Contractor Wins AGC Innovation Award for Developing Virtual Reality Safety Training Program

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Chicago, Illinois-based Pepper Construction was named the most innovative construction firm in the country for developing a virtual reality safety training program by leveraging tools and staffing resources that were already in place to create a “real life” safety learning environment. As a result, Pepper Construction was named as the grand prize winner of the AGC Innovation Awards, sponsored by Autodesk. Through collaboration between the safety and virtual technology department, the Pepper team developed a virtual training program by customizing it using its statistics reinforced with industry data with an option to make changes as the data evolved. This process … Read more

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Construction Specifications Institute Foundation Expands Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls

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Expansion is underway for the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls, a successful five-year camp developed by the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute to interest school-age girls in becoming architects, engineers, electricians, carpenters or any other building industry professional. The CSI Foundation is encouraging 127 CSI chapters nationwide to offer the camps as a way to recruit women to the profession. The camp is modeled after a program created by the CSI Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter in Pennsylvania. During the past five years, more than 70 girls and young women experienced the challenges, joys, confidence-building and sense … Read more

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Report Findings Call Attention to State of Mental Health in Construction Industry

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As the pandemic continues to impact the economy and mental health of many workers, construction experiences the second highest rate of suicide among major industries. A new survey of the construction workforce from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Center for Workplace Mental Health, the Construction Financial Management Association, CSDZ and Holmes Murphy, calls attention to this issue and offers insights. The online 20-question survey was launched in March 2021, and was answered by 1,175 respondents. It was distributed in all regions of the country by the four sponsoring organizations, along with state chapters of national construction trade associations, labor unions … Read more

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New Blackwater Community School Continues to Serve as Hub for Education, Culture for Future Generations

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Construction on the new Blackwater Community School, which replaces the facility originally built in 1939, is complete. The two-story structure is located Southeast of Phoenix, Arizona on a 7.43-acre campus on the Gila River Indian Community. The project team included engineer Rosendin, general contractor Gilbane Building Company and design partner Breckenridge Group. The $25-million replacement campus incorporates culturally significant artwork throughout the classroom building, media center, multi-purpose building and cafeteria. The Blackwater Community School Culture Committee provided the insight for the cultural art in partnership and with the approval of the Blackwater Community School Board. The Blackwater Community School serves … Read more

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New U.S. Embassy in Yugoslavia to Feature Resilient, Modern Platform

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During a ceremony to mark the construction of a new U.S. Embassy, officials signed a stone that will be placed within the foundation of the new building in Podgorica (Yugoslavia). Construction of the new chancery, managed and directed by the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, highlights the enduring ties that bind the strong U.S.-Montenegrin relationship and serves as a symbol of unwavering commitment to the Montenegrin people. The new design involves redevelopment of the existing embassy property and places great emphasis on respecting local culture, as well as preserving and responding to the local environment. The design also includes photovoltaic panels … Read more

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