad superintendent for Luminant, Martin Lake Mine. His academic career includes many honors and awards and leading numerous construction industry research projects.

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