AGC Releases July Construction Unemployment Rate, Spending

  • Posted on

New government data today show the uneven nature of the construction industry's recovery, as the sector added 22,000 jobs in July, but suffered a pullback in spending in June, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that uncertainty about federal funding for a range of infrastructure and construction programs is one reason for the uneven recovery. “Construction employment and spending are both rising at a moderate year-over-year clip, but there have been some setbacks,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “While prospects for private construction remain largely favorable, inadequate public investment still … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News, OrganizationsTagged with:

New Resource Helps Practitioners Enhance Posture Assessment Practices in the Workplace

  • Posted on

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, in partnership with the Canadian Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders, has released a new report that can help occupational health and safety practitioners more accurately and efficiently assess postural stress of workers performing their duties at work. The ability to conduct posture assessments in the workplace can assist with the prevention and control of musculoskeletal disorders. The report, Observation-Based Posture Assessment: Review of Current Practice and Recommendations for Improvement, describes a research-based approach to classifying the severity of torso and arm posture. This approach has been demonstrated … Read more

Filed under: News

Construction Employment Increases Between June 2013, June 2014

  • Posted on

Construction employment expanded in 215 metro areas, declined in 80 and was stagnant in 44 between June 2013 and June 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that uncertainty about a range of federal infrastructure and construction programs could weigh on future growth for the sector. “Contractors have been expanding their work force in about two-thirds of the country for several months in a row,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Some metro areas are adding workers at a strong clip, but the gains remain … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, NewsTagged with:

AIAI Releases Groundbreaking P3 Best Practices Guide

  • Posted on

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Board of Directors of the Association for the Improvement of American Infrastructure recently introduced the AIAI Best Practices Guide, a game-changing educational resource for Public-Private Partnerships. This first-of-its-kind publication reflects AIAI's innovative thought leadership and serves as a national source for P3 best practices. “Since P3s are relatively new to the United States, there is a need for education related to it. AIAI was formed to provide this education, and our Best Practices Guide serves as high-level overview of the elements that should be included as legislators look to build successful P3 programs,” says William … Read more

Filed under: News, Organizations

AECOM Acquires Hunt Construction Group to Join its Construction Services Business

  • Posted on

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — AECOM Technology Corporation recently announced it has acquired Hunt Construction Group, significantly adding to AECOM's construction services business. Hunt Construction Group, serves clients in both the public and private sectors. It was established in 1944, has more than 700 employees in nine U.S. offices and generated revenues of $1.2 billion in 2013. “The addition of Hunt's people and resources immediately makes AECOM one of the largest U.S. builders,” said Michael S. Burke, AECOM president and CEO. “This important expansion of our build expertise reflects the continued advancement of our strategy to create an integrated delivery platform … Read more

Filed under: News