September 2026 Safety Roundup
Stay up to date on the latest safety news across construction and aviation. In the September 2026 Safety Roundup, we’re covering safer construction planning, new FAA surface safety technology, airport infrastructure investments, the growing role of AI and data quality in construction, and the need for better cross-trade hazard awareness.
FAA Awards $481 Million Airport Infrastructure Investment
The FAA announced $481 million in funding for 191 airport improvement grants across 36 states and two territories. Projects include runway and taxiway improvements, terminal upgrades and work on runway safety areas, supporting continued investment in safer and more reliable airport infrastructure nationwide.
NIOSH Promotes Safer Construction Through Design
NIOSH is emphasizing Prevention through Design as a way to reduce hazards before construction begins. The approach encourages owners, designers, engineers, and contractors to identify risks during planning, including equipment movement, pedestrian routes, struck-by hazards, and traffic control. The goal is to address potential hazards earlier and build safer work zones into projects from the start.
FAA Deploys Surface Safety Technology at 100th Airport
A new Surface Movement Radar system is now operational at Reagan National Airport, giving air traffic controllers greater visibility of aircraft and vehicles moving across runways and taxiways. The technology is designed to work in poor weather and low-visibility conditions and is part of a broader modernization effort across the national airspace system.
Construction’s AI Growth Puts Greater Focus on Data Quality
As AI adoption accelerates across construction, the quality of the data behind it is becoming increasingly important. With 61% of construction firms using AI or planning to increase investment, inaccurate job costs, outdated change orders, and disconnected systems can lead to unreliable forecasts and costly decisions. Contractors are being encouraged to prioritize accurate, current, and connected data as they expand their use of AI.
Construction Industry Calls for Better Cross-Trade Hazard Training
As construction projects become more complex and multiple trades work simultaneously, crews may encounter hazards outside their own areas of expertise. The article highlights the importance of broader jobsite safety training that helps workers recognize risks created by other trades, improving hazard awareness and coordination across the jobsite.
