The Associated General Contractors of America named 39 firms as the nation's safest construction companies. The association, which oversees the Construction Safety Excellence Awards, an annual ranking of construction safety programs, noted that these companies were recognized for the strength of their safety programs and overall safety performance during 2010. “For the construction industry, protecting employees is a top priority,” said Ted Aadland, the association's past president and the CEO of Portland, Oregon-based Aadland Evans Constructors, Inc. “Completed projects don"t mean anything if worker safety is compromised.” Aadland said these companies were selected because of their strong commitment to safety. … Read more

In order to engage patients, families and visitors in the construction progress of its expansion, Seattle Children's Hospital has launched a Where's Waldoâ„¢ game. The hospital, along with Sellen Construction, invites visitors to the site to find Waldo and win a prize. Construction began after the Seattle City Council voted to approve Seattle Children’s growth plans, providing the nearly at-capacity 250-bed hospital the ability to add an additional 350 beds in four phases over the next 20 years. Children’s opened its Northeast Seattle campus in 1953 and has worked closely with neighbors over the years to minimize the impact of … Read more

GAINSVILLE, Fla.— The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) has been approved as a mobile crane operator certifying organization for the State of Washington. NCCER's Mobile Crane Operator Certification Program is accredited by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and recognized by OSHA, The Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) and The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Any organization that is an NCCER Mobile Crane Endorsed Accredited Assessment Center can administer the Mobile Crane Operator Certification Program, which consists of written assessments and practical examinations that meet or exceed current ASME B30.5 consensus safety standards and OSHA 29 … Read more