Over the last few years, contractors have shared with me a number of stories about the importance of safety. I’ve heard about large general contractors who require minimum EMRs and safety programs from their subcontractors before they will even consider a bid. Rising insurance costs have also been an inspiring factor for some contractors to enhance their safety programs because fewer accidents typically result in lower insurance premiums. Additionally, fewer accidents keeps workers healthy and working at their peak potential on the jobsite. But the prevailing reason why contractors are dedicated to safety is their employees. They want their workers to be safe on the job and want to see them go home at night. Your company’s safety...

Coffee table book Phaidon Press recently released its new photo book, Concrete . The hardcover, 244-page tome explores the architecture of concrete from ancient Rome to present day. Concrete and construction lovers alike will appreciate the unique buildings featured throughout the volume. You can purchase this book, along with several other picturesque concrete books worthy of any coffee table, at the ACI bookstore online . Concrete terrarium Concrete Cat, a concrete design house that specializes in wet-cast concrete countertops, furniture and the like, opened an online shop for its small, handmade goods. They sell concrete bookends, trivets, ashtrays and more. Their concrete terrarium will add a little low-maintenance greenery to...