The recent death of a construction worker at a job site on the Pennsylvania Turnpike bridge over the Susquehanna River is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks inherent in all types of construction. Although the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had not yet announced the findings of its investigation into the accident when this publication went to press, we should never accept serious injury or death as a natural consequence of the work that we do.

While the tragedy is not related to any of The High Companies, it calls us to reflect upon the roles every individual can play in ensuring safe job sites—even those who do not have direct accountability for safety. Anyone who visits job sites on a regular basis can contribute a heightened level of awareness—be on the look-out for any and all safety infractions or hazards and bring them to the attention of an appropriate person. Even without training or a working knowledge of specific safety requirements, everyone has trained eyes that can be as constructively critical with regard to safety as they are with regard to other project goals of cost, schedule, quality, and customer service.

Matthew D. Twomey
President
High Construction Company