Construction Spending Continues Growth

  • Posted on

Construction spending in July maintained consistent year-over-year growth despite a pullback from the June peak, according to an analysis of new federal data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said they expect the disparity between private and public construction to persist unless Washington acts to fix infrastructure funding challenges and pass long-delayed measures. “The July spending numbers send a very mixed message,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Construction of new homes, apartments and most private nonresidential structures appears to be driving gains in construction activity even as the public sector continues to drag on … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News

Turner Leads Lean, Safe Training Program on Construction Projects

  • Posted on

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Work will be suspended Sept. 4 on every Turner Construction Company job as safety managers deliver an important safety message: Lean and Safe: Material Management for a Safer Work Environment. With a commitment to improve project outcomes through the integration of innovative practices and technologies, the company's annual Safety Stand-Down presents an opportunity to introduce the more than 40,000 subcontractors working on projects to the principles and methods of Lean construction. In doing so, Turner will not only educate project team members about Lean material management, the company will also communicate a vision for the future … Read more

Filed under: News

AGC Releases Latest Employment Data

  • Posted on

Construction employment declined in 165 out of 337 metropolitan areas between July 2011 and July 2012, increased in 123 and was stagnant in 49, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the new data comes out as many metro areas continue to struggle with constricting public sector budgets and uneven private sector growth. “Construction employment is healthy in the handful of areas where private sector demand is on the rebound,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “However, construction employment in most metro areas is … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, NewsTagged with:

Wright Express Releases Monthly Construction Fuel Consumption Index Results

  • Posted on

Wright Express Corporation in collaboration with IHS released results of its Wright Express Construction Fuel Consumption Index, which indicated an increase of 1.4 percent in July versus its level the previous year. The Wright Express Construction FCI measures national fuel consumption statistics for the construction industry, which provides an accurate and up-to-date indication of construction activity in the U.S. “The results of the July 2012 Fuel Consumption Index indicate flat growth in the construction industry despite consistent year-over-year growth,” said Rick Pomerleau, vice president, corporate development at Wright Express. “The construction industry hit a speed bump in June, showing the … Read more

Filed under: News

American Society of Safety Engineers Support New Effort to Prevent Falls

  • Posted on

DES PLAINES, Ill. — Each year thousands of workers are injured and 225 die from construction-related falls. In order to provide additional tools to prevent worker injuries and fatalities in the construction industry, the American Society of Safety Engineers is joining with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to support a new "Fall Prevention Campaign." The national campaign to raise awareness about how to prevent falls in construction is also supported by state governments, private industries, trade associations, academia and professional and labor organizations. It focuses on providing prevention information and … Read more

Filed under: News