ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Surges in March

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Associated Builders and Contractors reports that its monthly Construction Backlog Indicator expanded to 9.5 months in March 2019, up 0.7 months or 8.8% since February 2019 when CBI stood at 8.8 months. “The U.S. economy has been humming and construction backlog is correspondingly elevated,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “While there was a period of weakness in backlog in January, those dynamics, which may very well be seasonal, are no longer affecting the market. The U.S. economy’s strong first quarter appears to have greenlighted more construction projects, translating into ongoing and meaningful increases in construction backlog. “As a forward-looking … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 43 States Between April 2018, April 2019

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Forty-three states added construction jobs between April 2018 and April 2019, while construction employment increased in 32 states and the District of Columbia from March to April, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said the strong gains show demand for workers remains robust and they urged federal officials to enact immigration reforms to boost the supply of qualified workers. “Construction employment rose in most states over the past year, yet the record number of job openings at the end of March implies contractors would add even more workers if … Read more

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Construction Industry Round Table Announces Board Elections & New Chairman

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The Construction Industry Round Table has elected Paul A. Franzen, president of Barnard Construction, as chairman of the organization for a term of one year. Franzen was elected during CIRT’s recent Annual Spring Conference, which also welcomed new directors. Paul Franzen Chairman In welcoming Franzen as the new chairman, CIRT President Mark A. Casso, Esq., NAC noted, “Paul puts his full attention and heart into anything he commits to; he will bring a great deal of energy to promoting the interests of the design and construction industry’s interests.” At CIRT’s membership meeting, the following members were also elected as officers: Wassim … Read more

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OSHA Issues Rule to Revise Requirements in Safety and Health Standards

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U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a final rule that revises 14 provisions in the recordkeeping, general industry, maritime and construction standards that may be confusing, outdated or unnecessary. The revisions are expected to increase understanding and compliance with the provisions, improve employee safety and health and save employers an estimated $6.1 million per year. OSHA proposed the changes in October 2016. This is the fourth final rule under OSHA’s Standards Improvement Project, which began in 1995 in response to a Presidential memorandum to improve government regulations. Other revisions were issued in 1998, 2005 and … Read more

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Strong Man Introduces New Miami Distribution Center

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Strong Man Safety Products has introduced a new distribution center in Miami, Florida. The 20,114-square-foot facility is home to eight docks, eight overhead doors and one ramp. Due to the large customer base in Florida, Strong Man’s new distribution center will improve fulfillment time and delivery of customer orders. The Miami distribution center is in a prime location, nine miles from the Miami International Airport, 15.6 miles from Miami port and 34 miles from Port Everglades port. The company has identified Florida as a critical market for expansion and plans to have products on the ground by May 15.

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