Seventy-One Percent of Construction Firms Plan to Expand Headcount

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Seventy-one percent of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls in 2016 as contractors expect a range of public and private markets to grow, according to survey results recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate. The survey, conducted as part of The Challenges Facing a Growing Industry: The 2016 Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook, indicates that contractors foresee a positive year despite tight labor conditions, regulatory burdens and IT security challenges. “The construction industry will continue to recover in 2016 as many firms add to their headcount amid growing demand in […]

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Cold Days Ahead: Are You Ready?

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The Western regions have been blanketed in snow for weeks — and after a mild December in much of the East, winter weather is finally moving in. Are you ready? While much construction will wind down for the coldest months, new technologies – such as chemical additives that allow concrete to cure in low temperatures – allow work to go forward on some jobs even during a deep freeze. That means a lot of workers will face extreme weather in January and February. Extended exposure to freezing or cold temperatures can lead to trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia. Danger signs for […]

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OSHA, Independent Electrical Contractors Renew Alliance

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently renewed its alliance with the Independent Electrical Contractors Inc. During the five-year agreement, the alliance will primarily focus on providing agency staff with 70E and arc-flash training, and preventing worker exposures to electric shock and arc flash hazards. Through the alliance, participants will also promote awareness of OSHA campaigns on preventing falls and heat illness, as well as promote a culture of safety through outreach, particularly to small businesses and workers with limited- and non-English speaking skills. “For more than a decade, OSHA and IEP have had a productive partnership […]

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Tech-Savvy Teamwork

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How superintendents can lead the charge with technology By Jake Bowron Introducing new technologies in the workplace can produce bumpy rides even in the best circumstances. Integrating techno-tools into construction operations offers its own challenges. Here’s an unusual proposition: superintendents should volunteer for a bigger leadership role in helping project teams make the adjustment. I’m not suggesting that superintendents turn into gluttons for punishment. However, as a superintendent who recently accepted a position as director of field technology, I’m convinced that greater involvement by superintendents in introducing technology can produce big benefits. In the field, there’s no questioning technology’s ability […]

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Gilbane Moody Gardens Project Wins Award from Themed Entertainment Association

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HOUSTON, Texas — Gilbane Building Company’s Moody Gardens SpongeBob SubPants Adventure attraction was recently honored with the Thea award by the Themed Entertainment Association. The TEA Thea Award is considered one of the attractions industry’s greatest honors. TEA lauds the visionary project owners and the team that helped create something never done before. The SpongeBob SubPants Adventure attraction at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, has numerous elements including stereoscopic 3-D film, 4-D in-theater effects, real-time animation and multiple story paths that are all used to evoke the world of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants to quirky and comical effect, all in perfect […]

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