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11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Do you have questions about the impact of ACA on your business? Not sure of your options and consequences? Gain an update on the ACA, recommendations for analyzing the impact on your business, and solutions for implementation. Hear from three industry experts about the latest changes to the Affordable Care Act and how the ACA will impact your business. Topics will include: • What the new world of health insurance looks like from the insurance carriers based on the size of the employer • Updates on when penalties will be assessed based on the employer size • Transitional rules for 2015/2016 • Seasonal employee exception • Measurement and stability periods • Non-discrimination rules To learn more and register, please click here.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290545&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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The General Election is November 4 - www.VoteTexas.gov
October 20 - First Day of Early Voting
October 31 - Last Day of Early Voting November 4 - Election Day Visit http://bipac.net/page.asp?content=startpage&g=agchouston to view the full article online. |
REGISTER YOUR TEAM TODAY! We're excited about this new event specifically designed to support our advocacy efforts. Join us at Houston's premier golf entertainment complex, Topgolf, for this fun event geared for golfers of all levels—beginner to advanced. The tournament is limited to first 50 teams of four players and benefits the AGC Houston Advocacy Fund. Fees include three rounds of Topgolf, food, beverages, and libations. Awards will be given to top three teams. Registration begins at 2:00 p.m., with the tournament being held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1870 to view the full article online.
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Gain an awareness of how pre-project planning affects the potential success of a project and understand the different areas of planning for the construction phase of a project. Broaden your understanding of the impact building codes, permits, reviews and inspections can have on a project. Learn how Building Information Modeling (BIM), LEED, environmental issues and lean construction are impacting the construction industry.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1428 to view the full article online. |
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This session will build on the Liens and Bonds speech with an advanced discussion of liens and how they are enforced. The session will also cover a variety of payment topics such as spotting important issues in joint check agreements, the new law related to releases and the construction trust fund act.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1388 to view the full article online. |
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BIM Contract Negotiation and Risk Allocation is a full-day course that examines BIM and contract terminology to determine best practices for integrating BIM use into project contracts.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1414 to view the full article online. |
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Understand the types and sources of risk and how risk changes over the different phases of a project. Learn techniques for managing risk and how the scope and nature of risk management varies based on project contracting methods. Gain insight into the basics of insurance and bonding and how quality control/quality assurance plans help mitigate performance risk.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1429 to view the full article online. |
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AGC Houston-Frontline Leadership is a six-session training program designed to equip new, current, or aspiring supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage and develop their people and projects. The format consists of six, half-day modules that can be taken as stand-alone courses or as part of the series.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1681 to view the full article online. |
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Completion of this course meets the requirements of OSHA Paragraph 1926.50, and participants will receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid and CPR/AED wallet card valid for two years upon course completion.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1675 to view the full article online. |
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AGC Houston-Frontline Leadership is a six-session training program designed to equip new, current, or aspiring supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage and develop their people and projects. The format consists of six, half-day modules that can be taken as stand-alone courses or as part of the series.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1676 to view the full article online. |
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OSHA has issued a final rule extending the deadline for crane operator certification requirements in the Cranes and Derricks in Construction final rule published Aug. 9, 2010, by three years, to Nov. 10, 2017. The rule also extends by three years the employer's responsibility to ensure that crane operators are competent to operate a crane safely. The final rule becomes effective Nov. 9, 2014. During the three-year period, OSHA will address operator qualification requirements for the cranes standards including the role of operator certification. The final cranes and derricks rule required crane operators on construction sites to meet one of four qualification/certification options by Nov. 10, 2014.
Visit https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=26760 to view the full article online. |
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This class addresses the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment, to prevent the release of hazardous energy while employees perform servicing or maintenance activities. Click here for information about the Spanish session.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1827 to view the full article online. |
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This course covers the OSHA Standards, policies, and procedures in the construction industry. Topics include scope and application of the OSHA Construction Standards, construction safety and health principles, and special emphasis on those areas in construction that are most hazardous.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1761 to view the full article online. |
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This course covers the use of ergonomic principles to recognize, evaluate, and control workplace conditions that cause or contribute to musculoskeletal and nerve disorder. Course topics include work physiology, anthropometry, musculoskeletal disorders, use of video display terminals, and risk factors such as vibration, temperature, material handling, repetition, and lifting and patient transfers in health care.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1756 to view the full article online. |
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This course covers the OSHA standards, policies, and procedures in general industry. Topics include scope and application of the OSHA General Industry Standards, general industry principles and special emphasis on those areas in general industry that are most hazardous.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1757 to view the full article online. |
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This construction 10-hour safety course covers the safety requirements as contained in 29 CFR 1926. This course is designed to provide an entry-level construction workers general awareness on recognizing and preventing hazards on a construction site.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1638 to view the full article online. |
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This course covers the requirements for the establishment, maintenance, and monitoring of a respiratory protection program. Course topics include terminology, OSHA Respiratory Protection Standards, NIOSH certification, respiratory protection programs, and medical evaluation requirements.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1759 to view the full article online. |
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290636&issueID=40135 to view the full article online.
