August 2026 Safety Roundup
Welcome to the August edition of the OTW Safety Roundup. This month, we’re looking at new developments shaping safety across construction, airports, and major public events. From new technology designed to reduce struck-by incidents in road work zones to investments in airport infrastructure and runway safety, the latest stories reinforce the importance of planning ahead, managing movement, and creating safer environments for workers and the public.
- Nearly $615M Invested in Airport Infrastructure and Safety
- World Cup Security Lessons Ahead of LA 2028
- NYC Conducts Safety Sweeps Across 180 Construction Sites
- New Runway Technology Targets Airport Incursions
- Could AI Help Prevent Struck-By Incidents in Work Zones?
1. FAA Awards Nearly $615M for Airport Infrastructure and Safety Improvements
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced nearly $615 million in Airport Improvement Program funding for 238 projects across 42 states and two territories. The grants will support critical airport infrastructure and safety improvements, including runway and taxiway rehabilitation, signage, lighting, markings, terminal upgrades, and other safety-related projects. Major awards include $21.5 million for runway rehabilitation in Texas, $19.5 million for a new airport in Alaska, and $6.3 million for runway rehabilitation in North Carolina, with the broader investment aimed at improving safety and efficiency at airports nationwide.
2. Major-Event Security Leaders Look to World Cup Lessons Ahead of LA 2028
Read the original Police1 article
Public safety leaders are looking to lessons from the 2026 World Cup as agencies prepare for the scale and complexity of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Key considerations include protecting venues, transportation systems, airports, communications networks, and other critical infrastructure while managing large crowds across multiple locations. The discussion highlights the importance of coordinated planning, intelligence sharing, and collaboration among public safety agencies and event stakeholders when preparing for major international events.
3. NYC Completes Construction Safety Sweeps Across 180 Jobsites
Read the original Construction Dive article
New York City’s Department of Buildings completed safety inspections at 180 active construction sites following a partial building collapse in Manhattan. Inspectors reviewed sites for potentially hazardous conditions and compliance issues, resulting in violations and stop-work orders where problems were identified. The initiative highlights the importance of proactive jobsite inspections, maintaining safe working conditions, and addressing potential hazards before they put construction workers or members of the public at risk.
4. FAA Installs New Runway Surface Radar to Help Prevent Incursions
The FAA installed a new surface movement radar system at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to improve runway and taxiway safety. The technology gives air traffic controllers greater visibility of aircraft and vehicles moving across airport surfaces, including during periods of poor weather or reduced visibility. By providing more precise information about ground movements, the system is designed to help controllers identify potential conflicts and reduce the risk of runway incursions.
5. How AI Could Reduce Struck-Bys in Road Work Zones
Read the original Construction Dive article
Researchers are exploring how artificial intelligence and virtual reality could help reduce struck-by incidents in active road construction zones, where workers regularly operate near moving vehicles and heavy equipment. The research focuses on improving workers’ ability to recognize hazards and respond to dangerous situations before an incident occurs. Struck-by incidents resulted in approximately 1,800 construction fatalities and more than 167,000 nonfatal injuries from 2011 to 2021, highlighting the continued need for better awareness and protection in work zones.
