FMI, the Raleigh, N.C.-based provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, has forecast an 8% increase in construction activity for 2013. Robust growth in residential construction, as well as a few strong markets in nonresidential and non-building construction, will contribute to the expansion, the report said. “The focus for 2013 will be on the movement of private money back into the markets,” FMI said. Total construction put in place for 2013 is forecast to be $892 billion, a solid improvement over the last few years, but still just edging out 2003 levels of construction … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced that nominations are being accepted for eight new members to serve on the 15-member Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. ACCSH, established under the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, advises the Secretary of Labor and Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on construction standards and policy matters. Nominations will be accepted from those interested in representing employee, employer, public and state safety and health agency representative groups. Members serve two-year terms except the representative designated … Read more

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Turner Construction Company announced the results of a new Market Barometer survey that focused on environmentally sustainable, or “green” building, and on sustainable practices in general. Key findings revealed that companies remain committed to constructing green buildings. While executives remained committed to incorporating sustainable building practices into their building programs, fewer said their companies were likely to seek LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council when constructing a green building. Brightening Outlook for Construction Projects Among real estate owners, developers and corporate owner-occupants, 64% said they expect to undertake new construction projects over the next … Read more