Construction Contractors Caught Between Rising Materials Costs and Stagnant Prices for Construction Services

Analysis of New April Producer Price Index Shows Increasing Pressure on Contractors to Raise Prices to Survive, Construction Economist Notes Construction contractors continue to be squeezed between rising materials costs and falling output prices according to a new analysis of materials costs conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. The association noted that even as the producer price index leapt in April for key construction components, the amount contractors charge for construction services remains depressed. “Paying more to earn less is not a sustainable business model,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America. “Contractors … Read more

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OSHA Seeks to Partner with Local Building Inspectors

Effort meant to lower construction fatalities WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is launching a pilot program seeking to partner with building inspectors in 11 American cities to reduce injuries and fatalities at construction sites. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis has sent letters to the mayors of the selected cities,* proposing that OSHA work with and train local building inspectors on hazards associated with the four leading causes of death at construction sites. Under this program, building inspectors would notify OSHA when they observe, during the course of their work, unsafe work conditions. … Read more

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Walbridge Places First for National Construction Safety and Excellence Award

DETROIT — Walbridge, a Detroit-based full-service construction service provider, was awarded first place in the Associated General Contractors of America 2009 Construction Safety and Excellence Awards.       Walbridge's safety performance was ranked best in the nation in the Building Division, 1 million- 4 million hours worked category.   Winners were announced March 19 during the AGC Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida. The AGC Construction Safety Excellence Awards program is the industry's elite safety excellence awards program for companies of all sizes and occupational divisions.   CSEA recognizes companies who have developed, implemented and maintained premier safety and loss … Read more

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Turner Construction Company Establishes Accredited Construction Management Academy at York College in Queens, N.Y.

Turner School of Construction Management Reaches New Heights with Launch of Accredited Program at York College School of Business NEW YORK — Turner Construction Company, in partnership with the York College School of Business and the Small Business Development Center, have developed the first undergraduate accredited program based on the Turner School of Construction Management training program curriculum for York College students and area small businesses.   The course offering will begin on June 1 at the York College School of Business in Queens, N.Y. Turner staff along with professors from York College will lead the advanced Turner School of … Read more

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Construction Industry Adds Another 14,000 Jobs in April as the Number and Scope of Stimulus-Funded Projects Continues to Grow

Industry’s Recovery Remains Tentative with Unemployment at 21.8 Percent, Stimulus Funding Likely to Expire Before Private-Sector Construction Demand Resumes, Economist Notes Construction firms added 14,000 new jobs in April, the second consecutive month of employment gains for the industry, according to an analysis of new federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. After more than two years of dramatic job losses, the construction industry is once again adding jobs, thanks primarily to the increasing number of stimulus-funded projects now underway, the association noted. “As today’s report makes clear, the impacts of the stimulus are now being … Read more

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