As Nearly 80% of Texas Contractors Struggle with Workforce, Industry Leaders Call for Immigration Reform as Part of Comprehensive Plan

The following article was authored by Scott Braddock and originally published on ConstructionCitizen.com.Despite the efforts of Houston and Texas construction leaders to bolster the workforce in a variety of ways, a staggering 78 percent of contractors in this state still say they are struggling to find qualified craft workers needed to keep up with demand. That’s why the AGC of America this week in Houston unveiled a new workforce plan including a renewed call for immigration reform at...

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Weekly Toolbox Talk: Shortcuts

All of us have exposed ourselves to possible injury by taking shortcuts when a few extra seconds would have meant doing something the safe way. We did this as children when we jumped the fence instead of using the gate. We do it today when we cross streets between intersections instead of at corners.Many people show disregard for the fact that minor safety violations may have serious consequences. If any of you are in the habit of taking shortcuts, you must break that habit now! In our...

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How ABC Members Are Working Together to Include Women on the Jobsite

The following article was authored by Harrell, Lauren. Reprinted from BuildHoustonOnline.com, August 21, 2018, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.There are many challenges in the construction industry, but one of the largest is the availability of craft-worker manpower. According to The National Association of Women in Construction, women only comprise nine percent of the total craft-worker workforce, so construction...

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Weekly Toolbox Talk: Hazard Analysis - Working Around Sprinklers or Electrical Areas

Notice to Supervisors: Read and prepare for safety meeting. Make sure all employees understand the importance of following our Hazard Analysis and the procedures to work around sprinkler and electrical areas.Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to such dangers as electrical shock, electrocution, fires and explosions. However when we talk about fires, is also important to mention that sprinkler systems are installed in projects to prevent fire...

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Weekly Toolbox Talk: Material Handling and Hand Safety

Sharp edges and puncture hazardsWhen you are handling metal, remember the sharp rolled edges. Every employee gets relaxed around metal: when you see your co-workers do this, remind them about the sharp edges. Many hand lacerations are caused by carelessness - losing your grip and not wearing gloves (PPE) while handling metal framing, trash and grid. The hazard is there when we are stocking, installing or cleaning up. Always use gloves when handling any kind of metal. Keep in mind the screws...

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Academy supports engineering excellence through nine research fellowships

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Senators Consider Different Perspectives on Expanding Apprenticeship Opportunities in the United States

I recently had the privilege of offering testimony before the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) in Washington, DC related to the expansion of apprenticeship programs designed to create new opportunities. I was testifying on behalf of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a national construction trade organization with 21,000 members, through the lens of my experience with MAREK. I was joined by three others who spoke from alternate...

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Weekly Toolbox Talk: Employee Handbook Part II

ACCIDENTSIn the event an employee is involved in an accident or sustains an injury while on the job, they must report it to their supervisor immediately regardless of its severity. First aid supplies are normally maintained at jobsites to take care of certain minor injuries. When medical attention is warranted, the supervisor will assist the employee in getting to proper medical facilities.Where the seriousness of an injury is in question, the supervisor and/or the Company reserve the right to...

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