Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Construction

  • Digital solutions to bidding could win your next contract

    Digital solutions to bidding could win your next contract

    Construction bidding software like SmartBid and PlanHub helps contractors stay on budget throughout a project. The right platform efficiently manages estimates, proposals, bid submissions, materials procurement, and other aspects of bidding. But you must know what you’re looking for to find the right software solution for your company.

    Bidding on future projects is a regular task for contractors who want to stay profitable and grow their business. However, the bidding process often has tight timelines, making it challenging to keep up with document management, cost estimating, tracking bids, and other related tasks. 

    That’s where bidding software comes into the picture. Some platforms are designed explicitly for bidding tasks, and some end-to-end suites also have features managing the bid proposal process. The choice depends upon a company’s needs.

    Why should you use construction bidding software?

    Bidding software is beneficial for contractors and construction companies for several reasons, including:

    • Integration of accounting, bidding, project management, and CRM tools
    • Document management and reporting
    • Coordination of estimates and bids with subcontractors
    • Tracking bids

    Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular construction bidding platforms.

    Top 5 bidding software programs for construction companies

    1. SmartBid

    Fluctuating materials prices are just one of many moving target-type considerations in creating and submitting an accurate bid. Contractors need help with the process, and help is available. SmartBid is a bidding software built specifically for contractors to help organize pre-construction information. 

    The platform allows you to invite subcontractors to bid and prequalify for projects and share information with your bidding team. Subcontractors get free access to the platform and can access your plan room to help with the bid while you check responses to get the correct bid in on time.

    Software features

    • Share project documents with subcontractors to create faster, more accurate estimates
    • Create custom invitations to bid for all your selected subcontractors
    • Prequalify subcontractors through a prequel questionnaire
    • Track invitations to bid
    • Publish public projects easily 

    2. PlanHub

    Contractors scrutinize labor costs now, perhaps more than ever, in construction. There’s no room for error when estimating labor costs for a project bid, and planning the bid right is crucial.

    PlanHub is an end-to-end construction platform that helps simplify all preconstruction documentation. It’s a complete suite of tools centrally located to handle various construction tasks.

    Software features

    • Find leads and projects
    • Collaborate and network with subcontractors and general contractors
    • Develop winning bids with tools like takeoff, estimation, and bid leveling
    • Uncover pricing analyses, competitive bidding insights, leads, and more insights

    3. Quick Bid

    Making the correct bid on a job is as important as picking the right jobs for your company. Sometimes, tweaking aspects of the bid as you move forward in the bidding process is required, and Quick Bid is a handy tool for that and other bid-related tasks.

    Quick Bid is a bidding-focused platform that allows you to compile itemized costs, labor rates, change orders, and materials costs to accurately estimate a job’s cost and prevent over- or under-bidding. An add-on of this platform allows you to buy trade-specific databases with hundreds of items, assemblies, and more bidding information. You can also access specialty items, assemblies, and other bidding information from manufacturers.

    The platform integrates with On-Screen Takeoff software to import your takeoff data faster. 

    Software features

    • Get timely cost quotes from suppliers with the eQuote feature
    • Manage your bid’s conditions, equipment, labor, markup, and materials with the Bid Navigator feature
    • Send materials lists to suppliers for prices and automatically input them into your bid
    • Integrates with On-Screen Takeoff and accounting platforms
    • Built-in templates let you export job costing info
    • Creates proposals with detailed info on job costs

    4. ProContractor

    Pro Contractor by Viewpoint is an end-to-end construction management suite that also handles costing and bid management. It integrates with Excel and has estimating modules, including CAD file import/export. It helps you perform takeoffs for more accurate bids and speeds the bid process by automating tasks.

    Software features

    • Accurately performs takeoffs for targeted bids
    • Improves the accuracy of cost reports and projections
    • Compares budgets against pending and posted costs
    • Digitizes takeoff tasks, saving time and removing human error
    • Tracks all aspects of projects, providing business insights
    • Strengthens controls on costs and schedules

    5. ConWize

    ConWize helps users simplify procurement and streamline the bidding process. It seamlessly manages the procurement lifecycle, starting with bid management, and automates tasks to free up time. The company claims its platform has a return on investment (ROI) that’s just a few months. 

