There’s been a significant growth in the number of female construction employees in leadership roles in Australia. How did leaders down under shake up the status quo a couple of years ago? A new group called Industry Women Central has played an integral role in breaking down barriers and moving past outdated stereotypes in…(Read More)
“In terms of effectiveness, safe working conditions at construction jobsites are best achieved when the prime or general contractor assumes his rightful leadership role and takes primary responsibility to (a) establish, (b) coordinate, (c) monitor, and (d) generally manage the overall basic safety program content and structure for all parties and persons at his jobsite…(Read More)
What can be done on jobsites to reduce the likelihood of claims being filed against your company? A few of the common trends that result in disputes include labor or material shortages, unplanned disruptions, and architect-related delays. Joshua Johnson, a partner with Gentry, Locke, Rakes and Moore, a law firm that handles construction and…(Read More)
The Winter 2013 edition of Construction Economics has been published by Gilbane Building Company, a global construction and facilities-related services firm. Ed Zarenski, an industry veteran who authored the report, writes: “Supported by overall positive growth trends in 2013 and 2014, I expect margins and overall escalation to climb more rapidly than we have…(Read More)
Construction project managers are typically obsessed with time and deadlines. While setbacks are expected, some construction projects got so tangled up with time and resource problems that they stand out above the crowd. Which projects are on this dubious list? The Boston Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the Big Dig, lasted some 16 years…(Read More)
Visuals are the big buzz as we head into 2014, and that’s good news for construction companies. Large, full-color project photos that show details can make a difference when bids and RFPs are being considered. Job candidates will be all over your site, too. Is your company website up-to-date? Are relevant…(Read More)
Winter construction sites pose health and safety risks that can often be averted. With frigid temperatures and stinging wind chills, it may be time to call a safety meeting to review ways to stay safe when working outside. Double layer thermal socks in insulated boots and wraparound eye protection that preserves body heat are among…(Read More)
The chief economist at Associated General Contractors, Ken Simonson, says he expects the U.S. construction workforce to grow by 300,000 jobs in 2014. Simonson attributes the anticipated increase to the housing market recovery and energy boom. http://www.equipmentworld.com/construction-expected-to-boost-u-s-economy-by-adding-300k-workers-in-2014…(Read More)
Productivity and profit margins will be key to sustained growth in the construction sector. That’s according to the 2013 Fourth Quarter Nonresidential Construction Index report. The research from FMI, a provider of management consulting and investment banking services to the engineering and construction industry, suggests that productivity continues to decrease. “The 48.6 score…(Read More)
From our file marked, “When in Rome…” comes this story about the construction of a Mormon temple in Philadelphia. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is forbidding caffeinated beverages, smoking, and foul language on the jobsite. LDS’ Continued Elder Robert Smith says the property is considered sacred ground. “We had a ground…(Read More)
