The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Aug. 19 reported that construction fatalities in 2009 fell 16 percent to 816, making it the lowest fatality rate in 18 years, according to preliminary numbers.   The final report will be released in April 2011.   “The BLS census of fatal occupational injuries once again reinforces how the construction industry continues to build upon and refine site safety practices to prevent injuries to our greatest assets — our employees,” said Chris Williams, Associated Builder and Contractor’s director of safety. “The continued, long-term reduction in construction industry fatalities is proof … Read more

Construction Costs Appear to be Stabilizing Following Decline Over the Past Six Quarters NEW YORK — Turner Construction Company announced that the Third Quarter 2010 Turner Building Cost Index remains unchanged from the second quarter of 2010. The Turner Building Cost Index measures costs in the non-residential building construction market in the United States.   The Turner Building Cost Index value is 798 for the Third Quarter of 2010. This reflects a 2.68% decrease from the Third Quarter 2009 and an overall decline of 13.16% over the past two years. Karl F. Almstead, the Turner vice president responsible for the … Read more

Safety Incidents Drop 46 Percent among Participating AGC Members DENVER — As Randy DeMario, board president of the Associated General Contractors of Colorado signed the historic agreement renewing AGC's partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, he recalled the profound impact the partnership has had on reducing worksite injuries and saving lives. “Since the program started in 2004, the number of injury incidents has dropped 46 percent, from 5.7 incidents per 100 employees in 2004 to 3.1 in 2009,” said DeMario, president of Heath Construction in Fort Collins. “We"ve demonstrated that the program with OSHA works.” Through the partnership, … Read more

NEW YORK — Turner Construction Company, the nation’s leading general builder, has been awarded a $100 million contract to manage the renovation and expansion of Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel Casino in Cherokee, N.C. Construction is underway with completion of the multi-phased project scheduled for January 2013. The Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel Casino Renovation and Expansion Project will add 110,000 sq. ft. gaming floor area to the casino while renovating the existing 130,000 sq. ft. gaming floor. The scope of work will also provide new modern bars, restaurants and entertainment stages to the casino and hotel. Additional features of the renovated resort will … Read more