June 2024 eBulletin

 

AGCVA Members in the News

 

It's no secret that fluctuating labor shortages and supply-chain delays can present business challenges for contractors. Construction company leaders must think proactively about future operational interruptions. Speeding into the second half of 2024, labor shortages, the supply chain and technology are among the top trends for construction industry leaders to be aware of and address.

What's Next with AGC's Decarbonization Playbook?

AGC of America recently released a new resource that provides contractors with tools to communicate effectively with project teams and successfully navigate the complexities of carbon reporting for a project. It describes a process for identifying accountability, what to track and report, and how to do so.  Next steps? AGC of America has some options for you to learn more about the playbook and carbon reporting in general.

On June 10, AGC of America, and several of its members, took to the witness stand in federal court to halt three unfair provisions in the new Davis-Bacon final rule impacting its coverage to truck drivers, contractors with material supply operations, and where an owner fails to include the requirement in the bidding documents/contract.

EEOC Releases Anti-Harassment Guide for Contractors

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a guide to help construction leaders prevent and address harassment on the job. “Promising Practices for Preventing Harassment in the Construction Industry” is part of the EEOC’s ongoing focus to address bias within the building sector.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports particularly strong volume of new construction jobs in May, with 20,500 new additions. The nonresidential specialty trade contractors category rose by 13,000. Meanwhile, nonresidential building increased by 3,000, and heavy and civil engineering construction rose by 1,000.

Gen-Z Students are Choosing a Trade Over College

Young people are increasingly opting to train as plumbers, electricians, welders and carpenters and similar vocations.

Just this past week I stopped by a local convenience store around 6am for a coffee before a long drive. The store at that time was – unsurprisingly – filled with contractors doing the same before their early-morning jobs started. Most of the contractors that I saw were younger and in their 20s. It was noticeable. And apparently, I’m not the only one noticing.

SAFETY

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that nearly a quarter of all work-related fatalities occur in the construction industry. And beyond that statistic, are the serious, but non-fatal, accidents that occur on construction sites on a daily basis. Falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, or being caught between objects, are the four most common causes of accidental deaths and serious accidents. Adopting a culture of safety can reduce the risk of these types of accidents.

Wearable Ways to Work in Extreme Heat

It's that time of year again. The first day of summer is upon us, as are new techniques to combat extreme heat, such as wearable cooling vests and water pouches, humidity measurements and more.

Earth experienced its hottest months yet in summer 2023, and NASA scientists are expecting 2024 to be even hotter. Rising temperatures and high humidity aren’t just uncomfortable for those outside during the summer months: They can cause serious health consequences, including death. While employers are working to find ways to combat the heat, the extreme variability in weather conditions continues to pose threats to employees.