Have you noticed how many observance and awareness days, weeks and months related to the architecture/engineering/construction (A/E/C) industry happen in May? If so, you are not imagining it. A wide variety of interest groups hold awareness campaigns in the month of May. The observance calendar of the National Safety Council, which is not A/E/C-specific, shows 21 awareness weeks and months in May, ranging from National Heatstroke Prevention Day (May 1) to National Water Safety Month. The next busiest month was April, with 10 observances.
This week, May 13-17, is Infrastructure Week. It is no longer a joke, but is is lower profile after the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)of 2021. Under the umbrella of Accelerator for America Action, the 12th annual Infrastructure Week continues to raise awareness of the importance of infrastructure and advocate for infrastructure improvements by promoting awareness of the potential transformative investment represented y the IIJA.
Last week, May 6-10, was the National Safety Stand-Down To Prevent Falls in Construction, organized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the US Department of Labor. Falls from heights are a leading cause of death in the construction industry, representing 395 of the 1069 construction fatalities in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The National Safety Stand-Down raises awareness of fall hazards with the objective of reducing construction injuries and fatalities.
The International Codes Council, which develops the model construction codes used throughout the United States and beyond, celebrates Building Safety Month in May. In its 43rd year, Building Safety Month emphasizes the need for modern and regularly updated building codes and helps communities learn about and advocate for safe and sustainable structures. The theme for this year’s Building Safety Month is “Mission Possible,” with each week dedicated to a specific topic ranging from “Understanding the Mission” to “Celebrating Success in Building Safety.”
The Electrical Safety Foundation commemorates National Electrical Safety Month each May with an annual campaign to educate about ways to reduce the risk of electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss. The focus of the 2024 National Electric Safety Month is lithium-ion battery safety. Lithium-ion batteries are a ubiquitous presence in everyday life, being found in products ranging from cellular telephones to electric vehicles. This year’s campaign aims to educate the public on safely using and disposing of lithium-ion batteries.
May is also Deck Safety Month, an initiative of the North American Deck and Railing Association. May is a good time to examine a wood deck for damage or deterioration from the prior winter and make repairs before placing it in service for the warmer months. Decks are exposed to the weather and, therefore, have a service life less than that of the buildings they serve. Having a knowledgeable person check the structure of a deck for damage, deterioration or hazardous design and construction defects can reduce the risk of injury from a deck failure.
While Small Business Week ended May 4, May is Small Business Month. As one of the numerous small businesses in the A/E/C sector, Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer celebrates the impact that small businesses have in the industry and the economy as a whole.
Finally, May is Mental Health Month. While mental health is not an A/E/C-specific concern, it is highly relevant to the industry. Among major industries, construction ranks second in suicide rates. Particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health is an important component of workplace health and safety.