    Software features

    • Reduces bid creation and submission time
    • Enables users to get the bill of quantities from a 3D model
    • Helps plan and manage contractual agreements
    • Integrates with Autodesk Construction Cloud
    • Integrates with Procore and is available in the Procore marketplace
    • Provides an easy-to-use digital procurement process
  • Bobcat breaks ground on $300M manufacturing facility in Mexico

    Bobcat breaks ground on $300M manufacturing facility in Mexico

    Bobcat Company has set out to revolutionize its production capabilities by building a $300 million manufacturing facility in Salinas, Victoria, near Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Construction began after a ceremonial groundbreaking on June 13, 2024. 

    Images courtesy of Bobcat

    The 700,000-square-foot facility will feature cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices aimed at achieving LEED Silver certification. The plant is projected to generate 600 to 800 jobs, boosting the local economy and reinforcing Bobcat’s commitment to innovation and growth.

    This ambitious project promises to deliver on the surging demand for its products in North America but also expand Bobcat’s global presence, increasing production capacity and capabilities for compact track and skid-steer loaders. The strategic location will also allow quick and efficient transportation thanks to the shorter distance for shipping goods. This ultimately means lower transportation costs and faster turnaround times.

    A win-win for North American businesses and consumers.

    Geewon Park, Vice Chairman of Doosan Group, emphasized the strategic benefits, highlighting Mexico’s strong manufacturing infrastructure and skilled workforce as key factors in the location choice.

    This facility is expected to boost Bobcat’s North American production capacity by 20%, solidifying its leadership in the compact equipment industry. The decision to expand in Monterrey was made after thorough evaluations of potential sites worldwide, reflecting Bobcat’s forward-thinking approach to meeting growing customer demands. Mexico’s proximity to the United States offers unparalleled logistical and cost efficiencies that China, despite its manufacturing power, cannot match long-term.

    Mike Ballweber, President of the Doosan Bobcat North America, shared his excitement by saying, “We look forward to growing our manufacturing footprint in the Salinas Victoria community for its excellent industrial sector, skilled workforce, and strong business environment.”

    This facility represents a significant trend of North American companies shifting their manufacturing operations to Mexico. Many more are expected to follow suit.

  • Balancing work and life on the road in the skilled trades

    Balancing work and life on the road in the skilled trades

    Many workers, especially those with families, struggle with the personal difficulties of life on the road. Exercise regimens are lost, diets are forgotten, and contact with family becomes less frequent—not to mention increasing stress levels. But road work is part of the job, and the job is part of life.

    It’s easier to deal with the struggles of working out of town for weeks or months at a time if you have a plan. Here are some of our top tips for work-life balance on the road.

    5 tips for achieving work-life balance on the road

    1. Stay on your exercise plan

    Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you need to fall off-track with your exercise routine. It’s also a great way to reduce stress. According to a recent ADAA online poll, roughly 14% of people use exercise to cope with stress. 

    2. Focus on sleep

    Most people find it difficult to sleep in a bed that’s not theirs, which means adequate rest goes out the window. But remember, it’s temporary. Investing in portable blackout curtains and a sound machine are great ways to set your sleep environment up for success. Positive self-talk, guided meditations, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques are also helpful to support sleep.

    Try it out: Headspace for meditation and better sleep

    3. Schedule time to stay in touch with your loved ones

    Scheduling calls with family is an easy way to maintain communication.  Keep the conversations positive, upbeat, and reassuring for your family.

    4. Eat clean

    Finding nutritious food on the road can be challenging. If you know where you’ll be stationed, search out grocery stores, markets, and other places to find whole foods. If possible, request a hotel with a kitchenette. 

    For Annemarie, a construction worker who was frequently on the road, going home on weekends to prepare meals for herself for the upcoming week made sense. It helped her eat nutritiously and gave her comfort from home while out of town.

    5. Remember your why

    Every worker has a different reason for life on the road—remember it. Keeping your why in the back of your head, even during the tough times, helps you push through. And don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process.

