"It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it's the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time." – David Allan Coe

 

Every building within the construction industry has a foundation that all other components rely on for their existence. Whether it is the frame, the roof, or the plumbing, every building should be built with a foundation able to stand the test of time. For those in the construction sector seeking personal protective equipment (PPE), you've landed on MCR Safety's foundational page that houses all our individual construction subpages, which you can find above.  

The foundation should stand the test of time

 

Within each construction subindustry, there is a great demand for PPE unique to that job, which is where MCR Safety enters the picture. MCR Safety recognizes how vital knowledge and information are in keeping workers safe from workplace hazards, which is why we've assembled a variety of construction resources in one spot. Across all of MCR Safety's construction industry pages, we highlight each specific industry, employment numbers, worker activities performed, potential hazards, and, most importantly, the safety gear necessary to help keep construction workers safe.

 

Those helping build the foundation, and all other facets of a building, need to be protected at all times.

 

At the bottom of this page, feel free to drop us some feedback. If you wish to schedule a direct consultation, we can assist there, too! All you have to do is provide some information and we will have a trained 360° Safety Specialist contact you. We work to protect people!

You can either jump directly to the construction areas that apply to you, or you can stay on this main page for a macro overview of this significant industry. 

 

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Economic Impact

 

 

How big is the construction industry in the U.S.? Think of it this way: the construction industry builds the infrastructure and framework for the entire economy. Without roads and bridges, there would be little to no economic output. Those roads and bridges are built by construction workers, which means the industry plays a massive role within the economy. And this doesn't take into account the buildings, warehouses, and factories constructed for the manufacturing and sales of goods and services. According to IBISWorld, the construction industry produces over $2 trillion in economic activity, with over 3,000,000 establishments operating within it. These types of economic numbers clearly show how the construction industry has a significant impact on the U.S. economy.

The industry impacts establishments operating across multiple areas of the economy. Here is a look at the areas construction impacts, from the top of the pyramid to the bottom:

• Top - Raw material producers
• Middle - Professional services such as architecture
• Bottom - The construction trades and laborers performing physical work

 

Raw Materials

 

 
Professional Services and The Trades

 

So, when you see a building going up near you, realize that its impact on the local and national economy began much earlier than its foundation being laid. As you will learn, the construction industry services a wide range of other sectors, such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and mining.

 

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Commercial, Residential, and Civil Engineering

 

The construction industry's three primary subsectors are commercial construction, residential construction, and heavy civil engineering. Here are the core differences of each:

• Commercial - This type of construction involves building offices, factories, stores, warehouses, and other commercial spaces. It also entails the civil engineering projects that make up roads and bridges. The NAICS code 236200 classifies all establishments operating in this subsector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 844,000 workers finding employment in non-residential construction.

• Residential - This construction type is responsible for erecting the buildings in which people live. This may include apartments, condominiums, housing complexes, and single-family homes. The NAICS code 236100 classifies all establishments operating in this subsector. According to the BLS, 839,000 workers find employment in residential construction. 

• Heavy Civil Engineering - This segment of the construction industry works on infrastructure and public works projects such as dams, harbors, roads, bridges, and tunnels. The NAICS code 237000 classifies all establishments operating in this subsector. The BLS reports over one million workers in this specific subsector.

Commercial Construction

 
Civil Engineering and Residential Construction

 

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Contractors

 

 

Twenty-three different subindustries are recognized as operating within the construction industry and across the three core subsectors mentioned above. Each one is distinguished by the specific type of contractor that performs the work. For example, NAICS 23814 represents Masonry Contractors, and NAICS 23835 represents Carpentry Contractors. Several other types of contractors, such as framing, landscaping, and sewer line construction, are covered in individual blog articles. We've also built ten separate, distinct pages for the industries that employ the most contractors.  

We have touched on some of these contractor types above, but we figured it would be helpful to include quick links to each of them here. Each of these different contractors can be categorized into one of four distinct types of contractor subsets. Here are the ten different pages, shown by which contractor subset they fall under:

 

Contractor Type	NAICS	Description
Site Preparation Contractors	238910	All construction projects require the worksite to being prepared for constructing buildings. As we identify in our article focused on Construction Phases, excavation contractors are the first to begin a project.
Foundation Contractors	238100	These contractors complete the foundation of any building. They are also involved in any alterations, maintenance, or repairs needed on foundations. Masonry, roofing, and poured concrete contractors all fall under this contractor subset.
Building Equipment Contractors	238200	This type of contractor installs or services the different mechanical systems that are used within a building. HVAC, electrical, and plumbing contractors fall under this specific subset of contractors.
Building Finishing Contractors	238300	As the name implies, these contractors are responsible for finishing a building. Drywall, carpentry, and painting contractors fall under this subset of construction contractors.

