Only eight states and the District of Columbia have recouped the severe pandemic-induced losses of construction jobs that occurred last spring, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data released recently. Association officials warned that job losses will become even more widespread unless lawmakers promptly renew and expand the loan program that enabled firms to temporarily retain and rehire many workers. 

Since the pandemic hit the U.S., contractors across the country have faced a range of obstacles including layoffs, project shutdowns and increased construction costs. As 2020 comes to a close, economists and industry experts predict many of these issues will continue to challenge contractors.

In 2007, to add value for clients of her insurance brokerage, Lauren Gizzi began her delve into the world of OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping – including multiple readings of the agency’s handbook on the subject.

For much of 2020, the construction industry has been scrambling to maintain productivity while staying socially distanced. Video conferencing was the first option for most, because it was fast, cheap and everyone has a laptop, tablet or phone. However, like any other industry, the limits of communication through a flat, two-dimensional window became more of an issue the longer lockdowns have persisted.

Dodge Data & Analytics’ recent Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2020 SmartMarket report provides a comprehensive look at ongoing efforts by industry contractors to improve jobsite safety. The following article explores three highlights related to technology and the potential safety benefits of replacing paper-based processes for data capture and analysis with a system for electronic forms and reporting.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on how N95 respirators effectively protect wearers from coronavirus exposure.

In a further show of strength for the housing sector, builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes increased two points to 85 in October, further surpassing the previous all-time high of 83 recorded in September, according to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). These are the first two months the index has ever been above 80.

The construction economy is difficult to navigate for every contractor. Contractors who relied almost exclusively on their reputation and being low bidder to win contracts are hurting the most. These contractors are now really scrambling because they never needed or had a solid business development plan or program in place during the boom times.

We have opened our all-new, redesigned Construction Excellence Awards entry website early this year. Planning to submit for a 2021 award? Get started now and avoid the end-of-year rush. Applications are due January 31, 2021. For complete details on the 2021 Awards, view the awards flyer.

CISCA is the global premier authority for the interior construction, acoustical ceilings and acoustical treatment industry, fostering professional development and exchanges for and between association members and industry professionals. Be sure to visit our website often as new material is posted regularly.

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.

 

With the introduction of its new CleanAssure™ portfolio of cleanable and disinfectable ceilings, walls, and installation systems, Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions is meeting the need for building materials that can address cleaning recommendations from the CDC as a result of COVID concerns as people return to commercial space like schools, offices, healthcare facilities, restaurants and stores.