Labor
McElroy receives OSHA SHARP recognition for workplace safety
McElroy has been recognized for its commitment to workplace safety with a new designation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
OSHA cites contractor for fatal trench collapse in New Canaan, Conn.
A contractor from Easton could have prevented the death of an employee, who was repairing an underground water line, in a trench collapse at a New Canaan work site in December 2023, according to an investigation by OSHA.
OSHA investigation launched after worker found unconscious in Kansas City, Mo., sewer pipe
A construction worker in Missouri was hospitalized in critical condition on July 8 after he was discovered unresponsive in a sewer pipe. Emergency responders arrived at Old Santa Fe Road and located the man inside a 15-foot manhole.
Judge blocks Department of Labor's expanded Davis-Bacon rule
(UI) — A federal judge has blocked the Department of Labor's new rule expanding the Davis-Bacon Act, siding with the Associated General Contractors of America in their lawsuit.
Fiber Broadband Association survey: Labor contributed 73% of underground build costs in 2023
The study explored many factors that influence cost but often make it challenging to compare costs across deployments. This includes cost components like labor, materials, build scenarios, and the choice of construction method.
Researchers develop safety monitoring system for construction sites
(UI) — University of Houston computer scientists have developed a new system to keep construction workers safe at job sites. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 4,764 workers died on the job in 2020. Employees in construction and extraction occupations accounted for 20% of those deaths.
Registration open for 17th ASCE UESI/BAMI-I Utility Investigation School
(UI) — The Buried Asset Management Institute – International (BAMI-I) and ASCE’S Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI) Pittsburgh chapter have teamed to conduct the 17th ASCE UESI/BAMI-I UIS School in 2023.
Strange Days
I think it’s safe to say that most people in the underground utility and pipeline industry entered 2022 hoping for a strong rebound and return to a much sought-after normal year. Ironically, 2022 has proven to be a year beset by bizarre challenges, yet still sugar-coated with financial windfalls.
WEF Panel to Study Biohazards, Safety for Wastewater Workers
To ensure the protection of wastewater workers during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond, the Water Environment Federation is convening a blue-ribbon panel of experts to evaluate information on biological hazards and safety precautions.
Underground Construction and Related Industries Respond to Coronavirus
While much of North America hunkers down to wait out the coronavirus pandemic, essential workers at companies throughout the underground construction industry are continuing to deliver vital services to customers.
Industry Labor Shortages to Continue Through 2030: Report
The threat of labor shortages is greater now in blue-collar and manual-services occupations than in white-collar jobs. A new study by The Conference Board explains why the trend is expected to last a decade and how companies are responding to the hiring challenge.
John Deere Launches Apprenticeship Program
John Deere is helping to address the widespread shortage of service technicians, especially in rural areas, through a new Registered Apprenticeship Program it is making available to its dealers.
$21.95 Billion Global HDD Market Forecast by 2026
A new report by ResearchAndMarkets.com estimates the global horizontal directional drilling (HDD) market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.6 percent to $21.95 billion in 2026 from $6.43 billion in 2017.
Quanta Acquires Training College to Address Worker Shortages, Training
In its effort to head off a growing shortage of skilled workers, Quanta Services has taken the unusual step of acquiring Northwest Lineman College (NLC).
- OSHA cites Florida contractors for trench safety violations at sewer and excavation sites
- Cadiz to reuse steel from terminated Keystone XL pipeline for California groundwater project
- Lynchburg, Va., breaks ground on largest-ever Blackwater CSO tunnel project
- Biden-Harris administration invests $849 million in aging water infrastructure, drought resilience
- The EPA announces $6.2 billion in funding for Iowa and Kansas water infrastructure