 

Foundation Contractors

 

 
Roofing Contractors and Masonry Contractors

Poured Concrete

 

Building Equipment

 

 

 
Electrical and HVAC

Plumbing

 

Building Finishing

 

  
Carpentry and Drywall

 

Painting

 

Road Construction is a subset of civil engineering

 

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Key Industrial Construction Companies

 

Overall, the construction industry is diverse when it comes to the companies that participate within the industry. There are material suppliers, contractors, builders, distributors, and developers. There are even companies like MCR Safety that support the industry with personal protective equipment (PPE).  

The construction industry is comprised of a long list of businesses. We highlight 50 of the most recognized construction companies in our article titled Top Construction Companies. Here is a look at the top construction companies employing the most workers.

• AECOM Company - with over 87,000 employees, it is one of the world's largest infrastructure consulting firms. Their projects encompass transportation, ports, water, and government.

• Bechtel Corporation – has worked on over 25,000 different construction projects since its inception in 1898.

• D.R Horton - with over 7,000 employees,  this is one of America's largest home construction companies. They have built over 790,000 new homes since 1978.

• Fluor Corporation - has 45,000 employees who work on construction projects all over the world. 

• Kiewit – was founded in 1884 and is one of the most respected construction organizations in the U.S., employing over 23,000 workers.

• Lennar Corporation – constructs new homes across 21 states, employing over 9,000 workers. 

• Skanska - is the fifth largest construction company in the world.

• Tutor Perini – employs over 10,000 employees and is one of the largest general contractors in the U.S.

• Zachary Industrial – operates across 400 nationwide locations, servicing multiple industrial sectors.

As mentioned, over 3 million businesses are operating in the construction industry. The companies mentioned above make up a big piece of the pie but in no way account for the entire industry. We encourage you to read our Top Construction Companies article, as more of the top construction companies are identified there. As you'll learn next, the work of construction companies is reflected in virtually every industry in the U.S.

 

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Oil and Gas Companies

 

As we discuss in our article An Overview of Construction in Oil and Gas, over 30,000 construction workers find employment across the oil and gas industry. Enbridge is one example of a construction company that primarily services the oil industry by constructing pipelines. The company is reported to move 25% of all crude oil in America. Another example is Quanta Services, a construction company that supports oil and gas with infrastructure needs, such as pipeline construction. From setting up rigs to constructing infrastructure, construction workers find employment all over the industrial landscape.  

What other industries employ more than 7 million construction workers? Here are the top sectors for construction occupations:

 

Industry	2019 Employment
Federal, State, and Local Governments	444,130
Manufacturing	203,890
Mining	86,890
Waste Management	86,480
Retail Trade	39,390
Engineering Services	38,160
Utilities	31,710
Real Estate and Rental Leasing	31,060
Rail Transportation	26,290
Ship and Boat Building	22,010
Landscaping Services	17,960

 

 

 
Government and Mining

 

 
Railroad and Landscaping

 

As you can imagine, construction trades are needed everywhere, as repair, maintenance, and alterations are always ongoing. Some construction workers may find employment working in the industry directly, while others may find work in another sector. The knowledge and information we share below around hazards, injuries and PPE apply to all construction workers, whether they work in the industry or as a construction worker for another sector. In the next section, we will begin exploring the activities construction workers are likely to perform on the job.

 

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Workers

 

Today's construction industry, NAICS 23, is one of the top employment industries globally, including within the U.S., where 7,439,360 people find employment. From excavating contractors clearing a construction site to carpenters erecting the frame, the construction industry is a critical component of the U.S. economic engine and the overall global market.

Here are the top 10 subindustries with employment across the construction industry:

 

 

As you can tell, we've descended from the industry's macro viewpoint, which focused on each subset of construction to the industries employing the most construction workers. Now we highlight the specific number of workers from each core contractor subset. Our goal is to make you aware of where construction workers primarily operate, as the PPE will change depending on the environment where the activities are being performed.

The next section highlights the day-to-day activities construction workers in various subindustries are likely to perform. No matter if a plumbing contractor, for example, finds employment within the construction industry itself or at a manufacturing facility, the activities they perform will be essentially the same.

