Smart roofing is emerging as a key innovation in building technology, integrating sensors, cameras and IoT connectivity to monitor and control various aspects of roofs, such as detecting leaks, managing temperature and optimizing solar energy usage. This technology not only enhances the safety and efficiency of buildings but also contributes to sustainability by incorporating features like cool roofing, green roofing and phase-changing materials.

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a wearable sensor that measures hydration levels using bioimpedance as it sends a tiny current across the upper arm to gauge conductivity, which varies with hydration. The soft, wireless sensor could benefit athletes, industrial workers and elderly individuals, and it links to smartphones for real-time monitoring.

Mental health issues among construction workers are on the rise, with 64% experiencing depression or anxiety in the past year, up from 54% in 2024, according to a survey by Clayco. "The unfortunate reality is that the long hours, physically demanding work and a male-dominated and stoic culture that discourages many from discussing mental health make construction workers, and executives, more susceptible to mental health issues when compared with many other professions," said Darcy Gruttadaro, chief innovation officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a recent safety alert emphasizing that electrical work should only begin once circuits are fully deenergized and full lockout/tagout procedures are implemented. The agency highlights the importance of these measures to prevent hazardous energy releases that could threaten workers in mining environments.

The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that the Industrial Commission may have overlooked facts in a case involving a utilities worker injured in a trench collapse. The worker had applied for additional workers' compensation benefits for safety violations, which the commission denied. The 10th District Court of Appeals reversed the decision, and the Supreme Court has now ordered the commission to resolve factual issues.

Contractors can maximize profitability from demolition robots by thinking creatively about their versatility, writes Jeff Keeling. Demolition robots offer significant safety benefits by being remote-controlled, reducing the need for manual labor in hazardous environments.

Animal hospitals that are certified practice-wide in stress-reducing animal care experience fewer patient-inflicted injuries than other animal hospitals, according to a study in the Journal of the AVMA. Three-quarters of practices with hospital-wide certification reported injuries less than once a month, compared with 45% of practices with some or no certification.

Caterpillar has updated its 5- to 10-metric-ton compact excavators, including the 305 CR, 308 CR, 309 CR and 310, with the 308, 309 and 310 featuring the Cat C2.8 engine, which has a no-maintenance diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter, as well as standard rearview cameras. The 305 CR now offers E-Fence software to prevent collisions and entry-level Grade Indicate software for real-time bucket positioning.

Industrial ergonomics is experiencing rapid technological innovation, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the expanding workforce in large distribution centers. Kristianne Egbert, senior corporate ergonomist at Briotix Health, highlights how new tools like video capture technology provide deeper insights into ergonomic risks, and she also emphasizes the value of involving frontline employees in solution development, which increases the effectiveness and longevity of ergonomic improvements.