  • 14 tips to prevent lower back pain in a physically-demanding career

    14 tips to prevent lower back pain in a physically-demanding career

    About 28% of adults are estimated to experience lower back pain, but this number is even higher in the construction industry. Whether from heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or awkward positions, many
    construction workers experience discomfort and low back pain that can interfere with their lives in and
    out of work. 

    Using a supportive mattress, avoiding morning exercise, and adding insoles to boots are simple solutions
    that can help alleviate back pain.

    Quick Look

    • Statistics suggest that more than 31% of construction workers report experiencing lower back pain
      at some point in their careers.

    • Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and awkward positions are major contributors to back pain and
      other musculoskeletal conditions in construction workers.

    • Regular stretching, core exercises, eating anti-inflammatory foods, and adding insoles to boots can
      alleviate back pain.

    Low back pain—a common complaint in construction

    According to recent statistics, nearly 31% of construction workers report experiencing lower back pain at some point in their careers. To anyone who’s worked in the field, this comes as no surprise—construction is tough and sometimes requires you to be in awkward positions for extended periods.

    While they may seem harmless at first, these positions put construction workers at higher risk of injury. These positions often put unequal stress on the body, causing our muscles to compensate. With enough repetition, this unequal stress can quickly lead to a sudden injury, causing lower back pain.

    Once the injury occurs, if left untreated, it can develop into a serious problem. 

    No matter the cause, low back pain can make it challenging to do your job or put you out of work altogether. Research finds that about 6 to 10% of workers stop working, switch careers, or change their jobs because of their lower back pain.

    But here’s the thing: low back pain doesn’t have to happen—it’s preventable. Here’s how.

    Rebalance your musculoskeletal system

    The first step is to rebalance your muscles. Musculoskeletal injuries occur in labor jobs because of muscular imbalances developed through work. These imbalances put unequal pressure on the bones and joints and must be addressed to heal the pain.

    However, these imbalances can occur in several parts of your body, making it difficult to treat them without the right approach. 

    Here are some tips to get started.

    1. Increase your flexibility

    Maintaining flexibility is crucial for preventing low back pain but can also help make your job easier. Incorporating daily stretches can help keep your muscles limber and reduce the risk of strains. While it can be tempting to stretch before you start your day, the best time to stretch is in the evening or after your shift. 

    2. Strengthen your core

    A strong core is essential for supporting your spine. Planks, bridges, and back extensions are excellent exercises to build core strength and stability while helping reduce lower back pain by increasing support for your spine during heavy and repetitive lifts. Put simply, the stronger your core, the more your body can handle.

    3. Increase your general strength

    Working on a site requires the use of almost every body part, so it’s a no-brainer to strengthen the main muscles as well. Therefore, creating a strength-training program that targets every muscle group is crucial. 

    Exercises like a shoulder press, kettlebell squats, and seated rows are great exercises that offer benefits beyond just aesthetics and general strength. But be sure to always focus on proper form rather than maxing out your weight; otherwise, you’ll add it to the list of causes of lower back pain.

    4. Release your fascial trigger points

    Trigger points are one of the most ignored causes of lower back pain. Tightness in the body can affect muscle function and wreak havoc on your body. Luckily, techniques like foam rolling can help alleviate muscle tension and relieve lower back pain.

    5. Lift properly

    Proper lifting technique is another overlooked aspect but is highly applicable to construction workers. Taking the time to focus on, as the old saying goes, “lifting with the legs,” can significantly reduce repetitive strain on your spine and offer lower back pain relief. 

    How to lift properly: Bend at your knees and sit your hips back to squat into a safe position. From the ground, make sure to use your legs rather than your back to lift. Also, avoid twisting your back while lifting, as it puts your back at a greater risk of injury.

    Reduce inflammation

    While rebalancing your muscles is key in preventing lower back pain, reducing inflammation in the body is also important. There are many ways to achieve this, but here are the main ones you should focus on.

