September 8, 2026

Before You Climb, Look It Over

A member called AGC/VT looking for help with scaffold inspections, so this week Ben and Wobby walk through what you should be looking for before anyone climbs: starting at the foundation, working your way up, and paying attention to anything that may have changed since the last inspection.

Watch this week's Toolbox Talk, then grab the inspection checklists we've included below to use on your own jobsites.

Scaffolding Inspection Checklist

Quick daily check of common scaffold conditions and hazards

Supported Scaffold Inspection Checklist

More detailed inspection covering setup, training, loads, and competent-person requirements

Leadership Academy Starts Next Week

$2,500 worth of leadership training for $100.

The AGC/VT Leadership Academy begins September 16, bringing current and emerging construction leaders together for eight weeks of hands-on training focused on the challenges they'll face leading people and projects.

Thanks to Northfield Savings Bank, we're able to offer the entire program for just $100 per participant.

Space is limited to 25.

From the Jobsite in DC:

What's Happening With Federal Tax Policy?

In this week's Searching for the Shovel, we're looking at federal tax policy and why contractors should be paying attention to what's being debated in Washington.

Taxes influence a lot more than what you owe at the end of the year.

For construction companies, changes to business tax provisions can factor into decisions about buying equipment, expanding facilities, hiring, and investing back into the company.

We've answered your questions about which tax provisions matter to contractors.

Read the Q & A HERE