Members' Edge - May 10, 2017

Safety

Visit http://www.agchouston.org/AGCH/Safety/Safety-Stand-Down/AGCH/Safety/Safety_Stand_Down.aspx?hkey=483840a0-8f8a-468a-91f6-43fd3e55b00a to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=441431&issueID=56215 to view the full article online.

AGC Houston Supports Construction Safety Network

AGC Houston members support this new network, which is an alliance of Houston construction companies, associations and related businesses. The Construction Safety Network meets monthly.

Visit http://www.csn-houston.com/ to view the full article online.

AGC News

AGC Urges Members to Take Action

Contact your US representative to urge him or her to support the repeal of the burdensome prior approval requirement by co-sponsoring H.R. 2101 - the Prior Approval Reform Act.

This legislation would repeal the prior approval requirement that is unfairly imposed upon and discriminates against corporate-member trade association PACs, like AGC PAC.

Under the Federal Election Campaign Act, your company is required to grant written approval to the national PAC if individuals on the administrative/executive team would like to learn more about the PAC and/or be solicited to contribute. No other political entity, including corporate, labor union, and individual membership association PACs, is subject to the prior approval requirement.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=441603&issueID=56215 to view the full article online.

AGC Warns Against Restricting Material Imports After Prices Surge

AGC of America says construction material costs have increased significantly, led by a 19 percent rise in steel mill products and 17 percent for copper and brass between March 2016 and March 2017. Construction companies have not been able to increase prices as quickly as costs and urges the federal government not to restrict the importation of materials.

Visit http://compactequip.com/business/construction-material-costs-march-outpace-contractor-pricing-says-agc/ to view the full article online.

AGC Pushes Solutions To Solve Labor Shortage

The Associated General Contractors of America believes the lack of available skilled workers was a factor in why construction employment increased by only 5,000 jobs in April. "It is time for our elected officials to start signaling to students that high-paying construction jobs should be on the menu of possible career choices," said Stephen Sandherr, AGC's CEO, who added that the "best way to send that signal is to provide the funding and flexibility to set up programs that expose more students to the opportunities that exist in construction careers."

Visit http://www.tedmag.com/News/channel-news/Industry-Labor-Shortages-Deter-Number-of-New-Construction-Jobs-Added.aspx to view the full article online.

Member News

Anslow Bryant Construction, Ltd. Hosts Safety Stand-Down At Hotel ZaZa

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=441445&issueID=56215 to view the full article online.

Houston SPCA And Linbeck Group, LLC Celebrate Construction Milestone In Campus For All Animals Expansion

On Thursday, May 4, 2017, the Houston SPCA and Linbeck Group, LLC celebrated the construction midpoint of its premier, state-of-the-art "Campus for All Animals" on the new site, adjacent to the shelter’s existing location at 900 Portway Drive.

The ceremony featured remarks by representatives from the Houston SPCA and from Linbeck Group, LLC, the construction team for the multi-million-dollar project.

Other event highlights included an installation of the highest point of the new Adoption Center—the cupola—above the new Center’s lobby.

When complete, the 60,000-square-foot Adoption Center will showcase animals available for adoption, and will be home to the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas and administrative offices. Two additional buildings—a Rescue Arena and Education Center—will add a total of 40,000 square feet to the project.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=441594&issueID=56215 to view the full article online.

Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc. Welcomes New Project Manager

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=441596&issueID=56215 to view the full article online.

News you can Use

Peckar & Abramson Host Free Seminar On Newly-Revised AIA Documents

At the end of April, the American Institute of Architect released its decennial updates to the standard form of agreements A101,

A102, A103, A104 (previously A107), A105, A201 General Conditions, and A401 form of subcontract.

The AIA is also introducing two new templates, the insurance exhibit and the E204 Sustainable Projects Exhibit, as

well as revised agreements between the owner and architect and the owner and consultants.

Please join Peckar & Abramson, May 24 from 7:30-10 a.m. at the AGC Houston office for an in-depth and interactive discussion of the changes and how they impact your company.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/AIA_DOcs._Revision_Seminar.pdf to view the full article online.

Effects Of New "Buy American" Executive Order On Construction Industry

President Donald Trump's "Buy American" executive order is likely to increase material costs and bring the risk of material shortages on federal projects, according to attorney Amandeep Kahlon. Such shortages could lead to an increased risk of fraud and may force contractors to alter their bidding practices, he contends.

Visit http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/buy-american-and-hire-american-what-it-54075/ to view the full article online.

OSHA Pushes Back Implementation Of Silica-Exposure Rule

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's new rule on silica exposure will go into effect Sept. 23, instead of June 23, to give the agency time to develop "guidance materials and training for compliance officers."

Visit http://www.natlawreview.com/article/osha-delays-silica-rule-construction-industry to view the full article online.

OSHA's Safe And Sound Campaign Assists Employers In Keeping Workplaces Safe & Healthy

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched its Safe and Sound Campaign recently, calling on employers to review their safety and health programs to protect workers, and reduce workplace injuries and deaths.

Visit https://www.osha.gov/shpcampaign/?ct=t(The_Leading_Edge_03_17_17_Members_3_16_2017) to view the full article online.

How To Prepare For Construction Drone Use

Contractors must be well-acquainted with Federal Aviation Administration rules on drone use before attempting to include them in construction activities, writes Emily Peiffer. Contractors should decide who will fly the drones, develop company guidelines for their use and set up an insurance plan before moving forward, she says.

Visit http://www.constructiondive.com/news/5-steps-to-adding-drones-to-construction-operations/438484/ to view the full article online.

Here's Looking at You

Membership Mixer Draws Wide Array Of Construction Industry Professionals

Visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/AGCHoustonChapter/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10154697656359117 to view the full article online.

AGC Houston Awards $45,000 In Scholarship Funds

Eighteen students pursuing a construction-related degree received a Patrick J Kiley Excellence In Leadership Scholarship on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at the HESS Club.In its 22nd year, the AGC Houston scholarship program has conferred $462,000 to date. The annual event featured guest speaker Mike Feinberg, Co-Founder of the KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) Houston charter school who spoke about the impact education has on a child and society. His motto, "Work Hard. Play Nice," served as the theme during his presentation.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=441440&issueID=56215 to view the full article online.