Despite signs the overall economy may be slowing, most construction firms expect demand for their services and hiring will expand in 2020, yet even more firms are worried about their ability to find qualified workers to hire, according to survey results released recently by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate. The findings are detailed in Strong Demand for Work Amid Stronger Demand for Workers: The 2020 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Report.

Figures for labor productivity in the U.S. construction industry are generally gathered via independent studies. The problem with this approach is that the responses vary based on selected surveyed participants. The best way to determine labor productivity at the individual company-level is to find a way of measuring it internally. Industry benchmarks are nice guidelines to see where a company stands in the overall industry productivity rankings but. let’s face it, not many people want to work extra hours around the holidays.

New wearable technology could help prevent struck-by and caught-between injuries and incidents, found a study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas released last month by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR). The study outfitted workers with waist belts with vibrating motors to detect possible nearby hazards. 

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat has analyzed the skyscrapers completed around the world this year and has found that a record-breaking 26 supertall buildings — approximately 984 feet or higher — were completed in 2019. This is eight more than were completed in 2018. At 1,270 feet, 30 Hudson Yards in New York City was the tallest in the U.S.

While many countries have nationwide regulations that mandate the use of BIM technology for government construction projects, the U.S. does not. .

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Report shows the rate of fatal work injuries remained unchanged in 2018. Tragically, unintentional overdoses at work increased by 12 percent — the sixth consecutive annual increase and a reflection of the broader opioid crisis that the nation is facing.

As the year comes to an end, it’s a good time to reflect on your performance—both personal and professional. Did you accomplish what you set out to achieve? Sure, like most contractors, you were probably busy. But what results did that work produce for you or your business? How have the last 12 months delivered personal freedom, financial security or balance?

Does your workplace lack a safety and health program? If you’re looking to create one, OSHA offers 10 tips to get you going.

The equipment and event rental industry in North America is expected to finish the year with total revenue up 5.35% to $61.56 billion, the first time combined rental revenue for Canada and the United States has surpassed $60 billion, according to a recent forecast released by the American Rental Association (ARA).

By separating work from life, we put them at odds. If the work we do does not resonate with the life we wish to lead, we have three choices: Accept and deal with that fact, change our approach to work or find something else to do.

Join us in Las Vegas, March 23-26, 2020 for the 2020 CISCA Convention and INTEX. Registration is now open and there is a special CISCA rate for lodging. For additional questions, call CISCA at 630-584-1919 or email cisca@cisca.org.

The Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA) invites applications for their Construction Excellence Awards competition. Award winners will be recognized at the dinner on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 during the CISCA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The awards ceremony features a multi-media presentation of all submissions and winning projects. Winners will be featured in the Acoustical Interior Construction magazine and on the CISCA website.

CISCA is the global premier authority for the interior construction, acoustical ceilings and acoustical treatment industry. Market your products/services to the multi-billion dollar interior systems industry today.

Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions has expanded its portfolio of high performance products with the addition of radiant ceiling systems that sustainably heat and cool spaces. The expansion is a result of the company’s acquisition of Steel Ceilings, Inc., a manufacturer of standard and custom aluminum and steel ceilings including the Airtite™ line of radiant heating and cooling ceiling systems.

Have you noticed something different? Caliper is now a PSI Services LLC (PSI) business! You'll still receive the same great service and solutions for all your talent management needs. Caliper's products and services are now embedded into PSI's best-in-class assessment content, industry-leading technology, and deep consulting expertise. This means more opportunities for you as a Caliper client!