In May of 2016, OSHA announced a new rule hoping to gain valuable data regarding workplace incidents would go into effect starting August 10, 2016. After the announcement, several construction industry groups spoke out about their apprehensions of the new rule and the effective date has recently been pushed back to November 1, 2016. The new rule will not only help OSHA gain data into workplace injuries, but it will also require construction companies to make their injury records public, much like restaurant health records are made public. Personal health data will still be kept private, but the injury numbers will be counted against employers. OSHA also requires employers to allow workers to report injury without fear of retaliation under the new rule.
Read moreOSHA Fine Increase Rate and Effective Date Has Been Announced
Way back in 2015, a small provision in the newest Federal budget created the path for OSHA to raise their fines for offenders for the first time since 1990. In an effort to catch up to and keep current with inflation rates, the provision stated that OSHA can and should increase their fines a substantial amount in 2016 and also increase that penalty each year based upon inflation.
Read moreHow Building Green Can Help Your Company and the Customer
[Guest Post] Green innovations have served to change the construction industry in many ways. Building green is the way of the future, so adapting can have benefits for both construction firms and the customers that will use the new buildings. While materials may cost more and it may take a little effort to acquire certifications for green building, having the ability to offer green building expertise can help construction firms stand out. Operating from a green building can also help clients in several ways.
Read moreReport: 55% of OSHA’s “Severe Violators” List are Construction Companies
If the construction industry isn’t talking about the labor shortage at the moment, the focus is on safety. Billions of dollars and thousands of hours are spent each year trying to keep workers safe on the job site, as construction is consistently a leader in job site injuries and illnesses. With so many construction companies currently operating in America, there are bound to be a few bad apples when it comes to safety and unfortunately those also make up a majority of the bad apples across all industries in the country.
Read moreWorld’s First 3D Printed Office Completed in 19 days
Back in June of 2015, Dubai announced their plans to design and build the World’s first fully functional 3D printed office building. On May 23, 2016, that office building has officially opened, as announced by the Government of Dubai. The building was a part of Dubai’s 3d Printing Strategy, which they hope will propel the country to World leader status in that arena
Read moreConstruction Industry Groups Fighting Back Against New Overtime Pay Rules
Back in March, construction industry group members and leaders strongly opposed a final rule issued by OSHA that requires greater protections for workers against silica dust, citing high costs versus minimal safety improvements. This month has pitted the Department of Labor (DOL) against the construction groups.
Read moreOSHA is About to Make Contractor Injury Records Public
As we’re all aware, construction is a dangerous occupation, but just like any business decision, it’s hard to figure out how to solve the problem without having data for back up. OSHA has just released a final rule for employers in high risk industries, including construction, which requires companies to make injury data available to not only OSHA, but the general public.
Read moreSurvey Results: The Average Salary of 31 Construction Trades
Photo by 401(K) 2012, CC BY-SA 2.0
Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released a list of job salaries of 19 construction jobs that only required a high school diploma or equivalent. It was interesting to see the wide range of median pay within that group ($78,620 for elevator Installers and repairmen vs. $30,190 for a general construction laborer and helper), but many of the construction trades were left off of the list. Now, the NCCER has released the results of a 2015 survey, which lists the average salaries of 31 construction trades.
Read moreHow One Construction Company is Using “Reverse Mentorships” to Stay Successful
Photo by Elvert Barnes, CC BY-SA 2.0
There are two very group mindsets in the construction industry right now: those who embrace technology and want to see more of it in construction and those who just want to build buildings the way they always have. One always has the latest smartphone, the other just wants a phone with buttons that can make calls. One wants to use drawing management apps, the other wants to carry around a hard copy set. One wants to store their documents in the cloud, the other wants to file their papers away in a cabinet. You get the idea and I’m sure you live it within your own company. Both systems work, but there is strong evidence that points to technology as a time and money saver.
Read moreDon't Miss Out on This Great DeWALT Deal
Today only, Amazon has a DeWALT 20v Brushless combo Drill and Impact Kit on sale for $199! Home Depot is currently listing this set at $279, so it's a steal of a deal, especially for a random Thursday. The offer only lasts until 12am PST, so act fast!
- Brushless motor delivers up to 57% more run time over brushed
- XR Li-Ion batteries with fuel gauge provide 33% more capacity over standard packs
- DCD790 20V MAX* 1/2" drill/driver compact lightweight design fits into tight areas
- DCF886 20V MAX 1/4" impact driver compact design fits into tight areas
- Both tools feature LED lights with 20 second trigger release delay providing increased visibility in dark or confined spaces