The World Green Building Council has started to take an in-depth look at how green building strategies can positively affect the health and productivity of office building occupants. At the heart of the research are people, and how their surroundings impact overall health, sick days, employee turnover, and more. A post on GreenBuildingNews.com…(Read More)
Humility and confidence are among the attributes you should insist upon when hiring managers. Top notch construction project managers should also have superior communication skills. “A person who is frequently misinterpreted or who always seems to rub people the wrong way just won’t be the best fit for a management position, states Robyn Tellefsen…(Read More)
A New York-based company is beta-testing robots that can lay bricks and may be coming to a jobsite near you. The semi-autonomous mason machine, or SAM, is being watched closely by construction and robotics professionals alike. “At a full sprint, SAM can lay bricks at speeds comparable to a mason,” says Scott…(Read More)
February featured brisk job activity in the construction sector. Some 15,000 jobs were added last month, that despite the unseasonably cold and snowy weather in much of the country. Overall, the economy added 175,000 jobs, an unexpected increase compared with the two prior months that saw sluggish numbers. Also, Marketwatch reports that the…(Read More)
The phone may be convenient when screening talent, especially when project managers and others are in the field. But key communication is typically shortchanged without face-to-face interaction. Even Skype can be a bit awkward. Your organization’s culture and values play into the dynamic of the interview process. This post on Flazingo.com…(Read More)
Equipment rentals are on the rise. A survey by Wells Fargo Equipment Finance reveals that 91 percent of construction contractors plan to rent their gear in 2014, compared to 80 percent last year. The 2014 Construction Equipment Forecast also reveals that construction industry executives across the U.S. are very optimistic that local construction activity…(Read More)
An unprotected trench is often referred to as an ‘early grave’ and OSHA has advice on how to improve trenching safety. Figures from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicate that two workers are killed every month in trench collapses. For a primer on how to protect employees and foremen, BLR.com provides a…(Read More)
Bechtel, a global leader in the design and construction of complex power projects, has recognized dozens of partners for supporting their commitment to excellence. According to a company press release, subcontractors and suppliers who supported Bechtel Power’s communications, renewable, transmission, nuclear, and thermal projects during 2013 were recognized. Organizations were evaluated on multiple factors…(Read More)
How much credence do you give to your gut instincts? If you depend on your intuition when hiring, workplace blogger Meghan Biro warns that going with your gut is too vague when making important hiring decisions. Biro says due diligence is needed, and she has five ways to avoid the common traps of bad hires…(Read More)
Several recent collapses of huge cranes in Britain have prompted authorities there to issue warnings about heavy rig safety. The tips come from the Health and Safety Executive, an independent watchdog group for work-related health, safety and illness. The HSE advice to crane owners and operators can certainly be applied in the U.S…(Read More)
