Local and state building code officials recently approved a package of revisions to the commercial section of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that represent the largest single-step efficiency increase in the history of the national, model energy code. The changes mean that new and renovated buildings constructed in jurisdictions that follow the 2012 IECC will use 30 percent less energy than those built to current standards. Attendees voted nearly unanimously on a series of proposals to effect the change at the International Code Council's (ICC) final action hearings held in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 27-31, 2010. The improvements … Read more

Foundation Software The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that nonfatal construction injuries and illnesses were down by 71,700 cases, or 22 percent, in 2009.   That brings the incidence rate down by 0.4 cases to 4.3 cases per 100 workers. Despite the steady decline in incidences, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis said of the new data, “We are concerned about the widespread existence of programs that discourage workers from reporting injuries, and we will continue to issue citations and penalties to employers that intentionally under-report workplace injuries.” “We"re pleased with the new BLS numbers, which illustrate a continued decrease … Read more

Gilbane Building Company has received a CMAA Project Achievement Award for its Construction Management of the Science Building at John Tyler Community College in Midlothian, Va. The award was given in the category of buildings, new construction with a constructed value of less than $30 million. The owner is Virginia Community College System. The first building in the Virginia Community College System to achieve LEED (Silver) certification, this 60,000-square-foot facility houses many student resources, including classrooms, computer and science labs, an expanded library, and a bookstore, with sustainable features ranging from a green roof to diversion and recycling of more … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — OSHA recently revised its policy for all Outreach Training Programs to address the number of hours each day a student may spend in OSHA 10- and 30-hour classes. OSHA revised the length of daily classroom instruction to prevent workers from being saturated with so much information that they may miss content that could prevent injuries, illnesses and death. Revised program policy now requires OSHA trainers to limit worker training classes to a maximum of 7 ½ hours per day. Before OSHA made this change, there were no limitations on how long these classes could last each day. … Read more