OSHA Provides Direction for Inspecting Cranes, Derricks on Construction Worksites

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently issued a directive for enforcing requirements of the cranes and derricks in construction standard. The new directive provides OSHA-compliance personnel with direction on performing inspections where power-operated equipment, covered by Subpart CC — Cranes and Derricks in Construction, is present on a construction worksite. OSHA published the construction crane and derrick rule on Aug. 9, 2010, and most of its provisions became effective Nov. 8, 2010. The rule was revised to replace decades-old standards and address the significant number of fatalities associated with the use of cranes and derricks.   … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Shows Robust Conditions Ahead for Construction Industry

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — With all geographic regions and building project sectors showing positive conditions, there continues to be a heightened level of demand for design services signaled in the latest Architecture Billings Index. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the September ABI score was 55.2, up from a mark of 53.0 in August. This score reflects an increase in design activity (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was … Read more

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ELFA's Survey of Economic Activity Reports on Leasing and Finance Sector

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association's Monthly Leasing and Finance Index, which reports economic activity from 25 companies representing a cross section of the $827-billion equipment finance sector, showed their overall new business volume for September was $9.4 billion, up 21 percent from new business volume in September 2013. Month over month, new business volume was up 31 percent from August. Year to date, cumulative new business volume increased 8 percent compared to 2013.   Receivables over 30 days decreased from the previous month to 1.0 percent, and were up slightly from .09 percent in the same … Read more

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Turner Survey Shows Greater Focus on Benefits of Improving Health, More

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NEW YORK, N.Y. — Turner Construction Company recently announced the results of their sixth survey of real estate, design and construction executives on environmentally sustainable construction practices. Key findings of Turner's 2014 Green Building Market Barometer show that companies remain committed to constructing green buildings and value the financial benefits they provide building owners and occupants. Of increasing importance among survey respondents are the benefits that green buildings provide for employee health and well-being and for hiring and retention of employees. “While building owners continue to incorporate green features in buildings to reduce operating costs, we see more organizations paying … Read more

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Construction Employers Add Jobs in September, Unemployment Rate Declines

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Construction employers added 16,000 jobs and the sector’s unemployment rate fell to 7 percent, the lowest rate for September in years, according to an analysis released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the construction employment gains come as more firms report having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to fill available positions, citing the lack of local vocational training programs, especially at the secondary level. “While we are eager to see even more construction employment gains, there is no denying the fact that the industry has been in recovery mode for much of the past … Read more

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