AGC Reports on August Construction Employment Data

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Construction employment expanded in 194 metro areas, declined in 88 and was stagnant in 57 between August 2012 and August 2013, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials added that despite the widespread gains, construction employment reached peak levels for August in only 19 of 339 metro areas. “It has been a tough decade for much of the construction industry, considering that many areas experienced peak employment levels in the middle of the last decade,” said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “More troubling, it will … Read more

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AGC Reports on Construction Employment Difficulties, Steps to Avert Shortages

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Construction employment stagnated in August, while the industry unemployment rate fell and a majority of companies reported difficulty finding workers, according to an analysis of new government data and an industry survey by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called for education and immigration reform measures needed to ensure an adequate supply of skilled workers. “After a strong rebound in 2012, construction hiring and spending have been stuck in neutral through most of 2013,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet the unemployment rate for former construction workers hit the lowest August level in five years, suggesting … Read more

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OSHA Proposes Rule to Protect Workers Exposed to Crystalline Silica

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — OSHA recently announced a proposed rule aimed at curbing lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers. The proposal seeks to lower worker exposure to crystalline silica, which kills hundreds of workers and sickens thousands more each year. After publication of the proposal, the public will have 90 days to submit written comments, followed by public hearings. “Exposure to silica can be deadly, and limiting that exposure is essential,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “Every year, exposed workers not only lose their ability to … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases, Industry Remains Vulnerable

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Construction employment increased in 26 between July and August and in 35 states for the year, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned, however, that construction employment remains below peak levels in most states and warned of the potential impact of a halt in federal construction investments. “While we would all like to see even more robust growth, it is encouraging that most states have a larger construction workforce today than they did a year ago,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. “It will take a … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases, Remains Below Peak Levels

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Construction employment gains spread to more metropolitan areas between July 2012 and July 2013 than in previous months but full recovery remained elusive as only a few areas have exceeded pre-recession employment records, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that despite the gains, construction employment remains below peak levels in most metro areas. “The good news is that 201 metro areas added construction jobs in the past year, the largest number with year-over-year gains since March 2012,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “But … Read more

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