    6. Eliminate inflammatory foods

    Chronic inflammation is associated with a host of issues, but it’s also a contributing factor to 

    lower back pain. By eliminating inflammatory foods from your diet—refined sugar, industrial seed oils, processed and refined carbohydrates, hydrogenated oils—you can take steps to reduce unnecessary inflammation caused by diet and, therefore, begin to alleviate lower back pain. 

    But you can also double down on this strategy by replacing them with anti-inflammatory foods like berries, cold-water fatty fish, and leafy greens, all of which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. 

    7. Quit smoking

    It’s estimated that roughly a third of construction workers use some form of tobacco products. Smoking not only harms your lungs but can also contribute to low back pain. 

    Nicotine restricts blood flow to the discs in your spine, which can lead to degeneration and pain. Therefore, quitting smoking can promote healthier spinal tissues, reducing the risk of low back pain. If you’re a smoker, seeking help to quit can make a drastic difference in your health and ability to work.

    8. Reduce alcohol intake

    Alcohol is another staple for construction workers, but if you’re experiencing chronic pain, it should be on your list of no-nos. Alcohol is dehydrating, and heavy drinking can reduce the amount of water in intervertebral discs that provide cushion to your spine. Excessive drinking can also lead to poor sleep quality, exacerbating any pain-related problems. By reducing your alcohol intake, you can improve hydration, enhance sleep quality, and reduce inflammation, all of which reduce your low back pain.

    9. Reduce mental stress

    Something most construction workers don’t talk about is mental stress—it’s one of the many causes of lower back pain with solid evidence behind it. Studies suggest that low job satisfaction, high job stress, unrealistic job goals, and a lack of control over the work environment lead to musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers. Finding ways to manage and reduce stress can help alleviate lower back pain and improve mental health and well-being. For example, talking to a therapist to help you navigate these problems can help you achieve better mental clarity. If that’s not your jam, spending time outdoors or on activities you love is a great way to reduce mental stress.

    10. Improve your sleep

    There is a bidirectional relationship between sleep and chronic pain—pain can disrupt sleep, and short-term sleep deprivation can reduce pain threshold and increase spontaneous pain. To ensure a good sleep, have a comfortable mattress that supports your spine correctly. 

    Also, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine to help you fall asleep more easily. Pillows that support your body, such as placing one under your knees, can also reduce strain on your lower back.

    Tips for lower back pain you may not have heard about

    If you’ve tried some of these tips and haven’t felt relief, don’t fret—there’s more. Here are some pain-relief tips you may not have heard about.

    11. Buy a new mattress

    If you wake up with lower back pain, your mattress might be to blame. An old or unsupportive mattress can cause spinal misalignment during sleep. Most people with lower back pain find that a firmer mattress provides better support and reduces pain. If you notice sagging in your mattress, it might be time to invest in a new one. 

    12. Avoid exercising and stretching first thing in the morning

    While it might seem like a good idea to start your day with exercise or stretching, it can actually increase the risk of a lower back injury. After a night’s sleep, the discs in your spine have absorbed fluid and are more prone to injury. Waiting an hour or two after waking up allows the pressure in your discs to normalize, reducing the risk of herniation. 

    Instead of strenuous exercise first thing in the morning, consider gentle movements like walking or doing light household chores to ease into your day and avoid triggering your lower back pain.

    13. Try insoles in your steel-toe boots

    Standing and walking in steel-toe boots all day can take a toll on your lower back. Adding cushioned insoles to your boots can help reduce the impact on your spine, providing lower back support and pain relief for those who spend long hours on their feet. This simple adjustment can make a huge difference.

    14. Use a back belt for support

    Finally, using a back belt is an underrated way to provide extra support for your lower back. This is especially true when your job requires lifting heavy objects. A back belt helps maintain proper posture and reduces strain by stabilizing your spine. But wear it only during work; it’s a tool to aid your back, not a permanent solution.

    Reducing the risk of lower back injuries

    Lower back pain is a significant concern for construction workers, but it musn’t be a daily struggle. By understanding the causes of lower back pain and taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can keep your lower back healthy and pain-free. 

