AGC Reports on Construction Employment Increase, Prior Peaks

  • Posted on

Construction employment expanded in 211 metro areas, declined in 67 and was stagnant in 61 between November 2012 and November 2013, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.   Association officials said the employment gains were encouraging, but cautioned that future gains were dependent on continued economic growth and new investments in aging domestic infrastructure. “Construction employment continued to expand in many parts of the country in November, but most areas have a long way to go before reaching prior peak levels,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief … Read more

Filed under: News, OrganizationsTagged with:

OSHA Renews Alliance with Scaffold and Access Industry Association

  • Posted on

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has renewed its alliance with the Scaffold and Access Industry Association to provide information and training to protect the safety and health of workers who use scaffolds and lift equipment. Through the alliance, OSHA and SAIA will work to reduce and prevent fall and caught-in-between hazards and issues related to frame, mast climbing and suspended scaffolds and aerial lift equipment. “Worker injuries and deaths from scaffolding hazards can be prevented when employers provide training on safe set up and use of equipment,” said Assistant Secretary of Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David … Read more

Filed under: News, Organizations

Bencardino Excavating Trains Employees on New OSHA Safety Procedures

  • Posted on

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Louis Bencardino and members of the Bencardino Excavating safety committee have recently been trained on a new system for standardizing the classification of chemicals. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals meets new Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and takes an international approach to chemical safety in the workplace. Until recently, different countries had different regulations even for the same chemicals, creating confusion and expense in meeting such varying regulations. The GHS was proposed as a way to standardize and improve chemical safety worldwide. The United States published its final GHS rule in … Read more

Filed under: eNews, Organizations

Construction Employment Increases, Unemployment Rate Falls Reports AGC

  • Posted on

Construction employers added 17,000 jobs in November as the sector's employment hit the highest level since August 2009, and the industry unemployment rate fell to 8.6 percent, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the new employment figures come as construction spending levels hit a four-year high in October. “While these new employment figures are very encouraging, growth remains uneven by segment, region and time period,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “There are likely to be continuing variations in growth between homebuilding, private nonresidential and public … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News, OrganizationsTagged with:

AIA Miami Awards Plaza Construction, Brad Meltzer 2013 Contractor of the Year

  • Posted on

MIAMI, Fla. — Plaza Construction and Brad Meltzer, principal and president, were named Contractor of the Year 2013 by the American Institute of Architects Miami Chapter at its 59th Annual Design Awards Gala held Nov. 22 at the Miami Center for Architecture & Design. In accepting the award, which recognizes the highest level of achievement in commercial construction, Meltzer stated, “On behalf of the entire Plaza team, we are especially honored to receive AIA Miami's coveted Contractor of the Year 2013 award. It is a testament to our dedicated team of professionals who are committed to delivering the highest standard … Read more

Filed under: News, Organizations