So far as we are aware, the edition of "Safety in Building Construction" that was published by The Travelers Insurance Company in 1916 was the first book to be issued in which accident prevention in connection with construction work was discussed in a manner even roughly adequate to the importance of the subject. In the five years that have since elapsed, various improvements have been made in the methods and practices employed, due to more extended experience and to a more careful investigation of the causes of accidents in this line of work. The present edition has been brought up to date with respect to these innovations, and several sections have been expanded so as to give a more detailed description of certain hazards and the remedies for them. An entirely new section on "Mixing and Pouring Concrete" has also been added.

As previously explained, this is by no means a complete treatise on the subject of safety in building construction. Many of the most dangerous operations are covered, however, and if all of the suggestions that we give are carried out, the number of accidents will certainly be reduced to a small fraction of the number that now occur.

We have attempted to make our recommendations comply in every respect with existing building codes; but if it is found that any of them conflict with the laws, ordinances, or codes in force in a given locality, it is important to comply with the legal requirements, in every case, in preference to the suggestions made herein.

The Travelers Insurance Company, Hartford, Connecticut.