October 19, 2026

Weekly Toolbox Talk

Ben's Unfocused 5

Don't Expect What You Don't Inspect

This week's Toolbox Talk focuses on five common risks that continue to cause injuries on construction jobsites: falls from heights, struck-by incidents, caught-in-between hazards, electrical hazards, and slips, trips, and material handling.

Richard and Ben talk through these risks and some of the situations they've encountered on jobsites. It's a good reminder that recognizing a hazard is only part of the job. Taking action before someone gets hurt is what counts.

Searching for the Shovel

From the Jobsite in Washington DC:

The Shovel is Ready; Where's the Permit?

This week's Searching for the Shovel takes on a familiar frustration for contractors: waiting on Washington to make a decision.

Federal permitting reform is back in the conversation, and the debate over which waters fall under federal jurisdiction is still going strong.

As Richard puts it, nobody's asking Washington to skip the rules. Just make them clear, make a decision, and let us get to work.

Read the Q & A HERE

Elections are 2 Weeks Away

Be Our Voter of the Day

Voter of the Day (VOTD) is a new, nonpartisan initiative recognizing Vermonters who participate in the election process.

Each day, one voter will be featured on VOTD's social media channels and receive a $5 Dunkin' gift card.

Snap a photo with your "I Voted" sticker, outside your polling place, or while returning your absentee ballot. Then send it along with your name and Vermont hometown.

Submit your photo:

No politics, no party affiliations. Just celebrating Vermonters who vote.

AGC/VT Annual Meeting

December 8 & 9, 2026

Best Builder Award Submissions

Exibitor Registration

Breakout Session Topics

AGC/VT Resources

Summer 2026 Build Board Magazine

2027 Training Catalog

AGC/VT In the Community

Green Mountain Flagging Training & Safety Day

Thanks to Green Mountain Flagging for inviting AGC/VT to be part of your Safety & Training Day!

It's never too early to start planning your company's Safety Training & Kickoff Day. If you'd like AGC/VT to be part of it, reach out to Ben to get on the calendar. Dates fill up quickly!