The 2021 AGC Construction Safety & Health Conference takes place virtually January 13-15. Join us, from wherever you are, for the same superior educational content and peer-to-peer engagement that you have come to expect from AGC. We have reduced the registration fees for this conference to reflect the virtual delivery format. And, if you are unable to join us on those dates or for a specific online session, your registration gives you access to recordings of the education sessions. As always, you will be able to earn continuing education credits for your participation. Register today here. For additional information please visit our conference page. See you there!

Since the start of the pandemic the construction industry has demonstrated that it can continue to work while protecting workers and local communities from the coronavirus. This has been possible because of the incredible effort all of you have made to adapt your operations, procure personal protective equipment, and establish new working rules to mitigate against the spread of the virus. Thanks to you, our industry has not suffered the kind of widespread workplace outbreaks that have hobbled so many other sectors of the economy.

Four years ago, AGC's Director of Utility Infrastructure Division, Allen Gray. was invited to join the Gold Shovel Association (GSA) Board of Directors to help bring a construction industry perspective to the organization. He accepted the invitation in hopes of helping make the organization more palatable to the construction industry as well as increase public and jobsite safety. Recently he was asked to serve another term but declined. Here is why.

On Thursday, January 7 at 12 p.m. EST, AGC of America and Sage will release their national and state construction hiring and business forecasts for 2021 during a virtual media event on Facebook Live. The forecast is based on a comprehensive survey of construction firms nationwide. It includes predictions on how demand for construction, the need to add new staff, and whether firms will invest in new equipment and technology will be impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

 

 

Scott Frazer, corporate director of safety at The Boldt Company, a member of multiple AGC chapters, is the newest advisory board member of the Florida Chamber Safety Council. The Council is a statewide resource for fostering safety, health and sustainability among Florida businesses and brings together top safety professionals from companies and institutions nationwide. 

 

 

Western Specialty Contractors, a member of multiple AGC chapters, recently announced the appointment of Alex Jeffries of Ballwin, MO as its safety director. Jeffries will be responsible for directing, developing and overseeing the general health and safety policies of the organization, plus ensuring compliance with OSHA and other state, local and industry-specific regulations.

McCarthy Building Companies Inc., a member of multiple AGC chapters, has promoted Travis Nestor to southwest regional safety director. In his new role, he will oversee regional and company-wide safety initiatives as he continues to provide high level service in training, communication, case management, policy and procedure improvements and promotes McCarthy’s genuine safety culture throughout operations in Arizona, Colorado and Nevada.

Companies need guidance on how to investigate a job site accident properly. This program helps you better prepare contractors for investigating accidents on their jobsite, including root cause analysis. Accidents occur on construction jobsites every day. The failure of people, equipment, supplies, or surroundings causes most of them. Incident investigations determine how and why these failures occur. By using the information gained through an investigation, a similar, or perhaps more disastrous, accident may be prevented. It is important to conduct incident investigations with prevention in mind and not blame. Package includes a twenty-two minute DVD video and one booklet. This video is now available for licensing. If interested, please contact Marketing Manager, Laura Alcocer at laura.alcocer@agc.org.

COVID-19 has led construction companies to adopt new digital check-in apps that keep employees safe and jobsites symptom-free from the virus. Employers are discovering additional benefits with the use of these apps – benefits that may protect them from potential lawsuits.
BY BRIAN JUNGINGER, CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION ATTORNEY
MCINERNEY & DILLON, AN AGC OF CALIFORNIA MEMBER