OSHA sets fines at $1.3M for contractor in workers' deaths

Atlantic Coast Utilities LLC/Advanced Utilities Inc. and other related companies were cited for 28 violations on a Boston jobsite.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 20, 2021

OSHA recommends masks for many vaccinated workers

Among others, employees in areas of substantial transmission should wear masks to protect unvaccinated co-workers, the agency said.

By Kate Tornone • Aug. 19, 2021

Navigate cannabis legalization to avoid employment litigation

Employers should understand and adapt to cannabis legalization at both the state and federal levels, according to two experts.

By Karina Karassev and Kimberly Harding • Aug. 17, 2021

Readers Respond: Construction pros worry about delta surge, lack of vaccines

Sixty percent of respondents to a recent Construction Dive survey said they are concerned about their health due to vaccine hesitancy in the industry.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 16, 2021

New Orleans convention center committee ratifies original pick for $557 million contract

Despite issues that stalled the process, the selection panel once again recommended an AECOM joint venture for the renovation project.

By Matthew Thibault • Updated Aug. 24, 2021

Texas contractor to pay $420,000 to settle racial harassment case

The EEOC lawsuit alleges repeated harassment of Black workers, ranging from derogatory comments and menial work assignments to a noose on the jobsite.

By Sebastian Obando • Aug. 12, 2021

Infrastructure bill contains $100M for construction technology

The Senate's $1.2 trillion package includes $20 million annually over five years to digitize construction processes.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 11, 2021

Senate passes $1.2T infrastructure bill

Construction groups reacted to the passage yesterday of the bipartisan legislation that includes $550 billion in new federal spending.

By Zachary Phillips • Aug. 10, 2021

Pennsylvania contractor to pay $20.7M in wage theft case

Road and bridge contractor Glenn O. Hawbaker, which allegedly violated prevailing wage laws, will also face five years of probation.

By Zachary Phillips • Aug. 10, 2021

Paid leave proves critical for talent retention

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, women have dropped out of the workforce in droves. Here's why.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 9, 2021

PPP forgiveness portal opens to business owners

Starting today, the Small Business Administration will allow companies with Paycheck Protection Program loans of $150,000 or less to apply for forgiveness directly.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 4, 2021

Despite dodging tax hikes in infrastructure bill, contractors could still see higher rates

While U.S. corporations have avoided tax increases in the Senate's proposed plan, public and private contractors could still see rates go up.

By Joe Bousquin • Aug. 4, 2021

Could 'smart walls' replace barriers at the US-Mexico border?

President Joe Biden's stop-work order on construction of a southern border barrier doesn’t mean the end of contract opportunities for private companies, writes security expert Nelson Balido.

By Nelson Balido • July 28, 2021

Colorado contractor sentenced to jail for employee's trench death

Bryan Johnson also must pay $25,000 in restitution for his role in the 2018 incident that killed Rosario Martinez.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 26, 2021

Why Amazon's updated marijuana drug testing policy could have 'ripple effect'

The approach may spread as employers seek uniform drug-testing policies amid a fractured legal landscape, according to attorney Michael Freimann.

By Ryan Golden • July 23, 2021

Texas prepares to take bids for border wall construction

The state is seeking a project manager for Gov. Greg Abbott's proposed border wall project.

By Matthew Thibault • July 21, 2021

Labor secretary calls for additional funding for OSHA

Marty Walsh has requested $2.1 billion for agencies that handle safety and wage inspections, including $73 million for OSHA.

By Sebastian Obando • July 21, 2021

Nurses call out California hospitals on earthquake retrofits

Hospitals are asking for more time to comply with an earthquake retrofit mandate, a move the California Nurses Association said is driven by profit.

By Joe Bousquin • July 15, 2021

SBA withdraws controversial PPP questionnaire

Although the Small Business Administration has dropped its loan necessity form, Paycheck Protection Program borrowers are still subject to review.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 13, 2021

2 Oregon men plead guilty in $3.4M PPP fraud case

A construction company was one of several businesses used as a front for collecting Paycheck Protection Program funds, according to court documents.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 12, 2021

Condo collapse spurs inspections, questions

After uneven enforcement, Florida municipalities ramp up building inspections as insurers and residents ponder the implications of high-rise living.  

By Joe Bousquin • July 9, 2021

5 strategies construction firms use to lower their taxes

From depreciation and carrying forward losses to research and development credits, public contractors rely on an array of tactics to help minimize tax bills.

By Joe Bousquin • July 8, 2021

Senate bill would create apprenticeship college consortium

The proposal arrived just months after a Trump administration overhaul to the nation's apprenticeship system was rescinded.

By Ryan Golden • July 7, 2021

Survey: Many workers want to keep masking policies, even for vaccinated employees

Respondents also expressed both a desire to keep their own vaccination status private and a belief in their right to know others', resulting in a "challenging privacy paradox."

By Emilie Shumway • July 2, 2021

AEC firms to snare $126B under bipartisan infrastructure deal

A new analysis of the direct impact of the most recent infrastructure proposal projects $416 billion in annual output by 2026, a rise of 18%.

By Joe Bousquin • June 30, 2021