Data Bulletin Updates COVID-19’s Impact on Construction

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The June 2021 Data Bulletin found on the CPWR website provides another update on how the pandemic is affecting construction employment and businesses, as well as information on workers’ attitudes about vaccination. This new issue shows that between March 2020 and April 2021, the number of jobs in the industry declined significantly, but then rebounded and surpassed pre-pandemic levels. This trend was particularly strong among Hispanic construction workers. The Data Bulletin also shows that the COVID-19 vaccination rate was lower among workers in construction and extraction occupations than in any other major occupation category, and 42% of construction workers remained hesitant to get vaccinated. In addition, … Read more

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Lean, Mean, Materials Handling Machine

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A fresh look at material handling operations By Ken Cornell Did you know that evaluating material handling operations may provide the key to a more productive, safe and profitable jobsite? And superintendents who embrace change on this front give their companies a competitive advantage. Evolution of safety practices Since the establishment of OSHA in the 1970s, safety protocols and standards have continued to evolve. In fact, the pace of change has rapidly increased with the consistent introduction of new technology and processes that are pushing the industry forward in terms of field operations. Typically, slower to adopt change, construction organizations … Read more

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Coordinating Virtual Design & Construction Efforts

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The importance of field collaboration to project success By Dylan Lowder Recent changes in the AEC industry – like technological advances, more complex facilities, increased collaboration, earlier involvement of contractors and trade partners and more offsite prefabrication – are having a ripple effect throughout the design and construction world. One of the more notable ramifications is the role and value of virtual design and construction (VDC), which is evolving to meet these new needs and opportunities both in the field and in the office. The integration of VDC in all phases and among all partners is key to ensuring a … Read more

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Heat Susceptibility, Sweat Rate Trackable with Kenzen Smart PPE

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Kenzen has added two new features to its smart PPE system for monitoring workers’ heat risk on the job — the technology to track heat susceptibility and sweat rate of individuals. The proprietary algorithm determines the person’s heat risk category by evaluating their medical or physical conditions, physical fitness, heat-acclimatization status, history of heat injury and illness, medications, chronic illnesses and age. The sweat rate monitoring feature uses a worker’s information and physiological data to calculate and predict their sweat rate, in liters per hour. Kenzen devices contain sensors that monitor, in real-time, an individual’s physiological responses. The worker is … Read more

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STARC Systems Launches 1st Modular Reusable 1-Hour Fire-Rated Temporary Containment Solution 

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FireblockWall, the first modular reusable one-hour fire-rated temporary containment system, stops fires, installs 4 times faster than drywall and has superior noise-blocking — solving some of the biggest temporary containment challenges for contractors and facility managers working in occupied healthcare environments. Superior noise-blocking, with an STC rating of 40, it’s 65% quieter than any other temporary containment system. FireblockWall exceeds ICRA Class IV (infection control), ASTM E119 and ASTM E84 requirements. The cost-effective, durable panels can be used job after job. Featuring a lower carbon footprint, the sleek, reusable walls save on waste and debris normally created by building and … Read more

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