Members' Edge - April 9, 2020

In this issue...

The Chapter remains committed to you through this unprecedented situation. We will continue to gather and vet any and all information that is deemed necessary to achieve and maintain our goal of keeping construction essential and our workforce safe and healthy.

Keep checking our website for a continuously updated list of resources and materials.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610910&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610908&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610958&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610909&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

Education/Training

May 20: First Aid/CPR/AED Training

May 29: CM-BIM Credentialing Exam

May 29: CM-Lean Credentialing Exam

June 5: Texas Lien Laws
June 5: Advanced Texas Lien Laws

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610922&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

AGC Education and Research Foundation Workforce Scholarship Application Now Open

The AGC Education and Research Foundation offer a Workforce Development Scholarships to students enrolled in accredited technical schools or craft training programs in any discipline of commercial construction.

Interested individuals have until June 1, 2020 to apply for $1,000 scholarships (renewal for up to two years) from the AGC Education and Research Foundation.

To review the complete list of criteria click here. Students can apply here.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610924&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

Safety

COVID-19 Jobsite Posters

Download Posters - Available On AGC Houston's COVID-19 Resources Page

OSHA 3394 - English : Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus
OSHA 3395 - Spanish : Diez Medidas que Todos los Lugares de Trabajo Pueden Tomar para Prevenir la Exposición al Coronavirus

AGC of America's National Safety Stand Down Resources (includes tool box talks, job site posters, and more)

Special Signage/Posters Printing

• Triangle Printing & Marketing: Provides signage needs, posters and specializes in large format printing and scanning services for architectural, engineering, and construction. Contact Chuck Winfree at (832) 499-4349 or the office at (713) 780-0236.

• ARC Document Solutions: Commonly-used posters and signs from CDC are available for production. Find your local ARC print center.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610930&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

Upcoming Safety Classes

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610931&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

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=610932&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

OSHA COVID-19 Quick Tip Videos

The Department of Labor has released three animated videos provide quick tips on social distancing, disinfecting workplaces and industry risk factors to keep workers safe from COVID-19.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610960&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

AGC News

URGENT: AGC Needs Your Voice in Congress!

Recently, AGC of America called on Congress to add more funding to and simplify the eligibility requirements for the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs — including the Paycheck Protection Program — so construction firms and their employees can get needed coronavirus relief capital as soon as possible.

AGC urges all members to contact their federal lawmakers to help ensure these critical funds and changes are made to benefit more than 682,000 construction firms and their 5.2M employees.

To see AGC’s letter to Congress, click here.

Click here to tell President Trump and Congress that you, your business and employees want to make these changes, too.

View the Treasury Department's Frequently Asked Questions document.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequenty-Asked-Questions.pdf to view the full article online.

AGC Calls On FASB to Delay Implementation of Leases Standard for Private Companies

On April 1, AGC CEO Steve Sandherr requested that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) enact a one-year delay of the implementation of the leases standard for private companies due to the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus. Read further.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610938&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

Listen Now: AGC ConstructorCast COVID - 19 Special Edition Series

There is so much going on in Washington, D.C., especially in the last two weeks. AGC of America brought together our team of lobbyists who worked hard to review and provide input on the coronavirus relief bill passed by the House last week.

They provided an analysis of what is in the measure and how it could help the construction industry. Watch on YouTube or listen now on SoundCloud.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610935&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

AGC Texas Building Branch 2020 Convention

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.

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

Message from the President/CEO

Uncertainty Highlights Certain Value of AGC and its Members

As a kid I remember at some point during the school year saying, “I cannot wait for summer to get here.” And each and every time you could count on my mom to respond, “you’re wishing your life away.”

With all due respect to my 92-year-old mother, “I cannot wait for summer to get here!”

On April 2 At 12:01 a.m., the state of Texas began a thirty-day extension to the Governor of Texas’ earlier announced “COVID- 19 preparedness and mitigation” order, which initially began at 11:59 p.m. on March 20. The “stay at home” order enacted by Harris County, and including the City of Houston, that went into effect on March 24 has been extended through the month of April as well.

Visiting with several of our members and partners over the past days, I am not surprised by their commitment and willingness to get through this in a way that is best for the craftworker, the community and the economy.

