Construction Employment Increases, Trends Highlight Fragility

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Construction firms added jobs in 39 states over the past 12 months, while employment nearly stabilized in the remainder, according to an analysis released today by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned that the industry's recovery was still relatively fragile, noting that a number of states experiencing large annual gains lost jobs during the past month. “The widespread job gains seen in most states for the past few months continued in November, while no state recorded a year-over-year loss of more than 4 percent,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “But progress … Read more

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Brasfield & Gorrie Begins Work on New $20M Medical School at Auburn University Research Park

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Brasfield & Gorrie recently announced the start of construction on a new facility to house programs from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn University. The $20-million project includes a new 90,400-square-foot, four-story building that will include classrooms, small-group learning rooms, laboratories and a technology center. In addition, VCOM will collaborate with the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation on biomedical research and healthcare projects. The project at Auburn University expands VCOM's mission to educate and train physicians to serve rural and medically underserved populations. VCOM currently operates an accredited osteopathic medical college with two campuses, … Read more

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McCarthy, Mercy Celebrate Mercy Hospital Joplin Construction Milestone

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JOPLIN, Mo. — Less than two years after breaking ground on the 875,000-square-foot Mercy Hospital Joplin for Chesterfield, Mo.-based Mercy, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. and Mercy are celebrating the substantial completion of the building enclosure.   A ceremony held recently recognized schedule milestone achievements, quality and safety. The 260-plus private room hospital will replace the former St. John’s Mercy Regional Medical Center demolished in the May 22, 2011, EF-5 tornado—the deadliest tornado in Missouri and the U.S. since 1947 directly hit the hospital.   McCarthy broke ground in January 2012 on the new, $335-million (construction budget) larger hospital, which will … Read more

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OSHA Renews Alliance with Scaffold and Access Industry Association

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WASHINGTON, D.C. —The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has renewed its alliance with the Scaffold and Access Industry Association to provide information and training to protect the safety and health of workers who use scaffolds and lift equipment. Through the alliance, OSHA and SAIA will work to reduce and prevent fall and caught-in-between hazards and issues related to frame, mast climbing and suspended scaffolds and aerial lift equipment. “Worker injuries and deaths from scaffolding hazards can be prevented when employers provide training on safe set up and use of equipment,” said Assistant Secretary of Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David … Read more

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DBIA Announces 2014 Board of Directors

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Design-Build Institute of America has announced its 2014 board of directors. Jim L. Whitaker, principal and senior vice president, HKS, Inc., will serve as DBIA's chairman of the board. Whitaker is a 28-year industry veteran in both design and construction executive roles. As principal and senior vice president at HKS, Inc., he leads the federal government and design-build groups. Whitaker is a licensed architect, NCARB certified for nationwide reciprocity and a Designated Design-Build Professional. “DBIA's board of directors is comprised of owners, architects, engineers, design-build construction contractors, specialty trade contractors and transactional professionals to reflect DBIA's … Read more

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