 

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Activities

 

On each subindustry page, we highlight the specific activities that pertain to that particular construction sector. Here are just a handful of the hundreds of activities performed across the entire construction industry, broken up by subindustry. We highlight four different activities from each, though undoubtedly this is not a comprehensive list of all activities these workers engage in:

 

Subindustry Activity

Carpentry Assembling and fastening materials to make frameworks Carpentry Constructing building frameworks, including walls, doors, and door frames Carpentry Installing trim and paneling, frames, and windows Carpentry Working with a multitude of materials, including wood, plastic, fiberglass, and drywall Concrete Applying sealing compounds to concrete surfaces Concrete Chipping, grinding, and scraping concrete Concrete Installing anchor bolts Concrete Using edging tools such as jointers Drywall Applying adhesives, sealants, and mortar Drywall Cutting wood, metal, tile, and drywall Drywall Patching rough drywall spots Drywall Using edging tools such as jointers Electricians Bending cables and conduit Electricians Connecting wires to circuit breakers and transformers Electricians Replacing exit lights, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, and other electrical parts Electricians Servicing electrical power systems HVAC Drilling holes in floors, material, roofs, and walls to install equipment HVAC Installing pipes, pumps, controls, blowers, dampers, and flues HVAC Mounting cooling equipment HVAC Refilling non-toxic refrigerants Masonry Building concrete beams and columns Masonry Carrying, positioning, and unloading materials Masonry Cutting brick, tile, stone, and other material to size Masonry Laying paving bricks and blocks Painting Cleaning rollers and sleeves Painting Scraping and sanding paint Painting Spraying paint Painting Washing and treating surfaces Plumbing Cutting, threading, and bending pipe Plumbing Installing piping and plumbing Plumbing Tightening bolts Plumbing Welding components and pipes Road Construction Clearing brush
Road Construction Loading materials into equipment
Road Construction Setting safety signs close to work sites
Road Construction Spreading aggregates such as asphalt, sand, and gravel Roofing Bending flashing for chimneys
Roofing Installing skylights
Roofing Handling and layering shingles Roofing Resurfacing and repairing roofs

 

Plumbing - Installing Piping / Carpentry - Working with Materials

 

HVAC - Drilling / Electricians - Connecting Wires

 

Drywall - Applying Mortar / Roofing - Handling Shingles / Masonry - Laying Bricks

 

Road Construction - Placing Signs / Painting - Scraping Paint

 

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Industry Injury Statistics

 

 

Safety performing the activities listed above is imperative, as injuries can occur at any time. According to the BLS, in 2019, there were over 79,000 construction-related injuries. Overall, 10% of all hand injuries occur in construction, with over 11,610 occurring in 2019. Out of 988 U.S. industries, construction ranks #7 for hand injuries, and it ranks #3 for eye injuries.

When you look at the subindustries, some workers within those industries need to be extra cautious. Framing and roofing are two of the most dangerous construction subindustries. Here is a breakdown of the number of injury cases found within some of the subindustries we've covered:

 

 

As the numbers clearly indicate, safety measures must be a high priority for all workers. And we're not done shedding light on which workers need to be on guard the most. Here is a look at which subindustries contribute to the most injuries in specific categories:

 

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Cut and Puncture Injuries

 

 

Rank	Industry	Total Cuts, Lacerations & Puncture Injuries
#1	Plumbing and HVAC	1,720
#2	Electrical	1,100
#3	Poured Concrete	660
#4	Framing	380
#5	Water and Sewer Line	370
#6	Site Preparation	350

 

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Eye Injuries

 

Rank	Industry	Eye Injuries
#1	Plumbing and HVAC	650
#2	Site Preparation	290
#3	Electrical	190
#4	Poured Concrete	170
#5	Drywall and Insulation	110

 

 

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Hand Injuries

 

 

Rank	Industry	Hand Injuries
#1	Plumbing and HVAC	2070
#2	Electrical	1450
#3	Poured Concrete	710
#4	Drywall and Insulation	380
#5	Framing	290
#6	Masonry	230

 

 

 

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Thermal Injuries

 

 

Rank	Industry	Thermal Burn Injuries
#1	Water and Sewer Line	150
#2	Road Construction	130
#3	Electrical	90
#4	Plumbing and HVAC	70

 

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Harmful Substances

 

 

 

Rank	Industry	Total Cases
#1	Plumbing and HVAC	630
#2	Electrical	450
#3	Site Preparation	280
#4	Road Construction	200
#5	Water and Sewer Line	190
#6	Masonry	60

 

The multitude of different tasks performed on the job, whether as a laborer, roofer, framer, or other construction worker, require workers to wear appropriate protection at all times. Our primary purpose in spotlighting specific injuries and injury rates across different subindustries is to encourage workers to consider what kind of protection they should wear while at work. All construction workers should wear proper PPE before entering the worksite, but those who work in subindustries with higher injury rates should be especially careful when considering their PPE. On each construction subindustry page, we highlight the specific hazards that are the primary culprits for causing on-the-job injuries like the ones listed above, along with the types of PPE workers should potentially consider wearing.

