July Construction Employment Increases, Worker Availability Decreases

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Construction firms added jobs in 39 states from July 2013 to July 2014 and in 34 states from June to July, according to an analysis of Labor Department data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the employment gains are good news, but that the pipeline of skilled craft workers, supervisors and other employees appears to be emptying rapidly. “The overall trend in construction employment has been very consistent in 2014, with more than three-fourths of states adding jobs each month on a year-over-year basis,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “However, growing numbers of contractors … Read more

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Delivery Systems Vary Widely in Benefits for Owners, Architects & Contractors

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NEW YORK, N.Y. — New research from McGraw Hill Construction published in its Project Delivery Systems SmartMarket Report reveals that while owners, architects and contractors in the buildings sector all agree that the choice of a delivery system on a project impacts project cost, schedule and the potential for overall client satisfaction, perspectives on which of the three established delivery systems can best deliver these and other benefits often vary widely by player. Established delivery systems include design-bid-build systems, in which owners hold a separate contract with the design firm and contractor on a project; design-build systems, in which one … Read more

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Turner Construction Company to Perform Classroom Modernization Project at Kramer Middle School

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NEW YORK, N.Y. — Turner Construction Company announced construction is underway on a $28-million modernization of Kramer Middle School in Washington, D.C., which has not seen a significant renovation since its original construction in 1943. “On this job we are putting more than $17 million in place in nine weeks, which is no small feat,” said Kaan Celebi, project manager. He continued, “I”m confident that we will pull it off for the students, the client and the community.” Scheduled for completion in phases, planned improvements include installation of a new elevator, build-out of IT and electrical closets, replacement of the … Read more

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OSHA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Rule to Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries, Illnesses

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced it will extend the comment period on the proposed rule to improve tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses to Oct. 14. The proposal, published on Nov. 8, 2013, would amend the agency’s recordkeeping regulation to add requirements for the electronic submission of injury and illness information that employers are already required to keep. During the public meeting held on the proposal, many participants expressed concern that the proposal may create motivation for employers to under-record injuries and illnesses, since each covered establishment’s injury and illness data would become publicly available … Read more

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Brasfield & Gorrie Completes New Student Housing at Vanderbilt University

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Brasfield & Gorrie announced the ahead-of-schedule completion of a $94-million student housing project at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. The general contractor completed the new Warren and Moore residential colleges at Vanderbilt University 10 weeks ahead of schedule. Designed to replace six existing residence halls constructed in the 1960s, the two new residential colleges include 395,000 square feet and will house nearly 660 students. The facilities also include a centrally located student center, underground parking and mechanical spaces. Numerous sustainable business practices were used as part of the project, which has been submitted for Leadership in Energy … Read more

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