Marcum 4Q Commercial Construction Index Shows Signs of Optimism, Pessimism

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The Marcum Commercial Construction Index for the fourth quarter of 2020 reports that the industry has reasons for optimism and pessimism as it recovers from the recession caused by COVID-19. Total construction employment has rebounded since plummeting in March and April but remains 3.3% below pre-pandemic levels. The index is produced by Marcum LLP’s national Construction Services group.  “Nonresidential construction employment declined by about 644,000 jobs between February and May of 2020 as the pandemic’s grip took firm hold,” wrote Anirban Basu, author of the report and Marcum’s chief construction economist. “As of January 2021, the nonresidential industry had recovered about … Read more

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Construction Begins on 2 Texas Solar Farms

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Lightsource bp has chosen McCarthy Building Companies to serve as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for two utility-scale solar farms in Texas. McCarthy is responsible for the design, procurement, construction and commissioning of both facilities: the 163 megawatt Elm Branch Solar Farm located approximately 40 miles south of Dallas in Ennis, Texas and the 153 megawatt Briar Creek Solar Farm located 60 miles south of Dallas in Corsicana, Texas. Construction of the two projects recently began and is slated to complete in September with commercial operations of both solar farms expected by late 2021. The energy produced will offset … Read more

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Private Nonresidential Construction Increases First Time in 7 Months

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Construction spending rallied in January as private nonresidential construction increased for the first time in seven months, according to an analysis of new federal construction spending data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that nonresidential construction spending remains below pre-pandemic levels and that rising materials prices and proposed labor law changes threaten the sector’s recovery.   “Despite a modest upturn in January, spending on private nonresidential construction remained at the second-lowest level in more than three years and was 10% below the January 2020 spending rate,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “All 11 of … Read more

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National Struck-by Stand-Down to Take Place April 26

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CPWR and the NORA Construction Sector Council will be leading the second annual Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents in Construction on April 26. The Stand-Down, to take place on the first day of National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 26-30), asks contractors to pause work to recognize that struck-by incidents are a leading cause of death among construction workers and to educate their crews about risks and solutions for mitigating them. To help make the Stand-Down a success during COVID-19, contractors, workers and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate virtually. More information on ways to participate will be posted on CPWR’s Work … Read more

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U.S. Department of Labor Encourages Industry Employers, Stakeholders to Join OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction

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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has scheduled the eighth annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction for May 3-7. OSHA encourages construction employers and other stakeholders to join the event to promote awareness and training to address one of the industry’s most serious dangers. “Workers suffer serious and fatal injuries from falls and have a devastating impact on families and businesses,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health James Frederick. “This important collaboration with the construction industry encourages employers to learn how to better control fall-related hazards and improve … Read more

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