Visit https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/uncertainty-highlights-certain-value-agc-its-members-jerry-nevlud/?trackingId=JNa6fgmuOnpH4U55yhWTng%3D%3D to view the full article online.

News you can Use

Pandemic Figures Into Growth of Construction Tech

Investment in construction technology has been soaring in recent years, but the coronavirus pandemic is acting as a litmus test for continued interest. Despite slow construction growth, demand for tech is picking up as managers seek ways to keep tabs on projects remotely.

Visit https://www.constructiondive.com/news/as-coronavirus-necessitates-technology-usage-investors-seem-keen-on-contec/575680/ to view the full article online.

US DOL Publishes Emergency Paid Leave Regulations

The U.S. Department of Labor announced on April 1, 2020 that new action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, both part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

The department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) posted a temporary rule issuing regulations pursuant to this new law, effective April 1, 2020. Read the full article.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610995&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

Construction Layoffs Spread Rapidly Acros Metro Areas

More than a quarter of construction firms responding to an online survey conducted by AGC America last week reported they had furloughed or terminated jobsite workers because of the coronavirus pandemic. The finding contrasts starkly with the association’s analysis of government data released that showed a majority of the nation’s metro areas added construction jobs through February. Read more.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610974&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

COVID-19 Economic Data

Understanding Houston: COVID-19’s potential impact in Greater Houston, by the numbers

Morningstar Outlook: Long-term Economic Impact Forecast

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610940&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

Pandemic Strangles Construction-Material Supply Chain

Many construction materials are sourced from abroad, including countries hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, supply chains for those materials are being disrupted, and shipments are slowing sharply.

Visit https://archpaper.com/2020/03/coronavirus-construction-supply-chain/ to view the full article online.

IRS Offers Several Online Resources to Help Taxpayers During Pandemic

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610942&issueID=69068 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.

AGC Houston Supports 2020 Census

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610944&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

U.S. Lets Importers Postpone Some Tariff Payments

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has notified businesses it will allow delayed payment of import tariffs on a case-by-case basis. Business groups and industries heavily dependent on imports want the Trump administration to terminate or suspend enforcement of major tariffs.

Visit https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-customs-tells-importers-it-will-approve-tariff-delays-on-a-case-by-case-basis-11585144953 to view the full article online.

Membership Benefits

FedEx Is Delivering

In these uncertain times, it’s even more important for businesses like yours to stay in business. Our friends at FedEx are here to help. Their planes are still in the air, their trucks are still on the road and their locations are still open to hold your packages. Learn More

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610933&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

New Contractual Tools to Help Address COVID-19 for Construction Contract Issues

Last week, ConsensusDocs announced expanding access to the contractual tools used to help address the contractual risks presented by COVID-19 crisis.

ConsensusDocs has created a COVID-19 Resource Center for construction law and contract issues that provides a comprehensive analysis contract issues, including a sample notice letter, worker restriction orders across the United States, and a sample essential worker certificate. These tools provide an analysis for existing contracts impacts as well as proactive tools for contracts going forward. Read more.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610956&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

Resources

AGC Houston COVID-19 Recommended Practices for Construction Jobsites

AGC Houston recently compiled a recommended practices document for jobsites in English and in Spanish. As we continue to monitor the situation, it will update it as needed. Be sure to check the AGC Houston COVID-19 Resources page frequently.

What best practices are working for you? Let us know! Please send your commentsand photos to catherine.b@agchouston.org.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610926&issueID=69068 to view the full article online.

CDC Publishes Guidelines for DIY Facemasks

The military branches are requiring troops to make their own cloth face masks and many other private industries and citizens are folowing suit.

While numerous models can be found online, The Centers For Disease Controls has published a guide for DIY cloth face coverings. Additionally, please be advised that some facial hair impedes proper use. CDC has developed an infographic to assist with guidance.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/DIY-cloth-face-covering-instructions_(1).pdf to view the full article online.

SBA Paycheck Protection Program Eligibility Update

New Trump administration guidance allows firms with 500 or fewer employees to qualify for paycheck protection program loans

The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued guidance in response to AGC’s concerns regarding the SBA Paycheck Protection Program eligibility criteria. Read further.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=610929&issueID=69068 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.

For state-by-state breakdowns of construction closures, click here

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.