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In commercial construction, fabric panels systems seldom hit the radar when Fire Code compliance is considered. They usually come to light after an incident. Typically, Plan Review Departments within some major metropolitan areas focus primarily on the obvious considerations of occupancy, egress, exits, stairwells, sprinkler heads and strobes long before wall finishes and then, sometimes they are not considered or reviewed at all. The continual non-enforcement of fire ratings and testing on textiles or fabric panel systems contributes to the complacency about fire code compliance for those systems. The lack of enforcement may actually make it appear to some contractors and designers that the code is non-existent, but the code does exist.
Visit http://www.constructioncitizen.com/blog/liability-fire-code-compliance-absence-enforcement/1410091 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290561&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290562&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290563&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290564&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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"The AGC Alternative," the first of its kind, nationwide private insurance exchange to serve the commercial construction industry, begins offering firms belonging to the Associated General Contractors of America quotes today.
The private exchange, developed in collaboration with Willis North America, a unit of Willis Group Holdings, the global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker, features comprehensive insurance coverage from Aetna, MetLife and Group Vision Service as part of its introductory suite of benefits. Now that the exchange's initial benefits providers have been selected, association members can get coverage quotes for policies that go into effect as early as January 1, 2015. For more information about the association's new private insurance exchange, click here.
Visit http://www.agc.org/cs/news_media/press_room/press_release?pressrelease.id=1615 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290566&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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A final rule announced September 11, 2014, requires employers to notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a work-related hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye. The rule, which also updates the list of employers partially exempt from OSHA record-keeping requirements, will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015, for workplaces under federal OSHA jurisdiction.
Under the revised rule, employers will be required to notify OSHA of work-related fatalities within eight hours, and work-related in-patient hospitalizations, amputations or losses of an eye within 24 hours. Visit http://agchouston.org/pages/osha_expands_requirements_for_reporting_sever_injuries_and_fatalities._1856.asp to view the full article online. |
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) released its final
rule implementing Executive Order 13658 (EO), which establishes a minimum wage of $10.10 per hour for direct federal prime contractors and subcontractors at all tiers. That $10.10 minimum wage must be adjusted annually for inflation. The new minimum wage will take effect on direct federal agency contracts entered into on or after Jan. 1, 2015. Visit http://news.agc.org/2014/10/06/final-rule-for-federal-contractor-minimum-wage/ to view the full article online. |
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San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk
San Antonio, Texas Register today for the CLC Leadership Development Conference. This year’s event is co-hosted with the San Antonio Chapter of AGC and will take place at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk. Highlights of the program include keynote speaker George "The Iceman" Gervin, former San Antonio Spurs player; Chuck Greco, Linbeck Group, LLC, and Senior Vice President of AGC of America; and a roundtable session that will allow attendees to learn best practices from CLC groups from across the country.
Visit http://meetings.agc.org/ldc14/ to view the full article online. |
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Many construction firms are still using multiple documentation and management processes that are 50 or more years old with paper prints and specifications still being the major documentation tool. To complicate the problem, as projects have become more complex, we have added more documentation, duplicated tasks and delegated responsibilities, creating inefficiencies and errors in the field. Hear how PCL Construction has utilized Autodesk BIM 360 to create repeatable document management processes to fuel their construction execution activities like layout—resulting in greater efficiencies with fewer errors. Click here for more information and details registering for this event.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290571&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Managing risk is not only about having insurance policies and practices in place. This webinar explores key risk areas of the construction business where it has proven valuable to leverage technology that supports enterprise-wide risk management approaches. Topics include safety & training, insurance compliance, content management, subcontractor management and much more. Click here for more details and to register.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290572&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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Caesar's Palace
Las Vegas, Nevada The Construction Financial Management Conference was developed in response to a need for programs and workshops designed specifically for financial professionals in the construction industry. The three-day conference will feature lectures and workshops on topics such as construction taxes, change order and claims management, federal acquisition regulations and more.
Visit http://meetings.agc.org/agc_cfma/ to view the full article online. |
The evening ended with a delicious dinner at the Rainbow Lodge, where Mike Holland, Marek Brothers Systems, Inc., and Jason Kopke, Marek Sawing & Drilling, LLC, led a discussion about the Jesse Jones biography, Brother, Can You Spare a Billion? The group is currently gearing up for the next segment on November 22 and participate in a community service project in tandem with the ACE Mentor program. For more information about the Leadership AGC program, click here.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290641&issueID=40135 to view the full article online.
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Anslow Bryant Construction, Ltd., recently relocated their Houston office to the Nexen building located at 945 Bunker Hill. Anslow Bryant officially moved on August 8 and opened their doors on September 18 for an open house to celebrate their beautiful new office. They also took home an award for the Nexen building for the GC-19 Office Building Under $10m category in the 2014 APEX 11 Awards. We wish you continued success in the future and congratulations on the exciting relocation! Photo: Benito Guerrier, Kirksey Architecture; Larry Whaley, Cardno Haynes Whaley; Jeff Bryant, Anslow Bryant Construction, Ltd.; and Doug Hammel, Kirksey Architecture, visit at the Nexen open house.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290575&issueID=40135 to view the full article online.
