AGC Reports on Construction Employment Difficulties, Steps to Avert Shortages

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Construction employment stagnated in August, while the industry unemployment rate fell and a majority of companies reported difficulty finding workers, according to an analysis of new government data and an industry survey by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called for education and immigration reform measures needed to ensure an adequate supply of skilled workers. “After a strong rebound in 2012, construction hiring and spending have been stuck in neutral through most of 2013,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet the unemployment rate for former construction workers hit the lowest August level in five years, suggesting … Read more

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West Side Stadium Expansion Project at K-State’s Bill Snyder Family Stadium is Complete, Ready for Opening Day

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Mortenson Construction and joint-venture partner GE Johnson Construction recently completed Phase II of the Bill Snyder Stadium Master Plan on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kan., on Aug.   21. The transformation was completed ahead of schedule, a full week before the defending Big 12 Champion Wildcats took on two-time defending FCS National Champion North Dakota State, before a Fox Sports One national television audience Friday, Aug. 30, in the first game of the season. The largest project in K-State Athletics history will greatly improve the game-day experience for Kansas State University fans with new amenities, … Read more

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OSHA Proposes Rule to Protect Workers Exposed to Crystalline Silica

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — OSHA recently announced a proposed rule aimed at curbing lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers. The proposal seeks to lower worker exposure to crystalline silica, which kills hundreds of workers and sickens thousands more each year. After publication of the proposal, the public will have 90 days to submit written comments, followed by public hearings. “Exposure to silica can be deadly, and limiting that exposure is essential,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “Every year, exposed workers not only lose their ability to … Read more

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Bechtel Completes Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Solar Power Project

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FREDERICK, Md. — Bechtel recently announced that the company has completed construction of the Catalina Solar Photovoltaic Generating Facility. The company designed the 110-megawatt alternating-current solar plant located in Southern California's Kern County. The facility will produce enough clean energy to power some 35,000 homes. “Catalina Solar is a strategic project for EDF Renewable Energy as it represents our largest utility-scale photovoltaic solar plant developed in North America,” commented Mark Tholke, vice president, West Region for EDF Renewable Energy. “The project has been an important source of direct and indirect economic activity in Kern County, including over 500 workers onsite … Read more

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Building Products Industry Gains New Insulation Resource

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Builders, code officials, insulation contractors, architects and building scientists now have a new resource to rely on for insulation knowledge. The Insulation Institute is a central gathering place for all building products professionals and users. Its website, blog, case studies and fact sheets educate the industry with the information to make confident insulation choices. This newly developed resource, located at InsulationInstitute.org, provides factual, up-to-date information about the industry's preferred choice of insulation materials — fiberglass and mineral wool. Visitors will find a wealth of facts, data and benefits on these two insulation types, including educational videos, product … Read more

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