Study Reveals Visits by Insurance Loss Prevention Reps Linked to Fewer Jobsite Injuries

Insurance loss prevention representatives often help contractors identify ways to improve workplace safety. A CPWR-supported research team at the University of Minnesota recently analyzed data from 1,360 construction-industry policyholders to see if visits by a loss prevention representative reduced lost-time injuries. The research team found a significant reduction after just a single visit, and more contacts showed even greater benefits. Keeping workers from getting hurt is the ultimate goal, but many in the industry need a business case before trying new things. This study proves that injury prevention activities can reduce the lost-time injuries that generate costly injury claims. Click … Read more

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Skanska Blows Up Old Kosciuszko Bridge

A team led by Skanska has used controlled explosives to bring down 25,290 tons of steel of the old Kosciuszko Bridge in New York City. ‘Energetic felling’ – better known as controlled implosion – was determined to be the safest, most effective and fastest way to bring down the old bridge. It is claimed to be the first time that explosives have ever been used to demolish a major bridge in New York City. The explosives have been used to lower the old steel truss spans in both Brooklyn and Queens to the ground, ready for dismantling using heavy equipment. … Read more

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JV Celebrates Steel Topping Out on OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Research Building

PORTLAND, Ore. – The construction joint-venture team of McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. and Andersen Construction, along with Oregon Health & Science University and SRG Partnership, recently celebrated a major milestone in the construction of the new OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Research Building. Construction workers, designers, engineers, employees, physicians, community members and donors gathered to sign the steel beam before it was hoisted atop the $190-million research and development conference center facility located in Portland, Oregon. “The Knight Cancer Institute will advance cancer research to its highest level with this leading-edge laboratory facility designed to support “team science” by encouraging collaboration … Read more

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Record-Breaking Observation Wheel in Dubai Nears Completion

Mace is providing project management, cost consultancy services and construction advice on the Ain Dubai wheel to client Meraas. The wheel will stand over 689 feet tall and will take in 360 degree views of Dubai, a fast-changing cityscape. The attraction is being developed as a part of the Bluewaters Island project, a mixed-use manmade island, which sits off the coast in Dubai Marina, adjacent to the Jumeirah Beach Residence. Mace is drawing on the experience it developed when it built the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, the London Eye, in 1999, which stands at 443 feet. To date, the … Read more

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Nonresidential Construction Adds Jobs Despite Disruptions, ABC Says

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The national construction industry added 8,000 net new jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis in September, according to an analysis by Associated Builders and Contractors of a recent release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The nonresidential sector added 11,700 jobs for the month, which means that residential construction lost several thousand jobs. Nonresidential specialty trade contractors paced the segment, adding 8,500 net new jobs on a monthly basis. The construction industry unemployment rate, which is available only on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, remained unchanged at 4.7 percent. The nationwide unemployment rate fell two tenths of … Read more

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