WASHINGTON, D.C — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its Field Operations Manual to provide OSHA compliance officers with a single comprehensive resource of updated guidance in implementing the agency’s mission to more effectively protect employees from occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities. “The manual will be a resource for workers and employers, giving them a consolidated reference on how OSHA expects workplaces to be safe and healthful,” said OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor Donald G. Shalhoub. “This document is part of OSHA’s continuing commitment to make its standards and enforcement activities transparent … Read more

HOPEWELL, NJ — Skanska, an $18 billion international general contractor based in Stockholm, has won a $134 million contract to build a two-building, 968,760-square-foot hospital complex in Hopewell, NJ for Capital Health. Construction industry sources say it is too early to mark this contract as the beginning of a possible industry rebound. However, they note Capital Health has set aside another $117 million for expansion purposes after the new 237-bed hospital is completed in October 2011. The hospital will replace Capital Health’s 112-year-old Mercer Hospital in Trenton, NJ. The Hopewell hospital will offer services for maternal child health, cardiology, dialysis, … Read more

When “Green Construction” is discussed the focus inevitably turns to cost. How much additional will the green project cost? Some organizations are opposed to any additional first costs while others have some tolerance for additional expenditures. The most prominent standard for green buildings is the USGBC (US Green Building Council). The USGBC LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program has four levels of green certification: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. These levels represent increasing levels of sustainability. There have been numerous studies aimed at comparing the cost of a USGBC LEED certified building to traditional designs. The average additional … Read more

WESTWOOD, Mass. — LoJack Corporation (Nasdaq: LOJN) announced the results of its eighth annual Construction Equipment Theft Study in a report that provides valuable information on the ongoing issue of equipment theft — a problem that costs construction companies up to $1 billion per year in lost assets.* According to the study, which analyzed LoJack stolen vehicle recovery reports for the calendar year 2008, construction theft continued at a steady pace with organized crime driving theft and loaders being the number one theft target. For the calendar year 2008, LoJack recovered more than $15.5 million in stolen construction equipment. Since … Read more

Washington, D.C. – March 12 —  Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Feb. 28 recognized two contractors from ABC member firms for their dedication to advancing careers in construction. The fifth annual “Supportive Contractor” Awards were presented during ABC's 2009 National Convention in Honolulu.     The awards are sponsored by ABC’s educational affiliate, the Trimmer Education Foundation, and recognize ABC contractor members who have championed careers in construction.     Chuck Goodrich of Gaylor, Inc., Noblesville, Ind., a member of ABC's Indiana chapter, was recognized for his support of the ABC student chapter at Purdue University. Goodrich's guidance and leadership … Read more