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Congratulations to Anslow Bryant Construction, Ltd. on the recent topping out of the 20-story Air Liquide tower built in Memorial City. The company will relocate from the Galleria next year when the building is completed. A 20-foot Texas Pine tree was hoisted by a crane on Friday, October 17. Air Liquide's U.S. operation, American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. (American Air Liquide), is part of an international group specialized in gases for industry, health and the environment.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290757&issueID=40135 to view the full article online.
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In the past 11 months, 20 workers have died on the job in the Bayou City, according to a report from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Houston had the most workplace fatalities nationally and more than double that of New York, which ranked No. 2. Nearly half of Houston’s workplace deaths occurred in Houston’s booming construction industry. Causes included fatal falls, electrocutions and infrastructure collapses. As a result, Houston developers, engineers and homebuilders are facing increased scrutiny from OSHA investigators—and the potential for hefty penalties and fines. AGC Houston and OSHA recently signed the AGC/OSHA Strategic Partnership Program, which aims to encourage construction companies to voluntarily improve their safety and health performance, provide methods to assist in the efforts, and recognize companies with exemplary safety and health programs. This partnership is open to all AGC members that meet the qualification requirements. To learn more, click here or contact Safety Director, Kim Mason.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290633&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration wants to overhaul its approach to reducing workplace exposure to hazardous chemicals—and the agency is asking for your help. For the next six months, OSHA will accept comments on the best ways to protect workers from illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances. It’s specifically asking stakeholders, including businesses, for suggestions on how to streamline risk assessment and develop alternatives to updating permissible exposure limits (PELs) for chemicals.
Visit http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/news-wire/2014/10/09/osha-seeks-new-approach-to-hazardous-chemicals.html to view the full article online. |
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A $4,000 piece of equipment that can be purchased on Amazon can save construction contractors in Houston big bucks over time and improve communication with their customers. Using drones to photograph and video projects while they are underway and once they are completed are becoming the norm in Houston’s commercial real estate market. Residential realtors are also using the aerial footage to market their properties to buyers and the oil and gas industry uses drones to provide mapping for remote areas.
Visit http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/09/how-drones-are-changing-the-way-we-build-market-in.html to view the full article online. |
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The ACE Mentor Program of Houston invites you to join in The Third Annual Build It Forward Event. This event brings together students involved in the ACE Mentor Program and industry-wide professionals. For more information and to learn how you can get involved, please click here.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290577&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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Industry experts say two of the biggest challenges facing Houston’s construction industry are the rising cost of building materials and a strained labor market, where builders are reporting that their competitors are poaching workers from their job sites, and the challenges are predicted to continue. While costs have steadily increased since 2012, they went up significantly in Houston during the past year with high demand, labor shortages, concrete shortages, long lead times for critical components, and subcontractor fees and unavailability among the drivers of the cost surges, according to Houston-based Kirksey Architecture’s 2014 Construction Cost report.
AGC Houston and The Construction Career Collaborative are committed to enhancing career opportunities and ensuring the construction industry continues to progress. We are proud to offer the skill and safety training necessary to maintain a safe and educated workforce. To view more information about C3, click here and to see what AGC safety and education classes are being offered this month, click here.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=290578&issueID=40135 to view the full article online. |
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Two Houston school districts and a college system are putting new construction bonds to the vote next month and, if passed, could collectively add $1.47 billion of construction projects to a busy market already fiercely competing for labor and materials. In November, voters served by Katy ISD and Lamar CISD as well as the Lone Start College System will consider multimillion-dollar bonds.
Visit http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/10/over-1b-of-houstonconstruction-projects-could-be.html to view the full article online. |
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The increased coverage around Obamacare and the state’s strong economy has led to more people being covered under employer insurance, which has played a role in bringing the number of uninsured down. However, due to Texas' lack of a comprehensive Medicaid program, the state has seen a much larger drop in the percentage of uninsured. This will begin to affect employers, especially those who hire low-income, uninsured workers. Employer penalties for uninsured employees will start in 2015. Dr. Vivian Ho of the Baker Institute states, "If these workers aren't insured, it’s more people these employers will have to take a penalty for because it’s expected the employers should provide insurance for uninsured people."
Visit http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/vital-signs/2014/09/obamacare-made-a-dent-in-the-number-of-uninsured.html to view the full article online. |
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The Texas Supreme Court recently issued a blockbuster opinion affirming the limited scope of no-damages for delay clauses. The Court recognized the traditional exceptions to the enforcement of no-damages-for-delay clauses. These include an owner’s "active interference" with a contractor "or other wrongful conduct," including "arbitrary and capricious acts." The Court reasoned that the purpose of such exceptions is to "preclude a party from insulating himself from liability for his own deliberate, wrongful conduct." No longer is there uncertainty about the applicability of the traditionally recognized exceptions to no damages clauses. Texas now falls in line with the majority of states.
Visit http://www.andrewsmyers.com/news-09-29-2014.html to view the full article online. |