Members' Edge - March 12, 2020

Safety

OSHA Offers Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for CoronaVirus

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19” to help companies respond in the event of coronavirus in the workplace. The guidance was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).

In addition to the guidance, OSHA recently launched a COVID-19 webpage that provides infection prevention information specifically for workers and employers, and is actively reviewing and responding to any complaints regarding workplace protection from novel coronavirus, as well as conducting outreach activities.

For further information about Coronavirus, please visit the HHS’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=607021&issueID=69065 to view the full article online.

Upcoming Safety Classes

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=605601&issueID=69065 to view the full article online.

AGC News

Contractors Foresee Gains in All Market Segments in 2020

AGC of America's Chief Economist Ken Simonson released the following report on the construction industry's year-end outlook and projections for 2020.

Construction spending decreased 0.2% from November to December as declines in public and private nonresidential projects outweighed a large rise in single-family homebuilding, according to a new analysis of federal data released by AGC of America. Ken Simonson noted that its recent survey found widespread optimism about prospects for projects available to bid on in 2020 but they urged officials in Washington to follow through on announced plans for infrastructure spending increases.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/EMPLOYMENT-LAW-T.-Stergio-Coronavirus-and-Employer.pdf to view the full article online.

AGC Of America and Autodesk Awards Grants for Safety Harnesses for Women

Associated General Contractors of America announced that 21 construction firms will be awarded grants to provide more than 300 fall protection safety harnesses designed for women. The grants are designed to address one of the most significant safety hazards for construction craft professionals and recruit more women into high-paying construction careers.

“We recognize the need for more women to join the construction industry to help fill the labor gap, and keeping them as safe as possible must be top priority,” said Allison Scott, director at Autodesk Construction Solutions. “For three hundred women in construction, AGC and Autodesk are highlighting this need, and this is a first step in drawing attention to the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other customized equipment for women.”

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/03/02/autodesk-and-associated-general-contractors-america-equip-women-construction to view the full article online.

AGC Texas Building Branch 2020 Convention Now Open

AGC TBB's convention will be taking place June 15 through June 17, 2020, at the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester, MA. Click here for more details. Conference registration ends May 29, 2020.The last day to book hotel rooms is May 10, 2020.

Registration includes a Monday evening reception, Tuesday and Wednesday sessions and luncheons, and Wednesday night dinner. Optional events include a 9-hole shoot-out golf tournament, Taste of Gloucester Foodie Tour, and a whale-watching sailing trip.

Visit https://www.agctbb.org/ to view the full article online.

Message from the President/CEO

Coronavirus (COVID-19): AGC of America Provides Resources for Employers

Reports surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) have caused concern among AGC members and the general public. As of March 3, 2020, fewer than 90,000 people worldwide have been diagnosed with COVID-19 with slightly more than 100 in the United States. While those numbers are sure to rise, keep in mind that this flu season the USA alone has seen over 32 million people come down with the flu and over 18,000 of them have died. There is no telling if the coronavirus will reach or exceed those levels, but it currently has a long way to go. Much like the flu, we can all take positive steps to prepare. AGC has assembled general guidance and links to information from our federal agency partners and health organizations. AGC will continue to monitor the situation and update the information on this page accordingly.

Visit https://www.agc.org/coronavirus-covid-19 to view the full article online.

Member News

Tellepsen Hires New Chief Operating Officer

Tellepsen announced that it has appointed Steve Olson as Chief Operating Officer of the company's Commercial Group. "Steve will serve in a strategic role, working with our company leaders to take Tellepsen to the next level," stated Tadd Tellepsen, CEO of the firm.

Olson will oversee the company's divisions, which include Tellepsen Builders, Building Concrete Solutions, TI Constructors and Tellepsen Services. A graduate of Bradley University, Olson brings 38 years of construction industry experience including positions with Balfour Beatty and Hoar Construction.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=606420&issueID=69065 to view the full article online.

Joe Meschwitz Celebrates 45 Years at Linbeck Group

Not many employers can celebrate employee milestones such as the one Linbeck Group, LLC recently did: 45 years of service by Joe Meschwitz. As Senior Superintendent, he was commended for his service on "a wide array of clients - from Prairie View A&M and Rice University to One Market Square and City Centre" - and for having "committed your life's work to serving the greater Linbeck family. We couldn't be more honored of your dedication, commitment, and drive to succeed and truly motivate those around you every single day." Congratulations, Joe, from AGC Houston!

Pictured from left are David Stueckler, Linbeck Group, LLC, President and CEO; Leo LInbeck III, President and CEO at Aquinas Companies; LLC; and Joe Meschwitz, Senior Superintendent, Linbeck Group, LLC.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=606421&issueID=69065 to view the full article online.

News you can Use

Texas Central Presents High-Speed Train Updates To Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce

After an economic impact statement and safety rules are completed, the Texas High-Speed Train may begin construction before the end of 2020.

David Hagy with Texas Central said The Texas High-Speed Rail, a 240-mile high-speed rail line meant to make a 90-minute commute from Houston to Dallas, is expected to complete its Economic Impact Statement and safety guidelines by this summer.