For peace of mind, workers rely on safety regulations to keep them out of harm's way. In conjunction with the safety regulations and administrative and engineering controls in place, workers turn to PPE.

 

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OSHA Construction Standards

 

As you can imagine, the construction industry is heavily regulated, and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has additional standards for the construction and general industry. This is necessary due to the number of worksites operating in the U.S. and the number of injuries that occur across all sectors. According to OSHA, over 252,000 construction sites are in operation at any given moment. Here are some of the primary hazards workers must always keep in mind while on a construction worksite:

• Falls
• Collapsing scaffolds 
• Collapsing trenches
• Ladder safety
• Electrical shock

 

OSHA 1926.851 addresses ladder safety. We cover ladders in-depth in our recent Ladder Safety article.

As OSHA reports, failure to use PPE is one level of protection construction workers have complete control of during the day to guard against hazards. Thankfully, OSHA provides construction workers with guidance and lots of assistance. In their Worker Safety Series, OSHA highlights many of the top hazards workers face and recommends solutions. They recommend gloves, for example, to fit snuggly. For safety glasses, they recommend them to be worn at all times, as foreign projectiles are a constant hazard.

What are OSHA standards? OSHA has developed specific rules, or standards, to govern employers in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for employees. Using a numerical system, each standard specifies a different safety-related rule. OSHA standard number 1926 is the overarching standard for all the construction industry. The standard is in addition to the OSHA 1910.32, which stipulates employers must provide PPE at no cost to employees when hazards are present. As we highlight in our article, A Basic Overview of OSHA Standards for Construction, standard 1926 addresses all construction areas, from ladders to scaffolding.

OSHA also recommends entry-level workers be trained and certified by completing an OSHA 10-hour construction course. This training addresses the following areas:

• PPE
• Tool hazards
• Material handling
• And more!

Additional OSHA Construction Safety Resources
Listed below are some in-depth guides offered by OSHA to help keep workers protected while performing construction work:

• Concrete and Masonry
• Scaffolding
• Excavation
• Lead
• Material Handling
• Residential Construction Safety
• Stairways and Ladders
• Trench Safety

MCR Safety supplies several different PVC steel-toe work boots used across the industry. All it takes is losing your grip while carrying some heavy pipes and your feet are the prime target for a long-lasting injury.

 

• Winter Bomber Jackets

Staying visible on a job site is a requirement all year long, even during winter months, and maybe even more so in snowy conditions. We offer insulated bomber jackets in multiple colors and styles. And guess what? We can customize bomber jackets with your company's logo, too!

 

• Rainwear

During the hot summer months, thunderstorms and rain showers can pop up out of nowhere, but staying comfortable and avoiding heat stress is critical. We stock several breathable rainwater styles, like the 598 series option shown above. In fact, MCR Safety has over 100 various rainwear options for those construction workers who want to be prepared for the next downpour.

Keep everyone safe by wearing MCR Safety's high-quality PVC boots and hi-vis safety products! We have all the options you demand—lightweight boot designs, mesh material, competitive reflective costs, garments with tons of pockets, and sporty two-tone styles. You name it, and you'll find it available in our garment product line. Oh, and did we mention we can customize it with your company's logo?

 

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Eye Protection

 

We only get one set of eyes in this lifetime, which means you have to protect them from worksite hazards. MCR Safety manufactures a wide range of eye protection to keep your vision safeguarded at work. And across all the options, we provide superior anti-fog coatings to keep your glasses clear and your vision unimpaired.

 

• Construction Safety Glasses

Wearing ANSI-rated safety glasses is the minimum requirement while working in construction. However, who says those required glasses can't look great on you, too? With over 600 different models in our lineup, we have the style you prefer. Our new Memphis series safety glasses (shown below) are the latest style we've introduced. They feature comfortable temples and nose piece, a sporty look, and a cost-competitive price!

