Members' Edge - July 23, 2020

Safety

Safe + Sound Week Kicks Off Aug. 10-16, 2020

OSHA encourages America's workplaces to commit to workplace safety and health by participating in Safe + Sound Week, Aug. 10-16. This nationwide event recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe.

Visit https://www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek/ to view the full article online.

Upcoming Safety Classes

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626764&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626763&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

AGC News

AGC Of America Notes: Construction Jobs Rose in June But Remain at Risk

Construction employment increased from May to June in 31 states and the District of Columbia, but the gains may have stalled, according to an analysis by AGC of America. Association officials have urged officials in Washington to promptly enact funding for infrastructure projects and plug looming state and local budget deficits to head off a new round of job losses.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/07/17/construction-employment-rises-may-june-31-states-slips-18-association-warns-job to view the full article online.

AGC Launches Nationwide Campaign to Make Jobsites More Inclusive

AGC of America launched a nationwide program on May 13, 2020, designed to help expand the diversity of the industry by making job sites more inclusive. Called Culture of CARE (commit, attract, retain and empower), it is designed to help firms create more welcoming workplace environments for staff, particularly those from diverse demographic backgrounds.

In addition to the new program, the association has already released its Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion in the Construction Industry, which provides the economic, safety and productivity rationale for expanding construction diversity.

Visit BuildCulture.org

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626770&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626772&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

AGC Puts Forth Construction Firm Liability and WC Protections

AGC recently provided key members of Congress with its recommendations and white paper, detailing construction employer COVID-19 liability protections and unreasonable workers compensation burdens. Without such legislative action, it will be more difficult for the construction industry to help stem the tide of job losses and build the path to economic recovery.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626773&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

News you can Use

COVID-19: Dealing With Contractors Who Have Not Taken Proper Measures

In the multi-employer construction environment, one employer’s efforts can be thwarted if that employer’s employees work side-by-side with the workforce of a contractor that has not taken COVID-19 preventative measures. Tony Stergio, Andrews Myers, PC, states that contractors must plan a course of action to take when working near contractors who have failed to take measures to protect against the virus or, worse, are actively avoiding quarantining and furloughs by permitting symptomatic and directly exposed employees to work.

Visit https://agchouston.org/AGCH/News/Articles/COVID-19_Dealing_with_Contractors_that_Have_Not_Taken_Proper_Measures.aspx to view the full article online.

Medistar Corp.,the University of Houston and Texas A&M TeamUp: Air Filter Destroys Coronavirus

A collaboration inspired by Medistar Corp. and including researchers from the University of Houston and Texas A&M has developed a heating ventilating and air conditioning system filter, made from nickel foam, that can trap and instantly kill 99.8% of the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, say the lead researchers on the team. The investigators also say the filter catches and destroys 99.9% of anthrax spores and other pathogens, including the legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease.

Visit https://www.enr.com/articles/49741-medistar-to-roll-out-air-filter-that-kills-coronavirus-say-researchers to view the full article online.

Recent Immigration Decisions to Impact Construction Industry

Two recent immigration decisions highlight the need for Congress to enact permanent immigration reform. First, last week, the Supreme Court ruled that recipients under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) can continue to legally work in the country.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/06/25/recent-immigration-decisions-impact-construction-industry to view the full article online.

DOL Releases Additional Guidance as Workplaces Reopen

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) released additional guidance to provide information to workers and employers about how the requirements and protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA),(link is external) the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA),(link is external) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)(link is external) that impact the workplace as they continue to reopen.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/07/21/dol-releases-additional-guidance-workplaces-reopen to view the full article online.

Harris County Commissioners OK $30M Small Business Recovery Fund Grant Program

Harris County Commissioners Court approved a $30 million grant program designed to help small businesses that have yet to receive Covid-19 relief.

The Small Business Recovery Fund program, or SBRF, was approved unanimously by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the Harris County commissioners during the Commissioners Court meeting June 30. The $30 million grant program will be established with federal funding Harris County received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Visit https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2020/06/30/harris-county-commissioners-small-business-grants.html?utm_content=1593597607&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin to view the full article online.

Minority-Owned Firms Hit Harder Amid Pandemic

Pandemic lockdowns have been tough on the construction industry but have been especially difficult for minority-owned firms, which already face challenges. "Now we're in a space where there are, one, fewer opportunities, and two, a more desperate and dire need for access to working capital," which has always been more elusive for minority-owned firms, says Kenneth Thomas, co-founder of the Minority & Women Contractors & Developers Association.

Visit https://www.constructiondive.com/news/covid-19-presents-new-challenges-for-minority-owned-construction-firms/580683/ to view the full article online.

Membership Benefits

Save Up To 78% On Select FedEx Services

Join the FREE FedEx Advantage® program and the discounts keep coming. AGC members will enjoy savings of up to 78% on select services.

The program is free to join and no minimum shipping, copy or print requirements to take advantage of this great member benefit. Sign up now or call 1.888.708.4100.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626767&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

Crisis Response Toolkit - AGC Members Save 15% On CrisisDriver

CrisisDriver enables contractors to build project-specific response and crisis communications plans to quickly and successfully manage negative events.

With this tool, you’ll be equipped to properly manage a crisis from beginning to the end while communicating clearly throughout the process.

Available to AGC Houston Members at an exclusive discount. Click here to learn more or schedule a short demo today.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626768&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

Resources

AGC Houston COVID-19 Recommended Practices for Construction Jobsites

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626760&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

The Heat is On! Keeping Workers Safe

Employers should have an emergency plan in place that specifies what to do if a worker has signs of heat-related illness, and ensures that medical services are available if needed.

OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Heat page explains what employers can do to keep workers safe and what workers need to know - including factors for heat illness, adapting to working in indoor and outdoor heat, protecting workers, recognizing symptoms, and first aid training.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626761&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

It's Hurricane Season! What's Your Contingency Plan?

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626762&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

Here's Looking at You

Kyle Holland Joins AGC Houston as Vice President

AGC Houston is excited to announce the addition of Kyle Holland, who recently joined the Chapter team as Vice President.
Holland previously worked for Gilbane Building Company, originally as a Project Manager, and more recently as a Business Development Manager. Prior to Gilbane, he also worked for JE Dunn Construction. Holland has been involved with AGC for all of his 9+ years in the construction industry, serving on several committees including the CLC Board, Membership Committee and Construction Futures Committee. Kyle was the first Chair of the Leadership AGC sub-committee, and participated in the original class of the Leadership AGC Program in 2015.
Kyle Holland graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Sports Management, and worked in the sports industry for two years prior to getting back into construction. He and his wife Ashley have two young children and are Walt Disney World Annual Passholders - a passion they share with their daughter and son.

Welcome to the AGC family, Kyle!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626774&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.

AGC Houston Members Sporting New "Keeping Safety Viral" Hardhat Stickers

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=626775&issueID=69075 to view the full article online.