Final Rule Announced to Improve U.S. Workers’ Protection from ‘Respirable’ Silica Dust

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently announced a final rule to improve protection for workers exposed to respirable silica dust. The rule will curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica. “More than 80 years ago, Labor Secretary Frances Perkins identified silica dust as a deadly hazard and called on employers to fully protect workers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “This rule will save lives. It will enable workers to earn a living without sacrificing … Read more

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KBR Launches Craft Training Program for Veterans

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HOUSTON, Texas – KBR is creating a program to train active duty military in the pipefitting trade to assist service members who desire to pursue an industrial civilian career following their military service. The initiative is in partnership with Central Louisiana Technical Community College and Fort Polk, located in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. The Veteran Pipefitting Training Program was created for active duty military at Fort Polk and applicants will be selected for the 16-week program by Fort Polk’s Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program and KBR. Trainees will receive training credentials for both academic and hands-on practice by the National … Read more

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Modest Expansion for Architecture Billings Index

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Architecture Billings Index saw a dip into negative terrain for the first time in five months in January, but inched back up in February with a small increase in demand for design services. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the February ABI score was 50.3, up slightly from the mark of 49.6 in the previous month. This score reflects a minor increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). … Read more

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AECOM is “Getting to the heart of safety” in its Third-Annual Safety Report

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. – AECOM has published its third-annual enterprise safety, health and environment report. Titled “Getting to the heart of safety,” the report showcases the dedicated employees, innovative tools and notable projects that encompass AECOM’s industry-leading “Safety for Life” program. The report’s theme reflects the company’s culture of caring by highlighting employees’ heroic efforts, thought leadership and personal motivations for keeping safety at the forefront. Some of AECOM’s fiscal year 2015 highlights include: AECOM achieved a Total recordable injury rate 7.5 percent lower than the target AECOM Chairman and CEO Michael S. Burke was named to the U.S. National … Read more

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ABC Honors National Safety Excellence Award Winners

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Associated Builders and Contractors announced the winners of its 2015 National Safety Excellence Award winners. A total of 41 ABC member companies were recognized for their safety processes and performance on March 2 during the 26th annual Excellence in Construction Awards in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 2015 National Safety Excellence Award winners were selected from ABC member firms that achieved Diamond, Platinum and Gold status in ABC’s Safety Training Evaluation Process in 2015. During the selection process, they were judged on self-evaluation scores, lost workday case rates, total recordable rates, leading indicator use, process and program … Read more

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