    There are many ways to alleviate and prevent low back pain, from rebalancing your physical body with flexibility, strength, and proper lifting techniques to reducing inflammation through diet and stress management.

    Whatever you do, just don’t let it sit.

    The longer you ignore your lower back pain, the more likely it will develop into a chronic issue and sideline you from being able to work. If you’re still unsure what to do, consider talking to your doctor or a physiotherapist specializing in lower back pain.

  • Construction Suicide Prevention Week: An industry-wide effort to save lives

    Construction Suicide Prevention Week: An industry-wide effort to save lives

    Construction Suicide Prevention Week is being held this year from September 9-13, 2024. This is a crucial event for an industry that is facing alarming mental health challenges. With suicide rates in construction among the highest of any profession, this week offers a vital opportunity to address the issue head-on.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that in 2016, the suicide rate for men working in the construction industry was 49.4/100,00, almost twice the total suicide rate for civilian working men. It is also four times the national average, making construction the industry with the most deaths by suicide. With such alarming statistics, something must be done to better support workers in this industry.

    Under The Hard Hat has proudly partnered with The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) to help create awareness about the mental health challenges construction workers face and how to provide the necessary support. CIASP was founded in 2018 as a response to the drastic need for mental health support among construction workers, and their primary goal is to create awareness about suicide and provide tools and support for workers who may be struggling.

    The pressures of construction work are immense—long hours, physical demands, job insecurity, and a tough culture that often discourages seeking help. These factors create a perfect storm, leaving many workers feeling isolated and overwhelmed. It’s a silent crisis that can no longer be ignored.

    Construction Suicide Prevention Week aims to break the silence. The week is organized by key industry groups and focuses on raising awareness, offering support, and promoting mental health resources. Training sessions, toolbox talks, and open conversations are planned to equip workers and employers with the tools to recognize warning signs and take action.

    Companies are encouraged to integrate mental health discussions into daily routines, ensuring workers know they’re not alone. Resources like hotlines, counseling services, and peer support networks will be highlighted throughout the week.

    The goal is clear: to prioritize mental health in construction, year-round, not just during this week. By coming together, the industry can help prevent tragic losses and ensure every worker feels valued and supported.

    As Construction Suicide Prevention Week approaches, there’s no better time to start the conversation and make a lasting difference.

  • Makita 18V LXT Crown Stapler: Everything you need to know

    Makita 18V LXT Crown Stapler: Everything you need to know

    The Makita 18V LXT Crown Stapler is a compact, powerful stapler ideal for construction applications. It can drive staples ⅜” to ⅞” long flush into hardwoods like oak and is well-suited for utility installation, roofing, drywall, and upholstery. Although the ease of a cordless model does come with a slight power reduction compared to pneumatic staplers, it’s ideal for tight spaces and remote locations.

    Makita 18V LXT Crown Stapler key specs and features

    Featuring an ergonomic design and soft grip handle, the Makita 18V crown stapler packs a lot of easy-to-wield power into just 5.3 pounds. Tough enough for professional applications, this stapler also offers helpful features for beginner users, like easily adjustable staple depth and a convenient window that shows how many staples are left.

    The rapid optimum charger helps optimize battery life with a built-in chip that controls temperature, current, and voltage. A machined aluminum magazine allows easy loading and helps reduce staple jams. Makita’s three-year limited warranty also provides peace of mind against duds and defects.  

    Specs:

    • Model XTS01Z
    • 18V LXT lithium-ion battery
    • 5.3 lbs
    • Brushed motor
    • Fastens staples 3/8″ to 7/8″ in length
    • Uses Arrow T50 type flat crown staples

    The good and bad

    What we loveThings to consider 
    – A spring-loaded driving mechanism allows for a more compact design and greater maneuverability in tight spaces
    – Makita’s proprietary STAR Protection Computer Controls prevent the stapler from overloading, overheating, and over-discharging
    – Fastest charge time in its category means less downtime waiting for the battery to recharge
    – One-knob staple depth adjustment feature gives you control over how deep the staples penetrate    		– Battery and charger must be purchased separately
    – Brushed motors can mean lower efficiency, more maintenance, and a shorter lifespan
    – Users must wait for batteries to recharge if they die mid-project, or own multiple batteries to switch out as needed
    – Higher cost compared to similar staple guns

    Where to buy the Makita 18V LXT Crown Stapler

    The Makita 18V crown stapler is available at several retailers, both in-store and online. 

