Workers' group calls out OSHA, demands tougher COVID-19 standards

"People have been exposed unnecessarily," U.S. Rep. Andy Levin said yesterday during a press event with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.

By Joe Bousquin • Feb. 4, 2021

What a Marty Walsh-led Labor Department could mean for construction

As President Joe Biden's nominee for labor secretary begins Senate confirmation hearings today, groups on both sides of the union issue say that Walsh’s construction experience is a plus for the industry.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 4, 2021

Take these steps to avoid COVID-19 personal injury lawsuits

The more a construction firm can limit workers' exposure to the coronavirus on the job, the less likely it will be liable for either an OSHA violation or a lawsuit, according to attorney Stefan Borovina.

By Stefan Borovina • Feb. 4, 2021

OSHA updates COVID-19 guidance; mandates still on the table

In guidance issued Friday, the agency reinforced its support for the use of face coverings in a focus on prevention.

By Sheryl Estrada • Feb. 1, 2021

Firms denied PPP forgiveness can take tax credit, IRS says

A change Congress made in December allows the credit for some Paycheck Protection Program loan recipients.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 29, 2021

Biden ramps up the Defense Production Act

It's likely the Biden administration will use the law to spur the creation of critical healthcare equipment and facilities, according to attorney Alex Hontos.

By Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 27, 2021

Lane Construction sues I-4 Ultimate partner Skanska for $132M

Lane is accusing Skanska Civil Southeast of putting Skanska's ownership interests in the $2.3 billion Florida highway project above those of their design-build JV.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 27, 2021

Top OSHA fines of Q4 2020 include citations for 4 deaths

The largest proposed fine for last quarter, which involved a fatal concrete mixer accident in Ohio, was for $451,079.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 27, 2021

Biden toughens Buy American rules

The revised policies, which will apply to the administration's plans for infrastructure and energy projects, will have ramifications for construction firms that do business with the federal government.

By Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 26, 2021

Biden orders OSHA to beef up COVID-19 safety rules

President Joe Biden gave OSHA two weeks to issue new coronavirus guidance, while considering a national emergency temporary standard that could provide a scorecard for workplace infections.

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 25, 2021

Biden likely to raise corporate tax rate

While President Joe Biden is expected to increase the top corporate tax rate to 28%, he may also push for new tax breaks for certain businesses.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 22, 2021

How Biden's Inauguration Day executive orders will impact construction

From a review of environmental regulations to new federal contracting rules and immigration policies, many of President Joe Biden's actions on his first day in office have ramifications for construction firms across the country.

By Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 20, 2021

OSHA raises penalty maximums, establishes new debt collection procedures

Contractors that don't pay their fines or make payment arrangements will open themselves up to more inspections, the agency said.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 15, 2021

Biden will ask OSHA to reconsider decision to skip emergency coronavirus standards

He will also direct the agency to target the worst violators and increase the number of inspectors.

By Kate Tornone • Jan. 14, 2021

AECOM sues Zurich for payment of COVID-19 property damage claims

The contractor says that Zurich American Insurance did not exclude viruses like the novel coronavirus from its coverage.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 14, 2021

Report: Collective bargaining agreements create 'robust' middle-class jobs for union construction workers

CBAs in northeastern Illinois supported $7.5 billion in construction wages that were pumped into the local economy, according to a new study.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 13, 2021

California enacts strict new COVID-19 notification law

While codifying many of the emergency temporary standards for COVID-19 adopted last year, California's AB 685 also expands Cal/OSHA's ability to shut down jobsites without a customary 15-day response period. 

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 12, 2021

Law firms form alliance to take on international construction

The LCL International Alliance will have more than 130 legal and technical professionals at its disposal.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 11, 2021

Biden taps former construction union leader Marty Walsh to lead Labor Department

The announcement brought cheers from the AFL-CIO and building trades groups, which lauded the Boston mayor's decades of experience in construction. 

By Jennifer Goodman , Katie Clarey • Jan. 8, 2021

Construction, other trade groups decry mob violence at US Capitol

Despite Wednesday's unrest, AGC's chief said the violent attack by Trump supporters won't stop the peaceful transfer of power.

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 8, 2021

Trump administration pushing through approvals for energy, mining projects on public land

The White House is using President Donald Trump's last days in office to secure approvals for projects across the U.S.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 7, 2021

Dems edge closer to Senate control, raising stakes for construction

As the country awaits the final outcome of yesterday's runoff in Georgia, there's no doubt that the impacts will be far-reaching for contractors.

By Joe Bousquin , Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 6, 2021

How OSHA priorities could shift under President-elect Biden

In addition to COVID-19 issues, there are several other construction-related workplace concerns that could become front and center for OSHA this year, according to attorney Casey Verville.

By Casey Verville • Jan. 5, 2021

Contractors to benefit from latest round of PPP funding

Legislation approving new Paycheck Protection Program loans will provide much-needed relief to many construction firms, says an industry expert.

By Anna Hrushka , Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 5, 2021

Employers do not have to pay for certain travel time between office, telework locations, DOL says

The letter is the latest in a series of U.S. Department of Labor documents weighing in on remote work.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 4, 2021