March 2025 eBulletin
Date postedMarch 1, 2025
MEMBER NEWS
A Word From AGCVA Chair, Chris Shifflett
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Breaking Barriers: The Future of Women in Construction
As Chair of the Board, I am honored to recognize the remarkable contributions of women in construction. Throughout history, this industry has been dominated by men, but today, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles, driving innovation, and shaping the future of construction.
We have just concluded a year with a woman in construction as our chair and the entire industry is better for it. I am honored to know and work with Arlene Lee as she is an impactful leader in construction and the association.
The construction industry is evolving, and with it, the opportunities for women are expanding. While women currently make up about 11% of the construction workforce, their impact far exceeds this number. Women are excelling as CEOs, project managers, engineers, safety officers, and skilled tradespeople, demonstrating that talent, expertise, and leadership are not defined by gender.
AGCVA members have been up to a lot in the last month!
We are thrilled to recognize these accomplishments and recognitions, and we encourage you to connect with your fellow members and extend your congratulations!
Please join us in celebrating the membership anniversaries of these longtime AGCVA members!
Each month, we recognize those celebrating 50 or more years, 40 years, 25 years, 10 years, and 5 years of membership.
We applaud each of you for your commitment to AGCVA.
By virtue of your membership, you have made the AGCVA community stronger and have shown tremendous leadership and dedication to the industry. We are proud to serve each of you, and we thank you for your membership in AGCVA.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
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The financial case for renewable energy projects is still strong, say industry leaders and analysts, even as President Trump introduces uncertainty into the market with new tariffs, policies that prioritize fossil fuel development, and his pledge to work with Congress to claw back funds from the Inflation Reduction Act.
CONSTRUCTION DIVE
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The share of businesses scrapping most of their AI initiatives increased to 42% this year, up from 17% last year, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.
More enterprises reported AI project failures this year compared to 2024, according to analysis from S&P Global Market Intelligence. The findings are based on a survey of more than 1,000 respondents in North America and Europe.
CONSTRUCTION DIVE
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LEGISLATIVE & LEGAL
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AGC of America released another resource for construction professionals seeking to safeguard their projects and ensure successful outcomes: “Owner-Placed Builder’s Risk Insurance: What Construction Contractors Need to Know.” Second in a series of two comprehensive checklists designed to enhance your risk management strategy, this new checklist can help in the development of a risk management approach to determine if an owner’s policy adequately supports the risk the contractor may contractually accept. There are three main areas of focus: policy review, contractual requirements, and loss provisions. It offers practical tips and actionable insights and was written by AGC’s Risk Management Committee.
AGC
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New legislation designed to do away with OSHA at a federal level will not move forward, an employment attorney told Construction Dive.
Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., last month proposed the Nullify Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act, which would abolish the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 that created OSHA.
Biggs introduced similar legislation in 2021, which stalled out after it was referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
“OSHA’s existence is yet another example of the federal government creating agencies to address issues that are more appropriately handled by state governments and private employers,” Biggs said in a statement in 2021.
CONSTRUCTION DIVE
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
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Legal and Trump administration policy attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in workforce building generated some angst at the ENR Groundbreaking Women in Construction New York conference held Feb. 24-25 in Manhattan. But participants shared their intent that industry efforts will continue to expand employee numbers as more growing construction sectors exceed the supply of talent.
ENR
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Construction employment increased in 34 states and the District of Columbia in January from a year earlier, while 23 states added construction jobs between December and January, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials noted that fewer states added jobs in January compared to prior months amid rising uncertainty about project funding and worries about proposed tariffs on construction costs.
“While two-thirds of the states added construction jobs over the past year, gains were much less widespread recently,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Some of the job losses in January may be due to bad weather, but many owners have paused projects in the face of rising uncertainty about funding and tariffs.”
AGC
SAFETY
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The construction industry is a vital part of the global economy, responsible for building the infrastructure that shapes our everyday lives. In the United States alone, over 7.5 million people are employed in construction-related jobs. This significant workforce undertakes tasks that range from residential building to massive infrastructure projects. However, construction also presents numerous hazards, making safety a paramount concern. This article delves into the anatomy of safety in construction, emphasizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as revealing the biggest occupational dangers and the importance of safeguarding workers.
OH&S
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Industrial head protection is certified under ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) as either Type I or Type II based on many criteria. Understanding the differences between Type I and Type II, coupled with the latest recommendations from OSHA and your own hazard assessment of your jobsite and application, can help you determine the appropriate head protection solution for your needs.
OH&S