    You can also locate your nearest store by clicking “Buy Now” on the Makita product page and entering your zip code to find a retail location near you.

  • Google to build data center campus in north central Indiana

    Google to build data center campus in north central Indiana

    Google has officially announced a monumental investment of $2 billion to construct a new data center campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dubbed “Project Zodiac,” this ambitious project will feature a 12-building campus spanning over 892 acres, solidifying Fort Wayne’s place on the technological map.

    Indiana, traditionally not known for housing major technological companies, has recently made a strategic move by leveraging tax incentives to attract leading industry players. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) has provided Google with a 35-year data center sales tax exemption for the first $800 million invested, with potential extensions for up to 50 years, showcasing the state’s growing influence in the tech industry.

    The long-range plans for the site include constructing 12 buildings, occupying an area comparable to about 765 football fields. This expansive campus will add to Google’s existing network of 24 data centers worldwide, 14 of which are in North America. These centers will help power Google’s digital services like Google Cloud, Workspace, Search and Maps, and its AI innovations, serving businesses and customers worldwide.

    Image courtesy of Google

    The site is strategically positioned a mile north of the I-469 exit for Marion Center Road, making it accessible from major urban centers such as Indianapolis, Chicago, and Columbus. Moreover, the new data center is expected to create up to 200 jobs, including positions for data center technicians and support staff. This significant job creation will boost the local economy and provide valuable opportunities for the community. 

    Google also plans to introduce its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program in the area. This program will offer paid training and networking opportunities to help participants secure jobs in data center construction.

    To meet its sustainability goals and power the data center, Google has partnered with Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M) to help build a local power source using clean energy. Details of the partnership with I&M were limited, but the companies intend to increase clean energy contributions to the local electricity grid.

    Steve Baker, president and COO of Indiana Michigan Power, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with Google to provide future energy needs and help support their corporate sustainability goals.”

    This collaboration is part of Google’s broader initiative to run all its data centers and campuses solely on carbon-free energy by 2030.

    Local and state officials have expressed their excitement about the project. Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker highlighted that this investment is not just about infrastructure but about building a stronger future together. Governor Eric J. Holcomb emphasized Indiana’s strategic priority to cultivate the economy of the future, with Google’s investment playing a crucial role in this vision​.

  • 8 construction companies named in TIME’s ‘Most Sustainable’ list

    8 construction companies named in TIME’s ‘Most Sustainable’ list

    TIME Magazine’s TIME 100 list profiles the 100 most influential people each year. For the first time, TIME magazine is shining the spotlight on corporate influence, too, with its inaugural list of the world’s most sustainable companies. Stantec, WSP, Acciona, and Sacyr are a few that made the top 10.

    The list of 500 companies was put together in conjunction with the data firm Statista. Beginning with a pool of 5000 of the world’s largest companies, the evaluation process used over 20 key data points and a rigorous four-step process to whittle the number down to just 500. 

    The process involved:

    1. Excluding non-sustainable businesses involving fossil fuels or deforestation, or those associated with environmental catastrophes.
    2. Assessing the company’s external sustainability ratings and commitments, such as adhering to the UN Global Compact or participating in the UNFCCC Race to Zero. 
    3. Evaluating sustainability reports, including whether the company had filed an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report for 2022 and assessing report assurance and compliance.
    4. Looking at key environmental and social stewardship indicators, including emissions, renewable energy use, gender diversity, and work safety.

    Companies were scored out of a possible 100 points, with the top-scoring 500 companies making the list.

    Top 8 most sustainable construction companies according to TIME Magazine

    Stantec

    Stantec most sustainable construction companies

    HQ: Canada
    Rank: 14th
    Sustainability score: 79.63/100
    Website: www.stantec.com

    Canadian firm Stantec was the most sustainable construction company on TIME’s list, coming in 14th with a total score of almost 80 points. The company focuses on sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. Helping earn their place at the top is Stantec’s commitment to Indigenous relationships, inclusion, diversity, and equity, and corporate sustainability. 

