Author: agcnews

AGC, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other business groups have filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Texas against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The suit challenges OSHA’s new “walkaround” rule, which forces contractors to let potentially anyone, regardless of safety training, construction experience, or intent to accompany a federal safety inspector on a jobsite. AGC asks the court to declare the rule unlawful, vacate it, and stop OSHA from enforcing it. AGC and its co-plaintiffs argue that this rule overturns over 50 years of precedent, which limited such walkarounds to employee representatives, with very limited…

Workers Plead with Drivers to Slow Down in New Videos, Construction Officials Call for Tougher Safety and Education Measures as Annual Survey Details Growing Risks to Drivers & Workers from Work Zone Crashes Sixty-four percent of highway contractors report that motor vehicles crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, putting motorists and workers at risk, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and HCSS. Association officials and construction workers urged drivers to slow down and be careful this summer while driving through construction zones and pushed public…

Every day, contractors in highway work zones face extreme dangers as they strive to keep our roads safe. This video sheds light on the real and harrowing experiences of these workers, emphasizing the critical need for driver awareness and caution. 🔸 Life on the Edge: Imagine stepping out your front door to a truck speeding by just feet away. For highway workers, this is a daily reality. They constantly face the threat of speeding vehicles and distracted drivers. 🔸 Personal Stories: Hear from those directly affected by tragic incidents, including fatalities, that have left deep scars on families and communities.…

The Associated General Contractors of America, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of business groups, filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Texas, Waco Division against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The lawsuit challenges the agency’s new “walkaround” rule, which forces contractors to let potentially anyone, regardless of safety training, construction experience or intent to accompany a federal safety inspector on a jobsite. The suit argues that agency officials upended over 50 years of precedent by dramatically expanding the type of third parties allowed to accompany inspectors during walkarounds. Previously, the agency would only…

Groups Oppose Occupational Safety and Health Administration Measure that Forces Contractors to Let Potentially Anyone, Regardless of Safety Training, Construction Experience or Intent onto a Jobsite Today, the Associated General Contractors of America, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of business groups, filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Texas, Waco Division against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The lawsuit challenges the agency’s new “walkaround” rule, which forces contractors to let potentially anyone, regardless of safety training, construction experience or intent to accompany a federal safety inspector on a jobsite. The suit argues that…

Texas and Alaska Top Lists of Numerical and Percentage Year-over-Year Increases, While Ohio and Iowa Trail; Michigan Has Largest Number and Percent of Monthly Gains, While New York and Maryland Have Worst Losses Construction employment increased in 39 states in April from a year earlier, while 29 states added construction jobs between March and April, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials cautioned that new tariffs on construction materials and unworkable rules for certifying the origin of materials could slow projects and hiring in many states. “Demand for construction workers…

Association Warns Proposal to Tighten Buy America Rules for Manufactured Products Used in Highway Construction Risks Driving Up Costs and Delaying Completion of Much-Needed Infrastructure Projects The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction increased 0.4 percent from March to April, while an index that measures contractors’ bid prices inched up by 0.1 percent, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials cited a new survey of highway contractors that indicated inflexible federal Buy America mandates could lead to future price escalations and other disruptions to highway projects. “Prices for construction inputs…

We’re excited to introduce our new CEO, Jeff Shoaf. With a passion for the construction industry’s ability to transform communities and improve lives, Jeff’s journey from Capitol Hill to AGC leadership highlights his dedication to the sector. He emphasizes AGC’s commitment to honesty and respect, underscoring the importance of member input in shaping beneficial legislation and regulations. Looking ahead, Jeff envisions a more collaborative AGC, working closely with chapters and members to address the industry’s evolving needs. He highlights AGC’s role in workforce development and positive industry advocacy, aiming to attract new talent. Jeff’s message to all members is one…

Construction Industry’s Election Fund, the AGC PAC, Contributes in Support of the Dugan Campaign, Noting His Strong Backing of Key Construction Issues Officials with the Associated General Contractors of America Political Action Committee, also known as the AGC PAC, announced today that the committee has endorsed Mike Dugan for the United States House of Representatives. AGC PAC officials said they are supporting the Dugan campaign because of his strong commitment to the construction industry in Georgia. “Mike Dugan is a serious leader who delivers for his constituents and state. He supports tax reforms that allow Georgia’s workers to keep more of their…

Nonresidential Building, Specialty Trades, and Heavy & Civil Engineering Construction Contractors Increase Headcount, While Monthly Employment Declines at Residential Specialty Trade Contractors The construction industry added 9,000 jobs in April—the fewest since August 2022—as a downturn among residential remodelers and subcontractors undercut job gains at nonresidential construction firms, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that demand for workers remains high among nonresidential firms, and they urged government officials to enhance support for career development and more employment-based immigration. “It appears that high interest rates are dragging down remodeling, homebuilding,…