Members' Edge - July 2, 2020

In this issue...

Wishing You and Your Loved Ones a Happy and Safe July 4th Weekend!

In obervance of our national holiday, the AGC Houston offices will close Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 3 p.m. and reopen on Monday, July 6 2020.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623553&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623554&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Education/Training

AGC is Your Resource for Professional Development!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623567&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

All our courses are presented in a virtual format via Zoom

For a full list of classes, visit the AGC Houston Calendar

JULY

7-30: Construction Supervision Fundamentals - Starts Next Week!

Taught by Zeke Smith, Satterfield and Pontikes Construction, Inc.; John Brock, Tellepsen; Mason Hester, Munsch Hardt Kopft & Harr, PC; and Ed Durham, Anslow Bryant Construction, Ltd.

These classes are taught online using Zoom Meetings and are a joint venture between AGC Houston, AGC of Metro DC and AGC Florida East Coast Chapters.

13-23: BIM Units 1-4 Virtual Option

14-August 13: LEAN Units 1-7 Virtual Option

AUGUST

12: First Aid/CPR/AED Training

"I learned legal aspects and risk management issues of running a project. This course has definitely helped me in my overall understanding of leading a team and made a huge impact on my career development."

Past Construction Supervision Fundamentals student

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623568&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623569&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Safety

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623574&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Upcoming Safety Classes

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623575&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Labor Dept. Issues Guidance to Ensure Uniform Enforcement of Silica Standards

On June 25, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued a compliance directive designed to ensure uniformity in inspection and enforcement procedures when addressing respirable crystalline silica exposures in general industry, maritime, and construction.

The directive also provides clarity on major topics, such as alternative exposure control methods when a construction employer does not fully and properly implement Table 1, variability in sampling, multi-employer situations, and temporary workers. It provides OSHA compliance safety and health officers with guidance on how to enforce the silica standards’ requirements, including:

Methods of compliance;

Table 1 tasks and specified exposure control methods;
Exposure assessments;
Housekeeping;
Respiratory protection;
Regulated areas;
Recordkeeping;
Employee information and training;
Medical surveillance; and
Communication of hazards.

Visit https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL_02-02-080.pdf to view the full article online.

AGC News

AGC Construction Notes Construction Spending Declines and Urges Federal Funding Increase

On July 1, 2020, AGC of America released a report that showed construction spending declined for the third month in a row. A sharp slowdown in private projects more than offset a rise in public work. Construction spending in May totaled $1.36 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, a decline of 2.1% from April and the lowest total since June 2019. Since February, total spending has slumped by 5.9%, the steepest three-month contraction since 2009.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/07/01/construction-spending-declines-21-percent-may-drop-private-work-outweighs-public to view the full article online.

AGC Launches Nationwide Campaign to Make Jobsites More Inclusive

AGC of America launched a nationwide program on May 13, 2020, designed to help expand the diversity of the industry by making job sites more inclusive. Called Culture of CARE (commit, attract, retain and empower), it is designed to help firms create more welcoming workplace environments for staff, particularly those from diverse demographic backgrounds.

In addition to the new program, the association has already released its Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion in the Construction Industry, which provides the economic, safety and productivity rationale for expanding construction diversity.

Visit BuildCulture.org

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623580&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

AGC of America Releases Results of Work Zone Awareness Survey

AGC members across the state responded to a national survey regarding accidents involving a motor vehicle near a jobsite in a highway work zone.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/2020_Work_Zone_Survey-Texas_.pdf to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623582&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

AGC Puts Forth Construction Firm Liability and WC Protections

AGC recently provided key members of Congress with its recommendations and white paper, detailing construction employer COVID-19 liability protections and unreasonable workers compensation burdens. Without such legislative action, it will be more difficult for the construction industry to help stem the tide of job losses and build the path to economic recovery.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623583&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Message from the President/CEO

In-Person Events Resuming; Diversity Website Moves to Beta Phase

During a recent Staff Zoom meeting our conversation once again turned to another event being pushed back and how and when we should consider moving forward amidst this pandemic. That discussion immediately reminded me of a child playing on the beach — as the water ebbs out to the sea, she runs toward the ocean to jump in, but, the second the tide starts flowing back to the shore she races back to higher ground and begins contemplating her next move.

As a staff, we have been just like that child. As the local economy has begun trying to re-open, we too have been working to once again host in-person events for our members and guests. We move forward with a date chosen, a site selected, and a program developed. And then, we pivot back toward the starting board as a stay-at-home order is extended or a venue is unable to accommodate us.

