Workforce
DCA launches new workforce campaign ‘Success Looks Like This’
(UI) — Distribution Contractors Association (DCA) is launching an alluring new workforce initiative — ‘Success Looks Like This’ — a campaign designed to showcase underground utility jobs for what they are: well-paying, personally fulfilling career opportunities.
Common Ground Alliance issues “50 in 5” challenge to cut damages to buried utilities in half by 2028
(UI) – Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national nonprofit trade association, has issued its “50 in 5” industry challenge to stakeholders with a goal of reducing damages to critical underground utilities by 50% in five years.
McElroy receives 'Sharp' award for commitment to workplace safety
(UI) — McElroy, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic fusion equipment, has been recognized for its commitment to workplace safety and its participation in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
Convention Preview: Workforce Development, Damage Prevention Are High on PCCA’s Agenda
(UI) — The Power & Communication Contractors Association (PCCA) entered 2023 focused on issues surrounding the influx of federal funds into the broadband and electric power markets, primarily finding a sufficient workforce, keeping the underground space safe and dealing with various stipulations placed upon the funding. PCCA also has two meetings planned for 2023 – the 78th Annual Convention in Miami, Fla., March 3–8, and the Mid-Year Meeting in Dana Point, Calif., Aug. 6-9.
CUIRE – Forging Ahead in Research, Education and Outreach
It is hard to believe that 20 years have passed since the Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE) was established. In 2000, a trenchless technology conference was held at Michigan State University (MSU). At the end of that conference, a group of industry leaders voted to establish CUIRE.
CASE Construction, country music star launch contest to bring awareness to construction careers
"We need to keep teaching kids that careers in construction bring great pride, lifelong earning potential, and the ability to build a world and path of their own,” said award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Jon Pardi.
Be part of the inaugural UC Awards
The Underground Construction Awards will be the best opportunity of the year to truly recognize and honor the best of this grand, underground infrastructure industry in which we all relish and participate.
Registration open for 14th ASCE UESI/BAMI-I Utility Investigation School
The Buried Asset Management Institute – International & the California Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the ASCE’S Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute, have teamed to conduct the 14th ASCE UESI / BAMI-I UIS School in 2022.
Staggering rise in trenching deaths spurs Department of Labor to enhance enforcement, oversight
In 2022’s first six months, 22 workers have fallen victim to the deadly hazards present in trenching and excavation work – surpassing 15 in all of 2021 – and prompting the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to launch enhanced enforcement initiatives to protect workers from known industry hazards.
Inside Infrastructure: Labor Policy Must Recognize Workforce Capacity Challenges
While the $550 billion bill in new federal investment is promising, the construction industry continues to face stubborn challenges related to job capacity.
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.
Broadband expansion has companies looking to recruit skilled workers
Although major federal investments are aiming to bridge the internet access gap, the funds can only go so far without an increase in the number of workers capable of building and installing high-speed internet infrastructure.
Manufacturing Background Leads Arrow to Contracting Success
With the pandemic and other market factors, Arrow Trenching diversified into wind and solar work, while maintaining relationships with customers in oil and gas.
CGA announces Tristan Brown as keynote at 2022 CGA Conference & Expo
Common Ground Alliance announces Tristan Brown, deputy administrator of PHMSA as the keynote speaker of the 2022 CGA Conference & Expo.
UCTA hosts sporting clays charity event
The Underground Construction Technology Association is hosting a sporting clays charity event on April 23 at the Westside Sporting Grounds in Katy, TX.
Associations strongly oppose executive order involving project labor agreements
The APCA and PCCA show strong opposition to President Biden's executive order to mandate project labor agreements for federal construction projects.
Infrastructure Victory Creates New Challenges for Biden
President Biden faces new challenges after his $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill cleared Congress.
Tom Iseley Received the Civil Engineering Wall of Fame Award Presented By ASCE Louisiana Section
Tom Iseley received the Civil Engineering Wall of Fame Award.
Debra Shore Set to Lead EPA Midwestern Office
President Biden appointed Debra Shore to lead the EPA's Midwestern office.
Patrick D. Michels Elected to National Academy of Construction
Patrick D. Michels, president and CEO of Michels Corporation, will be formally inducted as a member of the National Academy of Construction in October.
Submit Abstracts for Pipelines 2022 and Surveying & Geomatics 2022
Abstract submissions are now open through September for two UESI 2022 conferences in Indiana.
United Rentals Releases Trench Safety Topics to Promote Workplace Safety
United Rentals releases safety topics to promote safety in the workplace.
Contractor Dies in Accident at Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Site
A contractor working on the Enbridge Energy pipeline project in Minnesota has died in a fatal accident.
U.S. Department of Labor Implements Inspection Program to Target Workplaces with Highest Injury and Illness Rates
The U.S. Department of Labor is updating its inspection program to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.
- OSHA investigation launched after worker found unconscious in Kansas City, Mo., sewer pipe
- Emergency rehabilitation brings back Baltimore’s Back River outfall interceptor
- CIPP, tunneling pioneer Robert “Bob” Affholder passes
- Fatal Shawnee trench collapse linked to Oklahoma contractor’s repeated safety violations, OSHA reports
- OSHA cites contractor for fatal trench collapse in New Canaan, Conn.
- CIPP, tunneling pioneer Robert “Bob” Affholder passes
- Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules
- Construction worker dies after being found unconscious in trench box
- Tennessee pipeline gets initial FERC approval despite environmental concerns
- Florence, S.C., to fund $537 million sewer, water upgrade with bonds and 5% rate hike