Opinion
The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders
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Why construction needs more access to opioid overdose meds
Drugs like fentanyl kill more workers in construction than in any other industry, but some states limit permissions around Narcan and other lifesaving antidotes, says a Nevada union leader.
Vince Saavedra • Aug. 22, 2024 -
5 things to know about industrialized construction
Focused on technology and manufacturing, the approach can optimize a project’s speed and efficiency, but adoption has been slow.
Ryan Ware • Aug. 16, 2024 -
How tech can solve the buying vs. renting riddle
National concrete contractor Lithko went digital to analyze hidden costs in owning equipment and take advantage of the urgency renting creates.
Rob Coakley • Aug. 14, 2024 -
Successful mentorship is a 2-way street
Bidirectional mentoring isn’t just valuable, the future of our industry depends on it, writes Nancy Novak, chief innovation officer of Compass Datacenters.
Nancy Novak • Aug. 8, 2024 -
Bogged down by busywork? Here’s how to optimize high-priority tasks
A time-tracking system can help workers take control of their day.
John Livingston • Aug. 8, 2024 -
4 ways supplier diversity helps you win in construction
Engaging with underrepresented subs and disributors can give you a business edge and strengthen the depth of your procurement channels, according to a small business liaison officer.
Stephanie Sherwood • July 17, 2024 -
A contractor’s success or failure starts at the top
Many seemingly thriving firms deal with employee burnout, high turnover or an unhealthy culture. It’s up to company leaders to fix that.
Matt Verderamo • July 11, 2024 -
Billion-dollar investments propel bridge repair, replacement projects
Spans in states like Florida, Iowa and Vermont are getting a new lease on life thanks to federal, state and local funding.
Mary Scott Nabers • July 2, 2024 -
6 ways civil contractors can leverage AI
A consultant in organizational and infrastructure planning breaks down how builders deploy the tech on projects today.
Angus Frost • June 26, 2024 -
How to love the deal you cut
Sour feelings around the bidding process can carry into a project, causing conflict and reputation damage, writes construction consultant Chad Prinkey.
Chad Prinkey • June 11, 2024 -
How construction escrow helps keep payments safe from cybercrime
These types of accounts help contractors, lenders and suppliers protect funds from online fraud while keeping a project on schedule, writes title expert Michael Stump.
Michael Stump • June 10, 2024 -
Safety pro gets personal about construction’s mental health challenges
While the industry’s suicide and substance abuse rates are some of the highest, the issue doesn’t get enough attention, an XL Construction exec writes.
Mike Popp • June 6, 2024 -
Successful contractors don’t fight change. They embrace it.
Know when it’s time to look beyond a “that’s how things have always been done” mentality, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.
Matt Verderamo • May 9, 2024 -
12 types of technology that can make jobsites safer
Innovations such as wearables, drones and predictive analytics help improve hazard detection and incident prevention.
Lena Kenny • May 8, 2024 -
Slow down underground to avoid accidents
Speed is no substitute for safety in transit projects, writes construction executive RaShawn L. Austin.
RaShawn L. Austin • May 7, 2024 -
How tech can level construction’s playing field
Tools like artificial intelligence and blockchain can help fill labor gaps while building a more diverse and innovative workforce, writes a contech executive.
Alok Chanani • May 1, 2024 -
Greenwashing lawsuits could be headed for construction
Here’s how contractors can protect themselves from being accused of making erroneous environmental claims.
Garrett Gibson • April 22, 2024 -
How to win without being the low bidder
It is possible for contractors to secure projects based on value over price, writes consultant Chad Prinkey.
Chad Prinkey • April 11, 2024 -
How reverse mentoring benefits contractors in the age of AI
A two-way knowledge flow can help older workers leverage artificial intelligence while building team trust among generations, writes a construction expert.
Rahul Shah • March 13, 2024 -
2 steps to boost your win rate
Build credibility and relationships with potential clients to negotiate more deals, writes a construction consultant.
Matt Verderamo • March 11, 2024 -
Construction fire safety at ‘major crossroads,’ industry expert says
New collaborative and digital-led solutions are needed to meet contractors’ fire prevention needs, according to a fire investigator.
John Heinen • Feb. 22, 2024 -
Drones know the dirt: How UAVs can measure jobsite materials
A reality capture manager at Columbia breaks down the basics, from software and training to regulations like the upcoming Remote ID Rule.
Erik Gronneberg • Feb. 14, 2024 -
3 reasons why new tradespeople don’t stick around
Poor training, bad bosses and other frustrations can drive away new recruits to the construction industry, writes a Texas quality control manager.
Fulton Cure • Feb. 6, 2024 -
4 ways to level construction’s playing field
Barriers that impede minority-owned businesses reflect a broader systemic issue, says an industry executive.
Andre Sappington • Feb. 5, 2024 -
7 ways that Davis-Bacon changes could cost contractors
Updates to prevailing wage laws will impact builders looking to win in the booming federal infrastructure market.
Ashley Eley Cannady • Feb. 1, 2024