I am happy to announce that that within the next two months, our Veteran’s Group, our Construction Leadership Council and our Safety Committee plan to hold an annual shoot-out, an annual golf tournament and a long-overdue committee meeting, respectively.

Visit https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/in-person-events-resuming-diversity-website-moves-beta-jerry-nevlud/?trackingId=WCUMschOTBSIbAskCdwE6w%3D%3D to view the full article online.

News you can Use

OSHA and ASSP Offer Trenching Safety Webinare

A webinar on trench safety hosted by OSHA and the American Society of Safety Professionals is available free online. Click here to view it.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=624047&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Recent Immigration Decisions to Impact Construction Industry

Two recent immigration decisions highlight the need for Congress to enact permanent immigration reform. First, last week, the Supreme Court ruled that recipients under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) can continue to legally work in the country.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/06/25/recent-immigration-decisions-impact-construction-industry to view the full article online.

Harris County Commissioners OK $30M Small Business Recovery Fund Grant Program

Harris County Commissioners Court approved a $30 million grant program designed to help small businesses that have yet to receive Covid-19 relief.

The Small Business Recovery Fund program, or SBRF, was approved unanimously by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the Harris County commissioners during the Commissioners Court meeting June 30. The $30 million grant program will be established with federal funding Harris County received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Visit https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2020/06/30/harris-county-commissioners-small-business-grants.html?utm_content=1593597607&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin to view the full article online.

Minority-Owned Firms Hit Harder Amid Pandemic

Pandemic lockdowns have been tough on the construction industry but have been especially difficult for minority-owned firms, which already face challenges. "Now we're in a space where there are, one, fewer opportunities, and two, a more desperate and dire need for access to working capital," which has always been more elusive for minority-owned firms, says Kenneth Thomas, co-founder of the Minority & Women Contractors & Developers Association.

Visit https://www.constructiondive.com/news/covid-19-presents-new-challenges-for-minority-owned-construction-firms/580683/ to view the full article online.

Texas County Restricts Access to Flood-Bond Funding

Cities in Harris County, Texas, must adhere to the county's flood plain standards to access $2.5 billion in flood-bond money. The policy change is meant to protect the county’s largest-ever investment in flood control infrastructure and create uniformity in building rules, following the principle that cities should not permit development than can worsen flooding for their neighbors.

Visit https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/houston/article/Harris-County-to-cities-Update-building-15280528.php to view the full article online.

Membership Benefits

AGC's Data Digest Provides Latest Economic Resources for Members

Data DIGest is your source for the latest economic news relevant to the construction industry with commentary and analysis from AGC's Chief Economist, Ken Simonson. It brings you actionable information to stay ahead of the curve on issues such as materials, prices, construction employment, and state-by-state construction trends.

Data DIGest is free to AGC Members - To activate your AGC Member subscription, simply create an AGC of America member profile. Members will be automatically added to Data DIGest.

Subscribe here.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623578&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Save Up To 78% On Select FedEx Services

Join the FREE FedEx Advantage® program and the discounts keep coming. AGC members will enjoy savings of up to 78 percent on select services.

The program is free to join and no minimum shipping, copy or print requirements to take advantage of this great member benefit. Sign up now or call 1.888.708.4100.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=624025&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Crisis Response Toolkit - AGC Members Save 15% On CrisisDriver

CrisisDriver enables contractors to build project-specific response and crisis communications plans to quickly and successfully manage negative events.

With this tool, you’ll be equipped to properly manage a crisis from beginning to the end while communicating clearly throughout the process.

Available to AGC Houston Members at an exclusive discount. Click here to learn more or schedule a short demo today.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=624123&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Resources

AGC Houston COVID-19 Recommended Practices for Construction Jobsites

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623571&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

The Heat is On! Keeping Workers Safe

Employers should have an emergency plan in place that specifies what to do if a worker has signs of heat-related illness, and ensures that medical services are available if needed.

OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Heat page explains what employers can do to keep workers safe and what workers need to know - including factors for heat illness, adapting to working in indoor and outdoor heat, protecting workers, recognizing symptoms, and first aid training.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623570&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

It's Hurricane Season!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623572&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

Here's Looking at You

Jerry Nevlud Recognized for Leadership Tenure at AGC Houston

Congratulations to our very own Jerry Nevlud, President/CEO of AGC Houston, who received a certificate of distinction from AGC of America to mark his 20-year anniversary with the Chapter. The Award for Service was presented for his contribution to AGC and to the membership. Jerry also received a commemorative pin to mark the milestone. Congratulations, Jerry!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623882&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.

AGC Houston Members Sporting New "Keeping Safety Viral" Hardhat Stickers

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=623584&issueID=69074 to view the full article online.