Study: Difficult to control respirable silica levels during chipping, crushing

The findings suggested that workers performing demolition and related activities would be best protected by respiratory gear, even when dust control measures are in place.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 7, 2019

Indictments cast shadow on Philadelphia construction industry

The charges against Local 98 IBEW union leader John Dougherty and others range from bribery to fraud, forcing some to consider how much undue influence the city's unions have over the local industry.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 7, 2019

FAA spec update includes precast concrete for first time

With the Federal Aviation Administration's new specifications, precast suppliers and contractors are poised to get a bigger piece of construction and renovation projects at the more than 19,000 airports in the U.S. 

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 6, 2019

Trump light on trade, infrastructure details in State of the Union address

Though the White House spent much of 2018 attempting to steer the national conversation toward infrastructure, the topic received just two sentences with no specific appropriations mentioned.

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 6, 2019

Minnesota groups push for state to allow teens to work on construction sites

Some in the state's construction industry want regulation to echo federal law that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to work on jobsites.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 6, 2019

Details emerge of prevailing wage deal between union, NYC on housing projects

This revelation echoes a proposal currently on the table that would require prevailing wages on many city construction projects receiving financial assistance from a local agency.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 6, 2019

Trump executive order extends Buy American policy

The directive asks federal agencies to encourage contractors on infrastructure projects to buy iron, aluminum, steel, cement and other goods domestically.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 5, 2019

Construction fatalities up in New York state, down in NYC

While the rate of jobsite deaths across the state increased 39% between 2013 and 2017, the city saw a 23% decrease, according to a report on the most recent Department of Labor data.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 5, 2019

Miami-Dade approves zoning change to encourage TODs

The county's new zoning allows for higher density residential construction along six transit corridors.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 4, 2019

Subs on $1.5B Philadelphia Comcast Technology Center file millions in liens

Multiple mechanic's liens were filed on the downtown high-rise project, alleging general contractor L.F. Driscoll, affiliates of developer Liberty Property Trust and others withheld payment.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 4, 2019

DOJ settles with Washington, DC, Metro's Silver Line concrete supplier for $1M

The agreement settles allegations that Universal Concrete Products falsified test records for concrete panels used in the extension of the Metrorail line.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 31, 2019

New Jersey lawmakers keep pressure on feds to help fund $13B Hudson River tunnel

The tunnel sustained significant damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and could fail in the next 10 to 15 years.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 31, 2019

California wage deal could boost housing development

Proposed legislation could offer regulatory relief to residential developers in exchange for guaranteed wages for workers and other benefits.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 31, 2019

The biggest Q4 OSHA contractor fines

The agency proposed hefty penalties for several construction companies, including one for more than $420,000.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 30, 2019

21-story timber building in Wisconsin, tallest in US, advances

Milwaukee Common Council's approval means the residential structure must now pass fire safety specs and paves the way for its developer to propose a 7-story wood office building as well.

By Kim Slowey • Updated March 1, 2019

The Dotted Line: Putting together the pieces of a modular project contract

Despite prefab's popularity, many legal aspects of the dynamic building method are still being sorted out among industry and legal experts. Until then, the dotted line is sometimes a blurred line.

By Joe Beeton • Jan. 29, 2019

Richmond, Virginia, has $500M+ of hospital projects planned or under construction

The regional market is ripe for contractors well-versed in what the Facilities Guidelines Institute sets out as design and construction best practices for medical projects.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 25, 2019

OSHA relieves contractors from some electronic recordkeeping

The final rule alleviates some privacy concerns by getting rid of electronic reporting requirements for two work-related injuries and illnesses forms.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 25, 2019

San Antonio suburb approves tax district for $250M mixed-use project

New Braunfels, Texas, will obtain tax revenue via a public improvement district to fund $11.2 million of infrastructure on the 98-acre Solms Landing.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 23, 2019

$2B Frisco, Texas, Wade Park development back on foreclosure list

Thomas Land & Development owes Gamma Lending $130 million, and unpaid contractors have filed approximately $10 million in liens against the stalled mixed-use project.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 18, 2019

What can be gleaned from 2018's highest-profile construction bankruptcies?

Causes of last year's significant bankruptcies varied, and though some were beyond contractors' control, there are lessons to be learned.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 16, 2019

Scaffold law, inefficiencies to blame for higher New York construction costs

The General Contractors Association of New York said the state's law, which makes employers and owners 100% liable for falls, significantly increases insurance costs.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 16, 2019

Canadian officials recover CA$1.5M of wages as a result of jobsite inspections

More than 55% of the employers the Ontario Ministry of Labor inspected had underpaid their employees.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 15, 2019

Pentagon eyes military construction budget for border wall

If the president declares a national emergency, the Department of Defense could reportedly tap up to $23 billion of unallocated construction funds.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 15, 2019

NYC councilman proposes prevailing wage for all city-subsidized construction projects

Ben Kallos' proposal won praise from the city's trade unions but has been challenged by industry groups like the Associated Builders and Contractors.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 14, 2019