Visit https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/champions-klein/news/article/Texas-Central-presents-Texas-High-Speed-Train-15111854.php to view the full article online.

AGC Houston Supports 2020 Census

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=605614&issueID=69065 to view the full article online.

Texas Led Booming U.S. Construction In 2019

Texas topped the US last year with more than $54 billion in property activity, according to a report from NAIOP. Nationally, investment in and development of buildings such as office and industrial facilities provided 9.2 million jobs and added $1.14 trillion to the economy.

Visit https://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/2020/03/09/texas-tops-the-us-in-commercial-building-impact-and-jobs/ to view the full article online.

Resources

The Impact of Coronavirus and How To Prepare

Already causing havoc in China, the threatened global pandemic of the coronavirus will likely cause disruptions of supply chains and other businesses involving trade, manufacturing, retail, and financial services. Cokinos | Young provides information on dealing with the business impact of the Coronavirus.

Visit https://www.cokinoslaw.com/the-impact-of-coronavirus-and-how-to-prepare/ to view the full article online.

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases a helpful guide to plan, prepare and respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fspecific-groups%2Fguidance-business-response.html to view the full article online.

Force Majeure

The COVID-19 virus (the “coronavirus”) is now making an impact closer to home, so many businesses are reviewing their contracts to determine if force majeure declarations provide relief for delayed or interrupted projects and operations. Because force majeure clauses are often tailored to a specific project or supply agreement, the language can vary significantly. As a result, the availability of force majeure relief depends on the terms of the contract, the applicable law, and the circumstances to which they are applied.

Champe Fitzhugh of Andrews Myers, PC explains how to navigate contracts with the Force Majeure clause.

Visit https://mcusercontent.com/ce05859c43c6169304e249c19/files/4041aca0-9639-48d9-96db-c37be9b06e3d/FM_Special_Alert_FINAL.01.pdf to view the full article online.

How Employers Can Incorporate Steps To Prepare For Corona Virus Risk At Work

As the deadly new Coronavirus, recently named COVID-19, continues to spread, employers
need to be prepared for the challenges this new health issue may bring to their workplace. Tony Stergio, Andrews Myers, PC, pens a helpful article on how employers and employees can prevent the spread of disease and minimize the risks for themselves and their families.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/EMPLOYMENT-LAW-T.-Stergio-Coronavirus-and-Employer.pdf to view the full article online.

Coronavirus Protection For You And Your Employees

We are still learning about the new coronavirus, but so far, the dedicated pages on the CDC website describe it as a very serious public health threat. Based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time.

The virus symptoms manifest as a mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

Visit OSHA's dedicated website page to learn more about this disease.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=606422&issueID=69065 to view the full article online.

Coronavirus May Cause Delays, Risks, Additional Costs

Controlling written agreements will determine which party is responsible for the risk and additional costs of construction delays resulting from the current coronavirus outbreak. "The force majeure clause must be examined to determine if the virus outbreak constitutes an excusable delay extending the completion date and excusing the contractor from liability for any applicable liquidated or actual damages," an attorney writes.

Full Story: Construction Law Zone (3/2)

Visit https://www.constructionlawzone.com/2020/03/who-will-bear-the-risk-and-cost-for-coronavirus-construction-delays-a-contractual-analysis/ to view the full article online.

Is Your Construction Project At Risk for Delays Or Damages Due to the Coronavirus?

As the coronavirus spreads around the world, its impact on many businesses and industries, including the construction industry, is increasing.

The construction industry in the United States relies heavily on foreign suppliers and manufacturers of goods for construction materials. Who bears the risk and the loss for resulting construction delays or increased construction costs due to the coronavirus?

Read the full article published in the National Law Review.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=607091&issueID=69065 to view the full article online.

Here's Looking at You

Houston Members Sweep Top Safety Awards At AGC Of America Convention

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=605608&issueID=69065 to view the full article online.

AGC of America Honors Mauricio Rivera At Foundation Gala

It was an evening to remember for AGC Houston member Mauricio Rivera, Project Engineer at McCarthy Building Companies, who was recognized during the AGC of America Education and Research Foundation Gala on Monday, March 10, 2020, for having received the AGC of America Lanham Family Scholarship.

The event helped to kick off the AGC of America Convention at the Bellagio Las Vegas Hotel and fundraise for the Foundation. AGC also presented a specially-produced video that featured Rivera and footage taken at McCarthy Building Companies' Museum of Fine Arts - Houston expansion jobsite. In the video, Rivera explains how the scholarship helped ease the financial burden of paying for college.

Rivera interned at McCarthy Building Companies for approximately six months while he completed his studies in Construction Science at the University of Houston. He is a former president of the AGC Student Chapter and regularly volunteers at AGC Houston's scholarship fund-raising events. Congratulations, Mauricio! Your AGC Houston family is truly proud of this achievement!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=606991&issueID=69065 to view the full article online.

Members Mix 'N Mingle at First Mixer of the Year

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=607088&issueID=69065 to view the full article online.