COVID-19: Page 2

Despite new federal ruling, Alabama proceeds with plans to build prisons with COVID-19 relief funds

The Treasury Department's ruling said that American Rescue Plan funds generally may not be used to build prisons.

By Matthew Thibault • Jan. 12, 2022

2022's biggest construction conferences

Many in-person industry events are back on this year. Here is the full rundown.

By Matthew Thibault • Jan. 12, 2022

7 things we know (so far) about the infrastructure act

While much of the spending package is still coming into focus, there’s a lot that construction leaders can start planning for.

By Julie Strupp • Jan. 11, 2022

Economic outlook: The issues that will boost, challenge construction in 2022

Obstacles including inflation, pricing woes, omicron and more will continue into the new year, as developers face a now-or-never moment to build. 

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 10, 2022

Supreme Court vaccine mandate decision could come within days

The high court is set to hear oral arguments today on OSHA's vaccine-or-test requirement, currently under a stay. 

By Mary Salmonsen • Jan. 7, 2022

LeChase unveils training center for healthcare construction best practices

The facility aimed at mitigating dust in medical projects comes at a particularly key time, as the strategies can also help protect against COVID-19.

By Jeffrey Steele • Jan. 5, 2022

Supreme Court to hear arguments on vaccine mandates for employers

The news represents a course of action from the high court that is "unheard of," one attorney wrote.

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 23, 2021

The Dotted Line: In 2021, construction was all about navigating the fine print

From "excusable" delays for supply chain issues to navigating vaccine mandates, construction leaders had to carefully read through contracts to account for the year's challenges.

By Joe Bousquin • Dec. 21, 2021

Construction employers work to keep the peace in the great vaccine debate

As tensions flare over inoculations and with OSHA's mandate back on, contractors are using various approaches to minimize workplace conflicts.

By Joe Bousquin • Dec. 20, 2021

How COVID-19, supply chain woes hit contractor backlogs

During the pandemic, construction backlog data tracked the swings of COVID-19 closely. Now, it gives a unique view of what lies ahead.

By Joe Bousquin • Dec. 15, 2021

Study: 75% of unvaccinated workers say mandates might make them quit

A new report found that although a majority of American employees support COVID-19 vaccine mandates, they're causing contention at work.

By Joe Bousquin • Dec. 14, 2021

Analysis: Charting backlog's ups and downs during the pandemic

The pipeline of work at most construction firms took a major hit from COVID-19, but is on the upswing again just as the omicron variant emerges.

By Joe Bousquin • Dec. 8, 2021

The top 12 drivers of construction disputes and how to avoid them

A new HKA study shows design issues have eclipsed scope changes as the top cause of claims in the U.S.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 30, 2021

Construction firms search for legal loopholes to federal contractor vaccine mandate

Some companies may explore spinning off separate LLCs, but the chances of success are low, according to guidance from attorneys and the government.

By Leslie Shaver • Nov. 23, 2021

Construction groups encourage vaccines as they decry OSHA mandate

Three organizations have shared strong words about the directive, which they say will not effectively encourage workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

By Zachary Phillips • Nov. 18, 2021

5 graphs that illustrate construction's challenging year

Elevated materials costs, labor woes, inflation and more made for a difficult 12 months for contractors, but there are positive signals too.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 18, 2021

Court stays ETS employer vaccine mandate

The 5th Circuit ordered the stay due to "grave statutory and constitutional issues with the mandate."

By Kathryn Moody • Updated Nov. 8, 2021

Construction spending falls in NYC, but outlook is positive

Total construction spending in the Big Apple remains down from pre-pandemic levels, but is expected to rebound in the next few years.

By Sebastian Obando • Nov. 5, 2021

Food, beverage manufacturers hungry for new plant construction

Major brands like PepsiCo and Nestle plan to translate increasing sales during the COVID-19 pandemic into expansions.

By Megan Poinski • Nov. 2, 2021

Granite posts flat revenue amid competitive bidding environment

The California-based contractor said issues such as high material costs, uncertainty over public funding and labor shortages are creating a dim outlook.

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 29, 2021

Construction's career crisis: Recruiters target young workers driving the Great Resignation

An increasing number of job seekers are open to something new. The trouble is, few are likely to set their sights on construction.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 25, 2021

HITT hands out COVID-19 bonuses of up to $10,000

The company said that the checks were gestures of appreciation for its employees, who worked in-person throughout the pandemic.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 21, 2021

How should Texas contractors navigate clashing COVID-19 vaccine orders?

Gov. Greg Abbott has limited vaccine mandates, while President Joe Biden issued an order requiring them. What now?

By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 21, 2021

After years of 'Made in China,' suppliers look to alternatives

The risks of single sourcing from China have been brewing for years, but they bubbled up even more during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Shefali Kapadia • Oct. 19, 2021

Pricing insanity: Material costs escalate, driving contractor desperation

Amid unprecedented supply chain challenges, firms locked into contracts based on last year's prices are feeling the heat.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Oct. 18, 2021