AIA Unveils New Leading Indicator in Construction Research White Paper

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — By measuring the movement of design contracts in the monthly Architecture Billings Index, the American Institute of Architects is now able to trace the path of resources into the design and construction industry from the earliest conceptualization until it results in finished projects. This new indicator is being spotlighted in an AIA economic research white paper, Designing the Construction Future. “We have been tracking new project inquiries — bids, general solicitations, interview invitations — which tend to be rather subjective, so we began looking for a more precise way of estimating future levels of billings activity at … Read more

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Construction Jobless Rate Declines, Reports AGC

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Construction employers added 19,000 workers to payrolls in March, bringing industry employment to the highest level since June 2009, while the industry's unemployment rate dropped to the lowest March level in seven years, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials warned that the pool of available workers is declining rapidly, raising the prospects for significant labor shortages if demand continues to expand. “The rate of construction hiring continues to outrun job growth in the overall economy for the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Furthermore, the pickup … Read more

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AGC Reports on March Construction Employment Gains, Losses

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Construction firms added jobs in 38 states over the past 12 months, although job gains leveled off between February and March, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said the ongoing year-over-year gains point to the urgency of revitalizing and initiating programs to encourage workers and graduating students to get construction careers. “The widespread gains in employment from a year ago are encouraging, given the tough winter many states experienced right through March,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “The never-ending winter of 2014 may account for the dip … Read more

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OSHA Schedules Informal Hearing on Crane Operator Certification Deadline

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration scheduled an informal public hearing to discuss OSHA's proposed rule to extend the compliance date for the crane operator certification requirement and the existing phase-in requirement that employers ensure that their operators are qualified to operate the equipment. The hearing will be held May 19 in Washington, D.C. On Feb. 10, OSHA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to extend the deadline for operator certification by three years to Nov. 10, 2017, and to extend the existing employer duties for the same period. The public had 30 days to submit … Read more

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AGC Reports on February Construction Employment Increase, Topping Out

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Construction employment expanded in 175 metro areas, declined in 106 and was stagnant in 58 between February 2013 and February 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted, however, that despite the gains construction employment remained below peak levels in all but 19 metro areas. “It is encouraging that contractors added workers in so many locations despite severe weather that delayed some project starts,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “At the same time, it's clear that the upturn in construction is far from universal. … Read more

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