Coronavirus Coverage

The Pressure is on in 2022

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

As we move into 2022, along with the uncertainty associated with COVID-19, contractors will face a variety of other issues.

Decarbonization Fundamentals

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Most global climate scientists agree the main cause is human expansion of the greenhouse effect, the warming that occurs when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space.

The Value of Innovation in 2022

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Tom Harris returns for another discussion with W&C about the challenges facing spray foam insulation, growth in the industry, and his overall impression of the future for the industry.

VIDEO: Biden Administration Withdraws Vaccine-or-Test ETS for Large Businesses

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

On Tuesday, the Biden administration announced it is withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccinate-or-test rule for large businesses following the Supreme Court’s decision to block the rule on Jan. 13.

OSHA Vaccine Mandate Withdrawal Will Ease Sector’s Labor Challenges

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 23:10:00 -0500

The Biden Administration’s decision to withdraw its emergency vaccine mandate for firms that employ 100 or more people will help firms avoid losing workers unwilling to comply with the new measure.

OSHA Withdraws COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 23:03:00 -0500

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is withdrawing the vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard issued on Nov. 5, 2021, to protect unvaccinated employees of large employers with 100 or more employees from workplace exposure to coronavirus.

What 2022 Means for the Industry

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Construction executives have cooled their expectations about the foreseeable future of construction.

A Construction Prognosis

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In my opinion, and from my research, there are five trends which show the industry is in a state of turmoil.

VIDEO: Supreme Court Blocks Vaccine Mandate ETS

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 10:32:56 -0500

After weeks of legal wrangling, the U.S. Supreme Court provided some clarity to the debate over the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate for larger employers with its ruling to block initiative.

Construction Firms Foresee Growing Demand for Most Types of Projects, as 74 Percent of Firms Plan to Hire in 2022

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:48:00 -0500

Construction contractors expect increasing demand for numerous types of projects in 2022 despite ongoing supply chain and labor challenges, as most firms plan to add workers this year.

Determining the OSHA ETS 100-Employee Threshold

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 12:04:00 -0500

After the surprising ruling in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the OSHA ETS, the United States Supreme Court will now make a final determination as to its legality. This article will briefly discuss what employers must know to determine whether the ETS applies to them or not.

VIDEO: Shocking Ruling from Court of Appeals on Vaccine Mandates

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:20:00 -0500

In this short, five-minute video, Trent Cotney, CEO of Cotney Attorneys & Consultants discusses the surprise ruling from the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and what it means for contractors that need to prepare for an enforcement period scheduled to begin in early 2022.

Cal Drywall Campaigns to Get its Workers Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:07:00 -0500

The construction industry at large is struggling to get workers vaccinated, with only 55% of workers vaccinated nationally. With over 600 employees, Cal Drywall has reached a 90.1% COVID-19 vaccination rate.

VIDEO: How New Vaccine Mandate Court Rulings Affect Contractors

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 13:30:29 -0500

Courts are weighing in on COVID-19 vaccine mandates issued for federal contractors and large businesses, which could give reprieves for business scrambling to comply – if only temporarily.

VIDEO: Jan. 4 Vaccination Deadline Still Looms for Contractors

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:56:37 -0500

The confusion over the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate for employers continues as officials from the White House and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) issue conflicting statements on enforcement.

VIDEO: Details on OSHA’s Vaccine Mandate ETS

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:29:00 -0500

The legal wrangling over President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all employers with 100 or more workers is just getting started.

VIDEO: Houston-area Contractor Has the Chops for Development

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 14:47:46 -0500

Walls & Ceilings Editor John Wyatt is joined by Chad Dupree. Dupree is CEO/Project Manager of Diversified Plastering, a Houston–based company.

New Federal COVID Vaccine Rule Will Likely Add to Sector’s Labor Challenges, AGC Predicts

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Instead of providing additional resources and support to encourage workers to do the right thing, the Biden administration’s new vaccine mandates will make the challenge of vaccinating more construction professionals harder, based on our initial analysis of the measure.

Commercial Construction Industry Labor Challenge Solutions

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

It is no secret that the U.S. is suffering from a post-pandemic labor shortage. The commercial construction industry was already suffering labor losses prior to Covid-19 and is finding it even more difficult now to attract skilled and general labor.

How To Survive The Supply Chain Crisis

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Lumber and steel, drywall and insulation, new cars and rental cars, computer chips and bacon. What do these commodities all have in common? They are in short supply.

Don’t Waste the Opportunity Offered by a Crisis

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

As I think about the words of the Italian diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli, “Never waste the opportunity offered by a good crisis,” I can’t help but think how that relates to us today.

Increasing Mental Health Awareness, Safety in Construction With Technology

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 14:10:00 -0400

There’s one critical safety element that the construction industry often overlooks – mental health.

Construction Workforce Shortages Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 13:54:00 -0400

AGC and Autodesk's survey results underscore how the coronavirus pandemic has created constraints on the demand for work even as it limits the number of workers available to hire.

Construction Industry Adds 11,000 Jobs In July, Nonresidential Employment Still Trailing

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 13:37:00 -0400

The construction industry added 11,000 jobs between June and July but nonresidential construction employment remains far below pre-pandemic levels.

The Cost of Doing Business…From Home

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Now that the pandemic is turning a corner, the big question is whether employees should return to in-person workplaces. Even though there are definite benefits to distance working, many business leaders are short-sighted about this issue.

Four Reasons to Consider Panelized EIFS

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Prefabrication is undoubtedly changing the way construction professionals specify and build. While some GC’s and design professionals fear the process is complex, costly, and/or time-consuming, even more are enjoying its benefits, especially in terms of panelized EIFS façades.

AD Gypsum Supply Division Offers Industry Insights, Looks Ahead During Virtual Spring Meeting

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 12:35:00 -0400

AD hosted its 2021 Gypsum Supply Division Virtual Spring Meeting, offering members and suppliers a multi-day agenda filled with informative industry speakers and collaborative sessions.

How to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone in Challenging Times

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

You’ve probably done this before—maybe leaping before you looked. Like winning the low bid and living to regret it.

Western Specialty Contractors to Host FREE Workshop on Navigating Today’s Construction Climate

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 16:08:00 -0400

The façade restoration experts at WSC, along with Rooftech/Pavetech Consultants and Sika, are hosting a FREE online workshop 1-2:30 p.m. CST on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 to discuss how building owners and facility managers can navigate the current construction climate and keep their capital and operational projects on track.

Now is the Time to Promote the Skilled Trades

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:02:00 -0400

During the past several years, there has been continuing concern about the scarcity of trade professionals. And how our industry can increase interest in careers within these professions. While many programs have been introduced to promote the home and building product channel as a viable — and rewarding — career path, these initiatives deserve further commitment.