As the U.S. economy staggers back onto its feet, the construction and manufacturing sectors are gaining strength, with surveys showing companies eagerly investing in manpower and growth opportunities. Although employment totals in both sectors remain well below pre-recession levels, payrolls are expanding, and employee safety and workers' compensation costs have moved up on management's operational priorities.

Middle-market companies continue to look for the optimal balance between increased workplace productivity and safety. In this post-recession environment, businesses are sensitive about costs and more willing than ever to invest in robust risk management techniques that can help drive down workplace accidents and associated costs.

Construction and manufacturing