    WSP

    WSP most sustainable construction companies

    HQ: Canada
    Rank: 53rd
    Sustainability score: 74.47/100
    Website: https://www.wsp.com/

    Another Canadian company, WSP,  takes second in construction companies featured in TIME’s “Most Sustainable” list. WSP takes on projects across a wide variety of sectors, including revitalizing aging city infrastructure, building breakwaters, constructing retail developments, and breaking ground on solar energy projects. Focusing on sustainability, corporate responsibility, and design for a positive future won WSP its spot in the top 15%. 

    Iberdrola

    Iberdrola

    HQ: Spain
    Rank: 61st
    Sustainability score: 73.69/100
    Website: https://www.iberdrola.com/

    As a leading electricity company and wind power producer, sustainability is baked into Iberdrola’s business model. The Spanish company generates 100% emission-free energy in several countries countries, including the UK, Brazil, France, and  Germany, and 92% emission-free energy in Spain. Iberdrola has also committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides regular sustainability reports.  

    Acciona

    Acciona

    HQ: Spain
    Rank: 86th
    Sustainability score: 71.32/100
    Website: https://www.acciona.com/

    The fifth most sustainable construction company is also based in Spain. Acciona is dedicated to sustainable infrastructure solutions and prioritizes environmental stewardship at every stage of the process, from design right through to construction and maintenance. Their website states that they’ve avoided 13.6 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2023 and are committed to fighting climate change.

    Ferrovial

    Ferrovial most sustainable construction companies

    HQ: Netherlands
    Rank: 174th
    Sustainability score: 65.83/100
    Website: https://www.ferrovial.com/

    By investing in social projects, partnering with the UN to achieve the SDGs, reducing its environmental footprint, and focusing on occupational diversity and safety, Ferrovial earns a score of nearly 66 points on the TIME list. Since 1952, this Netherlands-based company has taken on large projects like highways and airports, tackling them with sustainability in mind. 

    Sacyr

    Sacyr

    HQ: Spain
    Rank: 254th
    Sustainability score: 61.71/100
    Website: https://www.sacyr.com/

    Sacyr focuses its efforts on areas it feels can have the greatest impact, including water conservation, circular economies, human rights, sustainable finance, and transparency. Sacyr is a global concessions, engineering, and infrastructure firm and the third Spanish company to make the top 8 most sustainable construction companies.

    Webuild

    Webuild most sustainable construction companies

    HQ: Italy
    Rank: 449th
    Sustainability score: 54.79/100
    Website: https://www.webuildgroup.com/

    Webuild has developed a “5P Sustainability Manifesto” to represent its priorities: planet, people, partnership, progress, and prosperity. Ranking 449th on the TIME list, Webuild makes the cut for working with innovative builders, cultivating workplace diversity, and promoting occupational health and safety.

    Eiffage

    Eiffage

    HQ: France
    Rank: 484th
    Sustainability score: 53.55/100
    Website: https://www.eiffage.com/

    Just making the list in 484th place is the eighth most sustainable construction company, Eiffage. Headquartered in France, Eiffage is committed to harnessing ecological engineering to boost biodiversity and reduce environmental impact. 

  • OSHA soliciting comments on proposed new heat safety regs

    OSHA soliciting comments on proposed new heat safety regs

    With record-high temperatures in recent years in the U.S., federal officials are working to keep workers cooler and safer. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is soliciting comments from the public on its proposed new heat safety regulations. The new National Emphasis Program (NEP) is meant to protect workers from heat-related injuries and illnesses by mandating that certain conditions be maintained for workers, including access to shade, water breaks, and other measures to protect them from heat-related illnesses.

    However, some are questioning the new rule’s practicality. The rule includes regulations regarding indoor and outdoor work temperatures, specific to workers who wear protective clothing and those who don’t. For example, asbestos abatement workers who wear protective body suits and respirators while removing asbestos in hot conditions.