MP112

To better understand what makes this safety glass special, check out our video about the Memphis series safety glasses.  (Video coming at a later date)

 

• Safety Goggles

Construction workers are surrounded by dust and sand. As we highlight in The Best Safety Goggles article, whenever power tools are in use, it means chunks of material are flying in the air. Safety goggles completely cover the eyes and seal them from airborne hazards.

 

• Face Shields

Anyone grinding away at metal or concrete on a construction site is going to need some secondary protection. Face shields are the answer, as they protect the entire face from flying objects. For additional information regarding the different materials used in manufacturing face shields, you'll want to read our article titled The Fundamentals of Face Shields.

 

• Hoodies

For about half the year, during spring and fall, users still need protection from colder temperatures as the seasons transition. That's when our collection of hoodies enters the picture. Offering lightweight, comfy insulation, these hoodies will keep you warm year-round.

 

• Accessories

No set of PPE is complete without some essential accessories! Check out our great selection for workers to choose from, including balaclavas, gaiters, and suspenders. We've got more on the way, too, so stay tuned!

A construction worker's most important tools are the ones they were born with: their body, eyes, and hands. At MCR Safety, we're dedicated to creating the very best PPE products to keep construction workers safe!

 

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We Protect Construction Workers!

 

We want to see the BLS injury stats we shared with you earlier keep coming down, as that means we're doing our part in bringing leading-edge PPE technology to market. With construction conditions producing thousands of injuries each year, workers turn to MCR Safety for premier PPE, recommendations, and guidance. Why do workers turn to us?

MCR Safety has a proven track record of over 40 years protecting construction workers. This means we know the hazards faced by those finding employment in construction, so much so that we have broken down the construction industry into the ten distinct subindustries mentioned above. We know that each subindustry faces unique hazards. In the event that we do not cover your unique hazard, we hope you'll tell us so we can address it.

Let MCR Safety be your trusted PPE manufacturer and safety gear supplier for construction gloves, construction safety glasses, and construction garments.

 

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Construction Trends

 

Most would say that the world has drastically changed over the past 50 years. All you have to think of is the World Wide Web, and one would agree that changes are taking place. Industries like construction are changing rapidly, too. Here are some recent trends that have popped up across the sector:

• Advanced House Technology - This technology is changing the construction landscape, specifically the homes consumers purchase. Technology is changing residential construction, from automatic temperature sensors and window darkening to 3D printed buildings and wireless systems.

3D Printed Building

 

• Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) - This technology allows construction companies to better visualize the construction project, helping detect design errors before construction begins.

IVR

 

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental design (LEED) - This rating and certification system provides a uniform rating system to validate green-friendly construction buildings that are highly efficient and money-saving.

 

• Labor Shortage - As we highlight in our article on Skilled vs. Unskilled Trades, 80 percent of firms have a tough time filling positions.

 

 

We've only scratched the surface of current industry trends with the above examples. We encourage you to check out the Construction Institute's technology page to see more innovations and game-changing technologies transforming the industry. In regards to construction institutes, let's close out this page by providing insight into the companies out there offering construction education specifically designed for construction professionals.

 

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Associations, Institutes, and Organizations

 

We have provided a lot of useful resources, data, and information above. However, many industry-specific organizations can offer more detailed information that construction companies and workers rely on every day. Here are some organizations and associations whose websites you should consider viewing:

 

• Associated Builders and Contractors - is an association with 69 chapters that represent over 20,000 contractors.

 

• Associated General Contractors of America - represents 27,000 firms across the industry, from general contractors to specific service providers.

 

• American Institute of Architects - is the voice for architecture firms and provides resources to help professionals succeed.

 

• Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) - was founded in 1948 and has transformed industry standards.

 

• Lean Construction Institute - provides members with tools and technology to implement lean production. 

 

• Manufactured Housing Institute - is the leading institute representing all parts of the factory-built housing industry.

 

• National Association of Home Builders – covers all facets of the industry: builders, developers, contractors, and business. They are the largest association for the industry, representing 140,000 members.

 

• National Association of the Remodeling Industry – connects homeowners with professional remodelers, providing consumers with helpful information when remodeling.

 

 

All construction associations and institutes have one thing in common: keeping construction professionals armed with the most relevant, up-to-date information possible to help them best perform their job. Many employees in this industry look to these associations and organizations for answers.

We've highlighted a lot of construction information and thrown a bunch of industry stats at you. This page's remaining part showcases some of the most common hazards, and different PPE options construction contractors should consider wearing while performing their work.