AEM Offers New English, Spanish Skid Steer Safety E-books, Updates on Safety Manuals

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The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has extensively updated its popular Skid Steer Safety Manual and now also offers e-book versions in English and Spanish. (The print manuals are available in English and a flipbook-style English/Spanish version). Much of the manual's text has been rewritten and the graphics updated to be more inclusive of all styles of skid steer loaders. The safety information contains several key additions, including new content on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel hazards and hazards involving masked visibility areas around the machine. “With a variety of information platforms and multiple languages, equipment users and companies can choose what … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Reverts into Negative Territory

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — After indicating increasing demand for design services for the better part of a year, the Architecture Billings Index has reversed course in April.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate from nine- to twelve-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the April ABI score was 48.6, down from a mark of 51.9 in March.   This score reflects a decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings) and is the lowest mark since July … Read more

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NCCER, ABC Honor 2013 Award Winners

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ALACHUA, Fla. — Ed LePage, of Hudson, Maine, was recently named an NCCER Construction Education Champion. The award is given to industry professionals with at least 10 years of service to NCCER who have made significant contributions to construction education and workforce development efforts. Throughout his long and varied career in the industry, LePage acquired skills as a welder, pipefitter, instrument fitter, millwright, operator and rod buster. During more than 40 years with Cianbro, LePage managed projects in Maine, New York and New Hampshire before becoming the company's mechanical craft training coordinator. He has served on NCCER subject matter exert … Read more

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Construction Employment Declines, Says AGC

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Construction employment declined in 32 states and the District of Columbia in April even as 29 states added jobs between April 2012 and April 2013, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials noted that construction demand in a number of states appears to be slackening amid federal construction spending cuts and relatively weak private sector demand. “The industry shows signs of recovering but employment growth continues to be uneven, with some areas seeing stronger gains even as others continue to contract,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “In addition, … Read more

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Local Nonprofit Angel View Dedicates New Outdoor, Wheelchair-Accessible Therapy Area

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Desert Hot Springs, Calif.-based Angel View, Inc. opened a new, wheelchair-accessible outdoor therapy area today after volunteer contractors completed the three-month-long project. Construction charity organization AGC Charities, Inc., with the leadership of Hensel Phelps Construction Co., rebuilt Angel View’s existing courtyard as part of its series of renovation projects known as Operation Opening Doors. “Projects like these allow contractors an opportunity to donate their skills to make life a little easier for folks who haven”t always been dealt the best hand,” said Jim Clemens, chairman of Ocean City, N.J.-based Clemens Construction Co. and the chairman of AGC Charities. “The easiest … Read more

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