OSHA Issues Two Educational Resources on Protecting Workers from Mercury Exposure in Fluorescent Bulbs

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — OSHA has issued two new educational resources to help protect workers from mercury exposure while cleaning up broken fluorescent bulbs or while crushing and recycling them.   Compact fluorescent bulbs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but the shift to energy-saving fluorescents, which contain mercury, calls for more attention to workers who handle, dispose of, and recycle used fluorescent bulbs. The OSHA fact sheet explains how workers may be exposed, what kinds of engineering controls and personal protective equipment they need, and how to use these controls and equipment properly.   In addition, a new OSHA Quick … Read more

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AGC Releases Latest Construction Employment Numbers

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Unemployment Declines as Nearly 700,000 Former Construction Workers Have Left the Industry Since 2009, Which Will Make it Difficult for Firms to Find Workers When the Economy Expands Again Construction employment declined by 1,000 in July even though the industry's unemployment rate fell to the lowest level since 2008, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The sector's unemployment rate has steadily declined since 2009 as hundreds of thousands of out-of-work construction workers have left the industry seeking other opportunities, the association's economist cautioned. “Employment levels in the construction industry … Read more

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Arizona’s First Net Zero School Celebrates Grand Opening

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TEMPE, Ariz. — Turner Construction Company, Arizona recently announced that it has completed construction on the new Colonel Smith Middle School on Fort Huachuca, Ariz. The public, replacement school was built on the Army’s leading intelligence training facility. The new Colonel Smith Middle School is the first Net Zero Energy school in Arizona and the 12th Net Zero Energy building in the nation. Generating more energy that it consumes on an annual basis, the school is pioneering sustainable design and a unique approach to learning that engages students in real-world problem-solving and experimentation in a collaborative environment. “This school incorporates … Read more

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Stronger Growth Projected in 2013 for Nonresidential Construction Spending

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Even with many obstacles preventing a full-scale recovery for the overall U.S. economy, the design and construction industry appears to have reasons to be at least modestly optimistic in the coming months and into next year. A sharp spike in demand for industrial facilities so far this year, along with sustained demand for hotels and retail projects factors into what projects to be a 4.4 percent rise in spending this year for nonresidential construction projects — up from a projection of a 2.1 percent increase in the January Consensus Forecast. The American Institute of Architects semi-annual Consensus … Read more

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McCarthy Raises the Bar on Employee Health Builder is recognized as Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., one of the nation’s largest employee-owned construction companies, was recently recognized as a Platinum-level Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association, improved from the firm’s Gold-level recognition in 2011. McCarthy was recognized recently during the Association’s 2012 Metro St. Louis Heart Walk opening festivities at Busch Stadium, and the award was personally presented on June 26 in McCarthy’s St. Louis headquarters. Fit-Friendly Companies are recognized by the Association as employers who go above and beyond when it comes to employee health. “McCarthy recognizes the importance of a healthy workplace for its employees … Read more

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