    The proposed regulation mandates, among other things, that indoor workplaces must be cooled to below 87 degrees Fahrenheit when employees are present. If feasible, the indoor work area must also be cooled to 82 degrees in places where workers wear protective clothing or work in high-radiant areas.

    The proposed rule is part of a package of more stringent heat safety regulations that OSHA is developing. This includes a rulemaking process to develop a workplace heat standard. OSHA is seeking public input on the rules before their final adoption.

    The NEP will include worksite inspections, communication with companies on the new rules, and support for companies in complying with them. Under the proposed rule, OSHA will inspect worksites on days when the heat index is expected to be 80 degrees or higher.

    OSHA is working to lower workers’ exposure to heat-related hazards that result in illness, injury, or death. OSHA officials could inspect a work site for heat stress conditions under certain conditions, such as when an employee injury occurs and the heat index is above 80 degrees onsite, if an employee complains about heat-stressing conditions, and in pre-planned inspections that investigate a combination of conditions which could result in heat-related injuries or death.

    With the proposed new rule, OSHA is scrutinizing more than 70 high-risk industries, including construction and agriculture. The NEP requires a company’s Certified Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) to review documents and inspect for heat illness-related compliance procedures. Companies must be prepared to do the following:

    • Supply OSHA 300 Logs and 301 Incident reports (if required by that industry)
    • Interview workers for conditions that may indicate heat-related illnesses
    • Determine if the employer has a heat illness and injury program

    OSHA has programs that will help employers comply with the new rules, including its Heat Safety Tool. The tool provides safety information that’s accessible on mobile phones and enables workers to calculate the heat index on their worksite while displaying a risk level for that heat index. From there, the app provides protective measures to maintain workers’ safety, like reminders to schedule rest breaks, keep employees hydrated, plan for an emergency related to the heat, and more.

    To submit comments, please follow these instructions:

    You may submit comments and attachments, identified by Docket No. OSHA–2021–0009, electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions online for making electronic submissions. After accessing ‘‘all documents and comments’’ in the docket (Docket No. OSHA–2021–0009), check the “proposed rule” box in the column headed “Document Type,” find the document posted on the date of publication of this document, and click the “Comment Now” link. When uploading multiple attachments to regulations.gov, please number all of your attachments because regulations.gov will not automatically number the attachments.

  • Chicago Bears unveil $4.7 billion stadium replacement plan

    Chicago Bears unveil $4.7 billion stadium replacement plan

    The Chicago Bears formally released their $4.7 billion stadium replacement plan a few months back. The renovations will allow for seating for over 70,000 fans beneath a fixed translucent dome—a departure from the open-air stadium Bears’ fans are accustomed to. The facility will serve as a home for the Bears and a potential venue for major events like Super Bowls and World Cup Soccer tournaments, something Bears Chairman George McCaskey says will bring significant economic benefit to Chicago. 

    Images courtesy of Manica

    In addition to the multi-purpose stadium, the Burnham Park Project plans to add 14 acres of athletic fields, a pedestrian mall and pavilion, more food and beverage options, and public parks and recreation facilities. 

    As one of the largest construction projects in the area’s history, the new stadium and its associated facilities are expected to create 43,000 construction jobs and a further 4,200 permanent jobs after the project is complete.

    The Bears will contribute roughly $2.3 billion (70% of construction costs), with the remainder paid by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA). Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said Chicago taxpayers won’t be saddled with any new taxes due to the project. With interest loans on the project, the total cost will be around $4.8 billion, with an additional $1.5 billion in related infrastructure improvements.

    Previous plans for building a new stadium were focused in Arlington Heights, where the Bears spent $200 million to buy land formerly housing the Arlington International Racecourse. These plans stalled after the organization failed to reach an agreement with local schools about property taxes. 

    The stadium’s new lakefront location is just south of the Bears’ current home, Soldier Field, which will be demolished, leaving only its historic collonades. The landmark columns will be left standing to honor the memory of Chicagio’s military veterans. 

    Construction on The Burnam Park Project is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025, with an estimated grand opening date of summer 2028.