New QDR Shows Sharp Decrease in Employer-Reported Work-Related MSDs

  • Posted on

The new Quarterly Data Report from The Center for Construction Research and Training examines trends in work and non-work related musculoskeletal disorders, the soft-tissue injuries caused by exposure to repetitive or sudden motions, forces and awkward positions. In 2017, the rate of employer-reported, work-related MSDs in construction was 31.2 cases per 10,000 FTEs, less than one-quarter of 1992’s level. However, about 30% of construction workers self-reported they had low-back pain (work- or non-work-related), and that figure has not changed significantly. Moreover, nearly half of construction workers reported they had one or more MSD symptoms, such as neck pain, joint pain and back pain. Older workers were more likely to … Read more

Filed under: SafetyTagged with: , , , ,

Construction Employment Increases in 39 States, D.C. September 2018-September 2019

  • Posted on

Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between September 2018 and September 2019, while construction employment increased in 28 states from August to September, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said that it is likely additional states would have added new construction jobs if firms could find more qualified workers to hire. “Although evidence is mounting that the overall economy is slowing, contractors in most states are still eager to hire,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But they are unable to find qualified workers … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , , ,

New Natural Resources Headquarters Tops Out

  • Posted on

The New Natural Resources Headquarters project in Sacramento, California topped out with its last piece of structural steel at 344 feet. The 22-story office tower will be the new headquarters for the State of California Natural Resources Agency. The project team included Turner Construction Company and Design-Build partners, AC Martin; members from Turner Engineering Group and design consultants, trade partners and owners group. The project, which will be Sacramento’s tallest building since 2009, broke ground one year ago, and has been making an impression in the city ever since. Turner has been ensuring minimal impacts to the busy downtown community, … Read more

Filed under: ProjectsTagged with: ,

Dodge Momentum Index Posts Recent Gain

  • Posted on

The Dodge Momentum Index moved 4.1% higher in September to 143.6 (2000=100) from the revised August reading of 137.9. The momentum index, issued by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. The gain in September was due entirely to an 8.9% increase in the commercial component, while the institutional component fell 4.8%. For the third quarter, the overall momentum index averaged 140.1, a scant increase of 0.7% from its average in the … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: ,

Marcum Commercial Construction Index Reports Nonresidential Construction Industry Slows, Economy Cools 

  • Posted on

The Marcum Commercial Construction Index for the second quarter of 2019 reports construction spending slowing as the economy signals confusion and indecisiveness. Nonresidential construction spending declined 1.8% on a monthly basis in June but is up 2.3 % year-over-year. Total nonresidential spending in June was $773.8 billion on a seasonally adjusted annual basis, as compared to $756.4 billion in June 2018. The index is produced by Marcum’s National Construction Services group.   Eleven of the 16 nonresidential construction sectors expanded year-over-year, including lodging, office, healthcare, public safety, amusement and recreation, transportation, highway and street, sewage and waste disposal, water supply, … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , ,