The Cordish Companies, a U.S.-based real estate development and entertainment operating company, recently announced a $1.4 billion mixed-use development in Petersburg, VA, including over 670,000 square feet of gaming, hotel, dining, and entertainment space.
The project, dubbed Live! Gaming & Entertainment District is a mixed-use project. The developer expects to generate billions of dollars in economic benefits and associated development, create thousands of new jobs locally, and become a tourist destination.
“The details unveiled […] show what the City’s vision is for this type of project and why we wanted to work with Cordish as the developer,” Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham said. “An important part of our selection process was to identify a partner with a proven track record in developing and operating mixed-use and casino properties, a long history of revitalizing cities across the country, and strong community engagement practices. Cordish is the only company, of the many we consulted with, that showed Petersburg a plan that goes beyond a casino and gives us a path to revitalize our city.”
Cordish has developed casino entertainment resorts in the U.S., including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, FL, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, and Live! Casino Pittsburgh.
The real estate developer has been honored with seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for its urban revitalization accomplishments.
“Live! Gaming & Entertainment District will be a catalyst for change and significant urban development, will transform the city by creating a thriving entertainment and hospitality attraction for the entire Region, and provide first-class amenities for the local community while generating spin-off economic development, creating thousands of new jobs for area residents,” Chief Operating Officer of The Cordish Companies, Zed Smith said.
Live! Casino & Hotel will be built in phases over 15 years and, according to a press release by Cordish, will generate:
$3.6 billion in economic stimulus to the Region
$675 million in gaming tax revenues, including $214 million to the City
$350 million in economic spend during construction
$220 million in annual economic benefits each year after opening
Over 4,000 new construction and permanent jobs
Features of the world-class casino resort destination will include:
More than 670,000 square feet of first-class gaming, hotel, dining and entertainment space
An upscale 200-room hotel featuring 20 suites, a resort pool, and a fitness center
Over 2,000 slots and electronic table games and 60 live-action table games
Sportsbook
State-of-the-art event center for entertainment, meetings, conventions, and social gatherings
Over a dozen best-in-class dining and entertainment options
Free surface parking
The project will include 4 million square feet of mixed-use development, with more than 1,300 residential units, 500 hotel rooms, and 600,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space.
According to Cordish Companies, the development will generate over $10 billion in economic stimulus, $1.1 billion in total tax revenues, and 10,000 jobs.
Kevin O’Shea, president of Shamrock Electric Co., Inc., has one vital message to construction workers who are struggling with their mental health: call him.
It’s a message he shares as much as possible given the growing number of suicides among workers in the industry.
“I’m not a professional. I’m just some guy that would rather hear you tell me your story than hear your friend tell me your eulogy,” O’shea told FOX Business.
While he isn’t a professional in the medical sense, O’Shea has been in the industry for nearly five decades, and has come face to face with colleagues and employees who have considered suicide. O’Shea isn’t a stranger to mental health issues either, admitting that he has found ways to deal with his tremors, ADHD and depression.
According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries. About 56 out of 100,000 men in construction die by suicide, according to data published in 2021.
In 2016, the suicide rate for men in construction and extraction occupations was over 49 per 100,000, which was almost twice the total suicide rate for civilian working men between 16 and 64 years old in 32 states and five times greater than the rate for all fatal work-related injuries in the industry.
Kevin O’Shea, president of Shamrock Electric Co., Inc. (Kevin O’Shea)
When O’Shea found how bad the statistics were, he started doing everything in his power to raise awareness about this issue.
“We have to be our brothers and sisters, keepers, that we have to watch out for each other. We have to make sure that if somebody is hurting, we recognize the signs and we help that person,” he said, adding that “if we can save one person. That’s a step in the right direction.”
In 2019, he received an unexpected call while celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary in Paris. His office manager contacted him to relay that one of his employees had informed the foreman that he may not be able to work the next day.
“Instead of the foreman saying, ‘okay, call me, let me know one way or the other,’ the foreman said, ‘what do you mean by that?’,” O’Shea recalled.
Construction workers help build a mixed-use apartment complex which will hold over 700 units of apartment housing and 95,000 square feet of commercial space on January 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)
The worker revealed that his girlfriend left him with their baby, his brother had recently died by suicide and his other brother was battling cancer. O’Shea said the worker expressed uncertainty about whether he could “go on.”
O’Shea saw that same worker at a safety meeting two years after getting him the help he needed.
“That apprentice came up to me and said, ‘Kevin, I can’t thank you enough for you and the company standing behind me in my darkest hours.’ And to me, that is what getting the message out is all about,” O’Shea said.
O’Shea frequently tells people in the industry that there is “an 800 pound gorilla in our industry called stigma. And the stigma is that you can’t talk about your feelings.”
He’s fighting to change this, and he’s not alone.
Construction workers build a single-family home in Westhampton Beach, New York, US, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Greg Sizemore, Associated Builders and Contractors vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development, has also heard far too many about workers who have been struggling since he started in the industry about 50 years ago. Like O’Shea, he told FOX Business the rate of suicides in the industry is “alarming.”
On top of the struggles they may be dealing with in their personal life, Sizemore told FOX Business that these workers are also contending with the immense pressures on the job site.
Not only is the industry “inherently dangerous”, but every job is driven by cost and schedule, Sizemore said. This means professionals that are actually installing the work face “a tremendous amount of pressure because the end date never changes,” he said. Today, workers might also be working 10 to 12 hours per day about six to seven days a week to meet the demand needed to get the work done on time.
Construction workers work on a construction site on Lennox Avenue on July 22, 2022 in the Flatbush neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City. ((Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) / Getty Images)
“We need to educate our workforce more directly on the signs and symptoms that they need to look out for when their peers or an employee that works for them may be under distress,” Sizemore said. “When we raise our awareness…this becomes an issue that we can actually be proactive about rather than reactive.”
If you or you know someone who needs help:
Kevin O’Shea’s email: Kevin@shamrockelectric.com.
He also directed people to call or text 988, which is the suicide and crisis lifeline.
Counselors with the 988 Lifeline network are trained to provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people who are in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.
They can also get resources from the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) by going to www.preventconstructionsuicide.com.
The alliance raises awareness about suicide prevention and provides resources and tools to create a zero suicide industry by uniting and supporting the construction community, according to its website.
This post was originally written by Daniella Genovese for FOXBusiness.
Finding the right tools to complete your DIY project can be challenging. The SKIL JS314901 6 Amp Corded Jigsaw, RYOBI ONE+ 18V AirStrike 16-Gauge Cordless Finish Nailer, Milwaukee Tool 7-inch Billet Torpedo Level, and RIDGID 12 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum are a few DIY-friendly tool options available at Home Depot to check the latest project off your to-do list.
Thanks to rising labor costs, DIY projects are the newest trend in the construction industry. But when it comes to tackling a home renovation project, having the right tools is key to keeping the DIY tasks from turning into just another project on the list. Be prepared before you start to avoid getting halfway through a project and realizing you don’t have the right tools to finish.
Home Depot has an expansive range of tools designed for projects of all sizes. We’ve rounded up some of the best tools that won’t break the bank to tackle your next DIY project.
SKIL JS314901 6 Amp Corded Jigsaw
Price: $58.18
If having a cordless jigsaw isn’t a deal breaker, you can’t go wrong with the SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jigsaw. Packed with features like the 4-Stage orbital function for smooth and efficient cuts across different materials, speed control for enhanced control, and dust-blowing function for more precise cuts without the hassle, this jigsaw delivers precision cuts on various applications. Tool-free blade changes and Halo Light set the SKIL 6 amp jigsaw apart from its competitors.
Tool highlights
High cutting efficiency with a 4-stage orbital function for smooth cuts across a variety of materials and applications
The 2-finger variable-speed trigger enhances user control
Quick-adjust angled cutting without the need for additional tools
On/off dust-blowing switch removes dust to improve the view and cutting line tracking
No-equipment blade changes
Bright halo light offers 10x more light than standard LEDs to improve workspace view and reduce shadows
DeWALT 20V MAX* XR® Cordless Jig Saw
Price: $319.00
Leave cords behind with the DeWALT 20V MAX* XR® Cordless Jig Saw. A high-efficiency brushless motor delivers more efficient performance and longer runtime. The variable speed trigger and dial enable more precise tool control on multiple applications, while the 4-position orbital action allows the user to adjust for optimal cutting on different materials. A bright LED light helps to illuminate dim work surfaces and reduce shadows.
The DeWALT 20V MAX* XR® Cordless Jig Saw also features an updated all-metal, lever-action keyless blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes of t-shank jig saw blades. Users can also adjust the shoe bevel with detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and a positive stop at 45°. An integrated dust blower helps keep your workspace dust-free for clearer vision.
Tool highlights
Variable speed trigger and dial offer precise speed control
All-metal, lever-action keyless blade change allows for quick and easy t-shank blade changes
Integrated dust blower removes dust for a clear view of cutting lines
The 4-position orbital action provides precise control of cut quality and speed
All-metal, keyless shoe bevel for quick and easy adjustments
Accepts t-shank jig saw blades
Klein Tools Digital Angle Gauge And Digital Leveler
Price: $29.97
The Klein Tools Digital Angle Gauge and Digital Leveler make leveling and angling easy. It’s a great option for all kinds of DIY projects, straightforward to use, and reduces the need for multiple tools. With a strong magnetic hold, it attaches to any metal surface for precise results to 0.1 degrees.
The gauge’s reverse contrast screen rotates for easy use at any orientation and offers dual measurement ranges of 0 to 90 degrees and 0 to 180 degrees. The IP42 water and dust resistance rating also ensures it can withstand even the messiest DIY projects.
Tool highlights
High visibility reverse contrast display improves visibility in dim work environments
A strong magnetic base attaches to any metal surface (conduit, pipes, saw blades, vents, ducts)
V-groove edges enable optimal alignment
0 to 90-degree and 0 to 180-degree measurement ranges enable a wide array of uses
Auto-rotating displace for easy viewing when working upside-down
Water and dust resistant with a rating of IP42
Soft carrying case included for device protection
Milwaukee M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8 Inch Crown Stapler
Price: $139.00
Milwaukee offers a range of useful DIY-friendly tools, including the M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8 Inch Crown Stapler. It’s designed to enhance comfort for extended periods of use, with a slim handle and less force required to pull the trigger to prevent user fatigue.
The M12 Crown Stapler drives a range of 3/8” flat crown staples (1/4” – 9/16”) through almost any materials and substrates. At just 3 lbs and 7.25” long, it’s lightweight and compact, making it an excellent option for use in tight spaces. The integrated sequential and contact actuation trigger design increases productivity and enables seamless changes between firing modes, and the locator arrow improves firing accuracy for less staple wastage. The 2447 stapler is compatible with all Milwaukee M12™ batteries.
Tool highlights
4-Pole motor for maximum power
Staple locating arrow enables more accurate staple placement and less waste
Slotted magazine design for easy staple viewing
Integrated sequential and contact actuation trigger for seamless changes between firing modes
Power adjustment dial for consistent flush stapling through various materials
Up to 1500 staples per charge on a compact M12 battery
The RYOBI ONE+ 18V 16-gauge Straight Finish Nailer features Airstrike Technology to eliminate the need for additional tools. Faster setup time and easier maneuvering improve efficiency, and the ONE+ platform enables you to use a single battery with multiple tools across the lineup. The AirStrike Finish Nailer drives 16-gauge finish nails up to 2-1/2-inch length into hardwoods, and the tool-free depth of drive adjustment allows for the proper setting of nail heads.
Thanks to a long-life battery, the nailer can sink up to 1,000 nails per charge for extended periods of continuous work. It also features a 78% smaller nose for access to tight spots.
Tool highlights
AirStrike Technology offers cordless convenience and eliminates the need for additional tools
Works with 16-gauge finish nails up to 2-1/2 in.
Dry-fire lockout feature extends tool life
Toolless jam release for easy access to clear nails
Single sequential mode for precision placement
A convenient adjustment dial regulates air pressure
Milwaukee claims the Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver is the most powerful 18-volt cordless drill on the market. Featuring a POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivering up to 1,200 in-lbs of torque and up to 2,000 RPM, the M18 FUEL™ Hammer Drill provides faster drilling under various applications to maximize productivity.
At only 6.9” in length, its compact size offers excellent balance and control in tight spaces and avoids excess strain on the user during prolonged use. REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence guarantees maximum performance and protection from overload, overheating, and over-discharge, while the REDLITHIUM XC5.0™ Battery Pack extends use time and reduces trips to the charger.
Tool highlights
POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivers more power to deliver maximum performance on a wide range of applications
Compact sizes allow for access to tight spaces and reduce fatigue
Faster drilling and driving under heavy load
Auto-Stop Feature prevents over-rotation in a bind-up to enhance safety
½in all-metal chuck with carbide teeth for maximum durability, grip, and bit retention
XC5.0Ah batteries maximize runtime for unmatched performance
Up to 1,200 in-lbs. of torque
LED light for better visibility in dim lights
Compatible with all M18 batteries and chargers
Milwaukee Tool 7-inch Billet Torpedo Level
Price: $32.97
Levels are among the most basic and useful tools for DIY projects of all kinds. The Milwaukee 7-inch Billet Torpedo Level is fitted with four rare earth magnets for 2x the holding power of competitors on any metal surface. The 2 in. dual pitch vial is the largest on the market and offers maximum visibility for fast and accurate readings. The frame is composed of billet aluminum for maximum durability and offers a weld clearance and laser-etched ruled edge.
Tool highlights
4 amplified rare earth magnets for over 2X magnetic holding power on metal
2 inch. dual pitch vial offers fast and accurate readings
Laser-etched ruled edge allows for quick, accurate measurements
Weld clearance gap allows leveling between weld lines
Billet aluminum frame for optimal durability
Compact design for working in tight spaces
RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder
Price: $129.00
The RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 4-1/2-inch Angle Grinder/Cut-Off Tool cuts up to 30% faster and provides up to 9,200 RPM to maximize project efficiency and save time. The tool-free wheel removal makes switching out wheels quick and easy, while the 3-position side handle with the improved comfort grip auxiliary handle increases user comfort, control, and versatility. The tool’s paddle switch design simplifies operation, even with heavy work gloves. Plus, as part of the RYOBI 18V ONE+ System, there are over 225 tools that all operate on a single battery platform.
Tool highlights
Brushless motor provides up to 9,200 RPM
Up to 30% faster cutting
Includes wheels and guards for grinding and cutting applications
Tool-free accessory wheel removal for quick and easy wheel changes
Tool-free guard adjustment
Large paddle switch for easy operation
3-position side handle for maximum control and versatility
Improved comfort grip auxiliary handle for improved user comfort
Battery and charger sold separately
RIDGID 12 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
Price: $79.97
As part of the most powerful line of wet/dry vacuums RIDGID has ever made, the NXT 45 L (12 Gal.) Wet/Dry Vac is the ultimate in performance and durability. With 5.0 peak horsepower, the vac delivers strong suction to clean up even the toughest messes, and the locking lid provides a secure seal that improves suction and prevents dust recirculation.
The 12-gallon NXT wet/dry vac features an all-new 2 1/2-inch (6.35-cm) locking hose and accessories that securely fasten together to avoid disconnections and mess. The large-diameter hose resists clogs for faster and easier cleanup, and the front-to-back top carry handle, large power switch, comfortable side carry handles, and 15-ft. (4.5-m) power cord make it easier to operate and transport. As a bonus, the blower port maximizes its versatility and turns your vacuum into a leaf blower.
Tool highlights
Powerful 5.0 peak horsepower for maximum performance
Durable, long-lasting motor backed by the industry’s best warranty
Polypropylene drum construction for durability in the most demanding environments
Oversized drain at lowest point of drum for emptying water
Accessory storage space for quick and easy access
15’ power cord for greater flexibility and easy maneuverability
Dual-Flex® locking hose provides 180° mobility at both hose ends and resists collapsing
Qwik Lock® Filter Fastening System allows easy installation or removal of the filter without tools or fasteners
Includes 2-1/2 in. x 7 ft. Tug-A-Long® Dual-Flex locking hose, 2 locking extension wands, locking utility nozzle, locking wet nozzle, locking car nozzle, and a standard filter VF4000
Accepts high-efficiency VF3502 dust bags that keep the inside of the drum clean.
RYOBI 6 Amp Corded 3 in.W x 18 in.L Portable Belt Sander
Price: $99.00
The RYOBI 6 Amp Corded 3 in.W x 18 in.L Portable Belt Sander is a fantastic all-purpose sander for any DIY project. A 5.3 amp motor delivers power and performance to tackle almost any job with 700 RPM to maximize efficiency and reduce time.
The belt-tracking system maintains belt alignment, while the lock-on trigger and two ergonomic handles offer greater comfort for extended periods of operation.
Tool highlights
Powerful 5.3 amp motor for professional performance
Dust collection system with removable bag helps reduce dust
Two ergonomic handles offer comfort during extended use
Belt-tracking system maintains belt alignment for optimal results
Belt-tension release lever offers quick and easy belt changes
Milwaukee M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4 Inch Hex Screwdriver
Price: $79.00
The Milwaukee M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4 Inch Hex Screwdriver is perfect for pros or DIYers who frequently need to fasten. It offers unmatched precision, power, and portability and has a slimmer, more ergonomic grip to enhance comfort and reduce fatigue.
A variable speed trigger and 0-500RPM provide maximum fastening control, while the 15 plus 1 clutch settings prevent over-tightening fasteners, and 175 inch-lbs of torque enables it to accomplish challenging applications. At just 6-1/2 inches long and 2.0 lbs., the M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4 Inch Hex Screwdriver is compact, lightweight, and durable and easily fits into tight spaces.
Tool highlights
Built-in LED to illuminate dim workspaces
Battery fuel gauge displays remaining runtime
Delivers 175-inch lbs of torque and 0-500 RPM
Metal gear housing to enhance durability
Ergonomic and compact design fits comfortably in tight workspaces
Quick Bit loading 1/4-inch hex chuck for one-handed bit insertion and release
Variable-speed trigger for increased control
DeWALT 20V MAX Compact Cordless Task Light + 20V MAX Compact Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah Battery
Price: $258.00
The DeWALT 12V/20V MAX Compact Cordless Task Light illuminates any workspace. With a 360° handle and two tripod mounts, it’s DeWALT’s most versatile task light yet. Three brightness settings with powerful LED technology emit up to 2000 Lumens of natural white light. At only 3 lbs., it’s compact, lightweight, and ultra-portable. This light is compatible with all DeWALT 12V, 20V, and FLEXVOLT batteries.
In a swath of Arizona desert that will soon be home to a multi-billion dollar semiconductor plant, Justin Azbill stood before thousands of construction workers and told the story of the day he almost took his life.
Pressure had been building on Azbill for months in his job as safety director for a large Boston construction firm during the height of the pandemic. Sleep deprived and overwhelmed, Azbill said he made the decision one morning to take his own life and packed a lethal means to do so in his lunch sack.
But as he was preparing to leave for work that morning, his daughter intervened — she asked him to stay home with her that day. He did and the day provided a moment of clarity for Azbill who then sought out help from a friend.
Azbill, who got his start in construction as an ironworker, has been traveling to construction sites across the country sharing his story as he and others in the industry race to address what they say is an epidemic of suicide among their colleagues — many of whom are under increasing strain amid a nationwide construction boom and a shortage of workers.
“In the construction industry, we’ve generationally been taught that if you talk to someone about a weakness or you’re struggling then you’re weak and you won’t get hired,” said Azbill. “One of the reasons I talk about it so freely is so people know that it’s normal and it’s okay.”
Justin Azbill tells the story of the day he almost took his life. (Courtesy Justin Azbill)
The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates among professions — with the rate among male construction workers 75% higher than men in the general population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 6,000 construction workers died as a result of suicide in 2022, an increase from 2021, according to the most recent data available. That compares to around 1,000 who died from a construction work-related injury.
“When you’re more likely to be killed by your own hands than to get killed in a jobsite accident, that’s a crisis in our industry,” said Brian Turmail, vice president of public affairs and workforce for the Associated General Contractors of America. “We know pretty much what needs to happen to protect people physically. We’re figuring out how to protect people mentally.”
While construction wages are up and jobs are plentiful, those in the industry fear that the pressures on their workers’ mental health are only getting worse. A recent surge in construction projects, spurred by billions of federal dollars for infrastructure, clean energy and semiconductor projects have put increasing strain on an already stretched workforce. As a result, workers are putting in more than 10-hour days in harsh weather conditions, facing high-pressure deadlines and having to spend months away from home living in hotels, temporary workforce housing or their vehicles. There is also the risk of workplace injuries and a higher rate of opioid misuse along with the general financial instability of hourly work.
“There’s a lot that goes into how stressful it is, not just physically, but mentally and psychologically,” said Josh Vitale, a superintendent for Hoffman Construction, the general contractor overseeing the Intel Arizona project where Azbill recently spoke. “There’s a huge human toll. There’s no free lunch, if we want this stuff, and I think progress is fantastic, but we have to realize that we are legitimately wringing the life out of people.”
One of the biggest building booms is being driven by the semiconductor industry. Companies are planning to spend $450 billion on 80 new semiconductor manufacturing projects in 25 states as part of a nationwide push led by the Biden administration to increase U.S. manufacturing of high-tech chips that go into everything from cars to military equipment, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association.
In Arizona, workers building the $20 billion Intel facility typically work two 60-hour weeks followed by a 50-hour week for months at a time in the hot Arizona weather with no paid vacation time, said Vitale. Because of a shortage of local workers, many are coming in from out of state, leaving behind friends and family and living for months or years in hotels or temporary housing.
For Azbill, a number of factors came together in a matter of months that pushed him to a place where he was close to ending his own life.
Azbill had spent decades working his way up the ranks of the construction industry, and when the pandemic hit, he was thrust into the role of Covid czar, working in an emotionally challenging and negative environment as his company tried to navigate the pandemic on their worksites, he said.
“I was working 19-hour days, and then I couldn’t sleep at night. Try that for six months and see where someone would be,” he said. “You start seeing everything negatively, there is this darkness. I was crying myself to sleep.”
At home, his relationship with his wife and daughter was fraying because for months he had barely been around, but he worried that if he cut back his hours at work he would let his family down financially, he said.
“At the time, I didn’t think that my wife or my daughter really cared for me because for six months I was angry all the time, they were cautious being around me, they didn’t want to cause more problems for me,” Azbill said.
After about six months, Azbill said he hit a breaking point. There was a Covid outbreak on a job site after some workers weren’t following safety protocols. The incident angered him in a way he’d never experienced. He said he blacked out and started having thoughts of suicide. He knew something was wrong so he went home to try to get some sleep.
He woke up at 2:30 a.m. the next morning and decided he was going to take his own life. He wrote three good-bye letters: one to his mother, one to his wife and one to his daughter.
“Before I left, I said ‘goodbye. I’m going to work, I love you guys,’” he said.
Then, his eight-year-old daughter, who was doing remote school, came running out of her room.
“She says ‘papa papa,’ and anytime she calls me papa she steals my heart. It’s also her way of saying she loves me,” Azbill said. “I think she knew I was struggling bad, and I was her best friend. She said ‘papa I love you, spend time with me, I don’t like my teacher and I don’t like school, can you spend time with me today?’ And so I did.”
Azbill stayed home from work that day and watched his daughter.
In the afternoon, he got on a weekly Zoom call with dozens of other safety professionals in the industry. Near the end of the call, one of the participants began crying, talking about losing one of his best friends to Covid and shared how he was struggling with the loss.
“I call that my clarity moment, it completely changed my mindset,” he said. “I realized, I can’t do that. I’m not going to do what I was thinking.”
After the Zoom meeting, Azbill called a friend and shared that he was struggling. His friend told him how important he was to those in his life and that people are grateful for all he does. That phone call, he said, helped save his life.
At the Intel project, the site’s general contractor, Hoffman Construction, has tried to tackle the risk of suicide in a number of ways across its worksites after the company lost two of its supervisors over the past several years to suicide, said Vitale. Intel doesn’t employ any of the construction workers on the site or have direct involvement in the construction process.
The company has created community center-style spaces on its worksites where workers can have some personal space, attend a substance misuse meeting or talk with a peer who can help connect them to mental health resources. It also started including discussions about mental health in its regular staff meetings.
“It would be rare to find someone in the industry who hasn’t known a person that has taken their life within the last year or two,” said Vitale. “As an industry, we just keep putting more and more pressure on the worker to outperform what they’ve done before, and at some point it’s just untenable.”
Vitale has gotten involved in a number of efforts to reduce suicides in the industry after he struggled with his own mental health crisis after the loss of his baby, he said. Several times a week, he said he is involved in a suicide interventions at the Arizona job site and has counseled dozens of colleagues thinking about hurting themselves, like a young carpenter he’s been talking to recently who is struggling with the loss of his mother and grandmother.
But even with those efforts, the worksite hasn’t been immune from loss — an employee for one of the project’s contractors recently died by suicide at home over the weekend.
Alarm bells about the high rate of suicide started going off in the construction industry in 2016 when a CDC report showed construction workers had one of the highest rates of suicide by profession, leading various industry groups to start looking for solutions. For every 100,000 male construction workers, 56 died of suicide in 2022, according to CDC data. That compared to 32 suicide deaths per 100,000 men in the general population. Males have a significantly greater rate of suicide than females.
A key focus for the industry has been trying to tackle the taboo nature of talking about mental health and seeking treatment. Industry organizations have been using everything from PSA-style videos and worksite talks to stickers, poker chips and magnets plastered around job sites informing workers of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Groups have also been creating resources like worksite talks and suicide prevention training courses to help guide employers in how to talk about mental health with their employees.
Construction firm Bechtel said earlier this year that it would spent $7 million toward an effort with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to reach 500,000 construction workers with industry-specific mental health programs.
Shannon Niles, safety director for construction firm Paric Corp., said he experienced the mental toll the job can take first-hand after witnessing a coworker die on a job site when a trench collapsed on him. Niles tried to dig the man out, but was unable to save him. He said he bottled up the trauma of the incident, becoming more angry, withdrawn and drinking heavily until his family intervened and urged him to get help.
But Niles said there is an industry culture that discourages many from asking for help and a fear that showing any perceived weakness could jeopardize their job prospects.
“Construction workers think they’re so big and bad, that they don’t ever need any help. But we’ve got to realize we’re all human beings, and we all need help at some point,” Niles said.
Giving added urgency to the issue is an industry-wide shortage of workers. At the start of 2024, the construction industry needed an additional 500,000 workers on top of the normal pace of hiring to meet the expected demand, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors.
“You spend a couple hundred thousand dollars to train a superintendent for 20 years, and you’re going to throw them out the door now because they have a mental health problem or substance abuse?” said Mike Pugh, who oversees safety for DPR Construction. “They’re finding financially it’s not viable, it doesn’t pay any more to ignore and separate these issues because we don’t have anybody to replace them because there’s a worker shortage.”
It’s a stark change from when Pugh was facing his own mental health struggles more than two decades ago. Pugh said he began a downward spiral with drug and alcohol addiction following several traumatic deaths in his family. At the time he was working in a high-level position for an HVCA company that worked on large-scale commercial construction projects.
“My bosses are watching me circle the drain and nobody’s really saying anything,” Pugh said. “As men, we’re taught to take care of your stuff, take care of your family. When you’re unable to do that you feel even more shame and guilt and it just all piles on until I just kind of snapped and couldn’t do it anymore.”
Ultimately, it was his brother who urged him to get help and he has been in recovery for 25 years. Like Azbill, he now travels the country talking at worksites about the need for a culture change in the industry.
He thinks the message is starting to get through. Recently, he was at a job site in California where he had spoken about a year ago. While talking with the site’s safety manager, a laborer approached him and pulled him aside so no one would see them talking.
“He tells me ‘Sir, after your talk last year, I went home and told my wife for the first time about my drinking, and I’ve been sober for five months,’” Pugh said. “We both started crying and hugging.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
A construction labor shortage in British Columbia is increasing workers’ wages, but it may also slow contractors’ ability to start new projects. Regardless, the province’s construction sector is still robust, as it has been for several years, according to the BC Construction Association (BCCA).
Activity is high but slower
The Spring 2024 BCCA Construction Industry Stat Pack and BCCA’s annual BC Construction Industry Survey Report (published in April) say demand for construction projects is still high in British Columbia, with $160 billion in major projects underway. That’s a hike of $3 billion in work over the past six months and a 39% increase in activity over the past five years.
Still, it’s a lower level of activity than a year ago. In the Spring of 2023, B.C. had $221 billion in proposed construction projects—a 30% decrease from the $160 billion in current construction activity.
The shortage of skilled construction workers may be partly responsible for that gap, but other factors, including late payments for contractors and even delayed return of project liens, also seem to be squeezing growth.
Wages up and increasing
Wages are increasing for B.C. construction workers due to a labor shortage, but not as much as they should be, given mandated minimum wage pay rates. Construction wages continue to trend up as they have for years and may continue in that direction for a while.
About three-quarters (77%) of employers reported increasing wages in the past year. This ongoing trend has been a boon for workers, with the average annual wage in the province’s construction sector jumping 21% over the past five years to $74,853. Even so, the average entry-level wage for construction workers is still only $22.11/hour. However, the average wage of tradespeople with a decade or more of experience is $42.71/hour, according to the survey.
While that wage might seem rosy to some in various parts of the continental U.S. and Canada, it’s not a great wage, especially in B.C. The province’s minimum wage, while seemingly high compared to minimum wages in many U.S. states, is currently $17.40 per hour. That means the physically demanding and often emotionally straining work of construction is being remunerated at just 25% above B.C.’s minimum wage.
Even so, it’s a movement in the right direction for workers struggling to stay afloat due to low wages.
In recent years, Canada has been instituting increases in its minimum wage. So, it’s possible that increases in starting hourly rates for construction workers are moving up in relation to wages generally—i.e., wages are adjusting to a new low threshold mandated by law and might continue to adjust as the construction labor market tightens due to increasing wages and competition for workers in other sectors.
According to some sources, some construction workers in the U.S. make as little as $24,000 annually.
Prompt payment laws needed
While more than nine of ten B.C. construction employers are small businesses with less than 20 employees, industry players are messing with their money and likely impeding growth in construction.
Most contractors surveyed reported being paid late for completed work, and three-quarters said they hadn’t gotten their 10% lien holdbacks promptly. Disturbingly, 62% of contractors reported not being paid on at least one occasion for work completed in the past year.
These payment problems are resulting in contract disputes. Overall, more than a third of construction companies—17% of small, 36% of medium-sized, and 42% of large companies—said they’d been in a contract dispute in the past year.
B.C.’s small and medium-sized construction companies are worried about permitting and inspection timelines and the lack of prompt payment legislation.
The provincial government continues to fail to deliver on prompt payment legislation, BCCA said in a press release. “As BC’s contractors wait months for payment, they experience significant financial risk and take on the increased cost of debt, which can put them in danger of bankruptcy. They are put in the position of “financing” construction projects, including the housing BC desperately needs.”
“We have asked the Eby government time and time again to respect the hard-working people and small business owners of BC’s construction industry by ending payment uncertainty through Prompt Payment Legislation,” states Chris Atchison, BCCA President.
The construction industry still projects a deficit of 6,600 skilled workers by 2033, but that shortage has improved over the past five years. A decade ago, a projected shortfall of 26,100 workers was estimated for 2023.
Despite 9% growth in the number of B.C. construction companies in the past five years (28,014), the number of tradespeople in the industry has dropped by 7% (167,300). The average company size shrunk by 15% over the previous five years to an average of 5.97 skilled trade workers, the BCCA report states.
WASHINGTON, DC — The construction industry added 27,000 jobs on net in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has increased by 235,000 jobs, an increase of 2.9%.
Nonresidential construction employment increased by 21,200 positions on net, with growth in all three subcategories. Nonresidential specialty trade contractors added the most jobs for the month, (+9,200 jobs), followed by heavy and civil engineering (+6,300 jobs) and nonresidential building (+5,700 jobs).
The construction unemployment rate decreased to 3.3% in June. Unemployment across all industries rose from 4.0 in May to 4.1% last month.
“Despite indications that the broader economy is slowing, the construction industry continued to add jobs at a rapid pace in June,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Contractors added another 27,000 jobs for the month, with hiring concentrated in the nonresidential segment. Nonresidential construction employment has expanded 3.8% over the past year, a rate of growth over twice as fast as that of the broader economy. With backlog still at healthy levels, according to ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator, hiring should continue in the coming months.
“Of course, the Industry would have added jobs at an even faster pace if not for ongoing labor shortages,” said Basu. “The construction unemployment rate fell to 3.3% in June, the second-lowest level ever recorded. This is in stark contrast to the nationwide unemployment rate which, while still low by historical standards, rose to the highest level since November 2021.”
For more information on the Construction Backlog indicator, the Construction Confidence Index, and employment, visit abc.org/economics.
Megaprojects are constantly on the go, and infrastructure for 2024 looks strong. Plant Vogtle nuclear plant, JFK airport expansion, Nusantara, and Navi Mumbai International Airport are just a few megaprojects slated for competition this year.
Plant Vogtle nuclear plant
Location: Waynesboro, Georgia
Budget: $30 billion
This year, the $30 billion nuclear power plant near Waynesboro, Georgia, partly constructed by Virginia-based engineering company Bechtel, has crossed a major threshold.
Georgia Power announced earlier this month that the 1,114-megawatt (MW) Unit 4 nuclear power reactor at Plant Vogtle entered commercial operation after connecting to the power grid in March 2024. The commercial start of the last unit completes the 11-year expansion project at the nuclear plant.
Vogtle Unit 3 began commercial operation in July 2023, with the previous two reactors starting operation in 1987 and 1989. The third and fourth units bring Plant Vogtle’s total generating capacity to nearly 5 gigawatts (GW), exceeding Palo Verde’s 4,210-MW generating capacity and making Vogtle the largest nuclear power plant in the United States.
Construction on the two new reactors began in 2009 at an expected cost of $14 billion. However, the project faced significant hurdles and overrun costs. Georgia Power estimates the total cost of the expansion to be more than $30 billion.
Bechtel partnered with North America’s Building Trades Unions to construct the two reactors. At the peak of construction, approximately 9,000 workers were on the site.
Ciel Tower
Location: Dubai, UAE Cost: $810 million
Upon completion, the Ciel Tower in Dubai will become the tallest hotel-only building in the world, reaching more than 366 meters. Designed by London-based architect NORR for developer The First Group, construction on Ciel began in 2018 and continued through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hotel will have 1,042 luxury suites spread across 82 floors, including a Sunset Lounge on the 74th floor, a rooftop infinity pool, and a Horizon Bar on the 76th floor. Guests can take in the spectacular views from the 82nd floor at the Ciel Observatory observation deck, offering 360-degree views of Dubai. Guests will also be treated to a wide range of first-class facilities and services, including a luxurious spa and gym on the 54th floor of the building.
Ciel Tower’s design is deeply rooted in the principle of vertical living, providing residents and guests with jaw-dropping views of several landmarks. The building’s design features two glass towers joined by a shared platform and roof, creating a cylindrical silhouette. The complex facade posed significant challenges to complying with the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code.
The project was scheduled for completion in Q4 2023 but is not expected to be completed until the first half of 2024.
JFK Airport expansion
Location: New York City, New York
Cost: $19 billion
This year, John F. Kennedy Airport continues its multibillion-dollar transformation into a world-class 21st-century travel hub. Led by Grimshaw and Mott MacDonald, the expansion plan will create new terminal complexes on the south and north sides of the airport.
On the south side, Terminals 1 and 2 will be replaced with a new 2.7-million-square-foot terminal with 23 international gates. The north side will receive a 1.2-million-square-foot terminal connecting to the existing Terminal 5 and offering 12 international gates, each able to serve larger wide-body aircraft. The plan also includes a 16-gate expansion for Terminal 4 and a 3-gate expansion at Terminal 8.
The new terminals, with a combined investment of $9.5 billion for Terminal 1 and $4.2 billion for Terminal 6, are simultaneously under construction. AECOM Tishman and Gensler comprise Terminal 1’s design-build team, while AECOM Hunt leads construction on Terminal 6.
Terminal 1’s phased completion is on track. The arrivals and departures hall and 14 gates are scheduled to open in 2026, and the remaining gates are set to open by 2030. Terminal 6 is also making progress. The first phase will conclude in 2026, and the final phase will target completion in 2028.
Terminal 4’s $1.5 billion expansion will mark a significant milestone in 2024, with 10 new gates already operational. However, according to the Port Authority, additional enhancements are expected this year. According to Delta, these enhancements include renovating existing concourses, roadway upgrades to improve vehicle access, an updated check-in hall, new gate finishes, added curbside dropoff space, and restroom modernizations.
Brightline West
Location: Southern California and Las Vegas
Cost: $12 billion
The 218-mile high-speed Bightline West rail link is America’s first true high-speed passenger rail system. It will redefine train travel in America and connect two of our most iconic destinations. The rail service will operate from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, California, with 96% of its alignment within the median of the I-15 highway.
Brightline West is a fully sustainable train that runs zero-emission, fully electric cars capable of reaching 200 miles per hour. The project recently became $3 billion closer to reality, receiving a grant from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. The remainder of the project will be privately funded, and USDOT has allocated $3.5 billion in private activity bonds.
Construction on the rail system broke ground on April 22, 2024, and completion is expected in 2028 when Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics.
Nusantara
Location: Borneo, Indonesia Cost: $52 billion
Since 2022, Borneo, Indonesia, has undergone major changes as the city paves way—quite literally—to build a new capital city from the ground up. Officially the future capital of Indonesia and due for inauguration on August 17, 2024, Nusantara is set on the island’s east coast and is expected to encompass 2560 square kilometers.
According to government officials, the development of Nusantara was motivated primarily by the multitude of environmental challenges faced by Jakarta, Indonesia’s current capital. Jakarta’s metropolitan area is home to 30 million people and has undergone significant expansion in recent decades, facing frequent flooding, heavy traffic, hazardous air pollution, and drinking water shortages. The other major problem is that Jakarta is sinking. Excessive groundwater withdrawals have contributed to subsidence rates of up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) per year, and 40% of the city now sits below sea level.
Construction of the new capital began in July 2022 with the main infrastructure components and will be completed in five phases. The new capital is expected to be complete by 2045.
Navi Mumbai International Airport
Location: Mumbai, India Cost: $3.1 billion
Navi Mumbai International Airport, the city’s second airport, is due for inauguration towards the end of 2024 and will begin operation in early 2025. The project has been in the works since the 90s and became a necessity in the early 2000s when the current airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), would reach its capacity of 55 million passengers annually by 2010.
The airport will be completed in three phases, developed by the Adani Group-led Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) in partnership with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). Upon completion of the first phase, it can handle 10 million passengers a year. The second phase will raise capacity to 25 million passengers annually and the third to 60 million passengers annually by 2032, with two 3700m x 60m runways.
Phase 1’s terminal building and accompanying runway comprise the first phase of the project, which will see the construction of two runways capable of handling 80 flights per hour. Larsen & Toubro was awarded Phase 1’s construction contract in August 2019, which included a myriad of construction work on the terminal—departure and arrival forecourts, airfield development works, multilevel car parking, utilities, and other facilities.
The airport will cover 250,000 square meters across its three terminals and 100,000 square meters of cargo area across its 9.5 square-kilometer site.
The Tren Maya is a 965.6-mile (1525-km) intercity railway that spans five states in southeastern Mexico: Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. The train is intended to fuel regional development, foster connectivity between communities, and bolster the local economy.
Construction on the Tren Maya began in June 2020 on the line that starts in Palenque, Chiapas and travels northeast towards Cancun, Quintana Roo. The rail line will consist of 42 railway cars costing approximately $3.15 million and will offer three types of trains:
Xiinbal (walking): Regular service train offering views from large panoramic windows.
Janal (eating): Restaurant car offering comfortable spaces to enjoy regional cuisine.
P’atal (staying): Long-distance train with comfortable day and night cabins.
Once fully operational, trains are expected to run every two hours, offering a more reliable and comfortable way for travelers to see the Yucatan Peninsula than current transportation methods. All sections of the train are expected to be operational by June 2024.
The project was initially estimated at $12.6 billion, but there’s been major backlash about the impact on the environment and local people, not to mention the current estimated $28.5 billion price tag, almost three times the original budget.
West Shore Lake Pontchartrain levee system
Location: Southeast Louisiana
Cost: $3.7 billion
Over 60,000 Louisiana residents in the southwest region have little protection during hurricane season. In 2012, Hurricane Isaac flooded more than 7,000 homes, completely submerging I-10, the primary evacuation route for New Orleans, and putting a significant damper on emergency response times.
The West Shore Lake Pontchartrain project is an 18.5-mile levee system consisting of flood walls, 17.5 miles of urban levees, and pumps designed to reduce hurricanes’ impact on the surrounding area. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it received $760 million in funding from the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, but the project’s current cost has reached $3.7 billion.
The first levee contract, worth $9.3 million, was awarded in December 2022 for a section set for completion this year. At least four more levee contracts, worth $22 to $39 million, were awarded for stretches set for completion within the next two years.
The USACE has constructed nine roads totaling 14 miles through marsh and swamp to prepare for construction. Crews have also started moving materials in preparation for the construction of walls to better protect the region from storm surges.
Milwaukee is one of the best-selling tool brands on the market, and for good reason. Offering a wide selection of tools for every industry, Milwaukee prides itself on durability, versatility, quality, and performance. From the Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 6-1/2 Inch Circular Saw and Milwaukee M18 Compact 1-Ton Chain Hoist with One Key to the M18 FUEL™ 9-Gallon Dust Extractor and Milwaukee M18 FUEL™Duplex Nailer, their latest releases are just what you need to complete your job successfully.
Whether you’re a large-scale commercial contractor, a residential builder, or a DIY pro, Milwaukee Tools has what you need to get the job done. Here’s a look at some of their latest releases.
M18 FUEL™ 6-1/2 Inch Circular Saw
Designed with the Pros in mind, the new Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 6-1/2 inch circular saw (2833) is built tough, no matter the application. Combining three different technologies—POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motors, extended run-time REDLITHIUM™ XC 4.0 Battery Packs, and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence advanced electronics—the cordless circular emits just as much power as corded competitors. The brushless motor delivers a top speed of 6,000 RPMs with a maximum cutting depth of 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees. Its versatile design enables you to perform rip, cross, miter, and bevel cuts, and the positive bevel detents and depth detent make adjustments easy,
Product highlights
POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor with 3X longer tool life
REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence: The most advanced electronic system on the market maximizes performance
REDLITHIUM™ XC 4.0 Battery Pack offers up to 4X more runtime, 20% more power, and up to 2X more recharges than other batteries
Includes canvas carry bag, M18™ and M12™ Multi-Voltage Charger, two 4.0 Ah battery packs, framing blade, and blade wrench
LED Light
Speed: 5,000 RPM
Arbor size: 5/8″
Blade guard: Magnesium
Shoe: Magnesium
Maximum bevel capacity: 50 degrees
5-year tool warranty
M12 FUEL™ Gen II 5-3/8 Inch Circular Saw
The Gen II M12 FUEL™ 5 3/8-inch circular saw isn’t just for DIYers. With cutting capacity to handle 2x lumber and sheet goods, it delivers top-tier performance with a more compact size and lighter weight. It’s an excellent option for tradespeople who don’t need higher capacity or extreme runtime but don’t want to compromise power and performance. Its brushless motor tops out blade speed at 3,850 RPMs, enabling it to power through tough cuts and minimize bog downs. And as one of this class’s most compact and lightweight models, it’s ultra-portable and convenient in tight spaces.
Product highlights
POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers maximum power and provides up to 2X longer motor life
REDLINK PLUS intelligence provides optimized performance and overload protection
REDLITHIUM™ XC 4.0 Battery Pack offers up to 4X more runtime, 20% more power, and up to 2X more recharges than other batteries
1-5/8 in. cut capacity
LED light for better cutline visibility in low-light conditions
Compatible with all M12 batteries and chargers
Includes one M12 FUEL™ 5-3/8 in. circular saw (tool only) (2530-20)
M12 Brushless 1 1/4 – 2-inch Copper Tubing Cutter
The Milwaukee M12 brushless 1 1/4 – 2 inch copper tubing cutter offers improved productivity, cut quality, and capacity, delivering quick, clean cuts to type K, L, and M copper pipes 1-1/4″ to 2″ (nominal), with diameters from 1-3/8″ to 2-1/8″. The automatic adjustment feature means the cutter will automatically adjust to the size of the pipe. The new M12 tubing cutter is designed to eliminate the need for manual cutters and reduce user fatigue, and its rotating head only needs 1.7 inches of clearance. Its inline design also provides improved balance and control during one-handed operation.
Product highlights
Specific for type K, L, and M copper pipes
1-1/4″ – 2″ nominal cutting capacity
1-3/8″ – 2-1/8″ outer diameter capacity
Automatically adjust the diameter to cut from 3/8″ – 1″ copper
Inline design for less fatigue in confined spaces
LED work light
Unmatched cutting speed
View window for line of cut visibility
Powerful 500-RPM motor cuts up to 10X faster than conventional cutters
Electronic Overload Protection along with uni-body construction for increased durability
Compatible with all M12 batteries and chargers
M18 Compact 1-Ton Chain Hoist with One Key™
The M18™ Compact 1-Ton Chain Hoist with One Key™ brings the latest technology to the material handling industry. Designed to make installs easier, reduce downtime, and improve mobility, the chain hoist is among the biggest assets for lifts. An impressive 2,200-pound lift capacity, wireless design, and compact profile eliminate the time needed to set up extension cords to power hoists onsite. The Kitted wireless remote delivers improved control, and including a PACKOUT™ Rolling Cart offers unmatched mobility between job sites.
Product highlights
1 metric ton (2,204lbs) lifting capacity with 20ft chain
One-person carry (46lbs)
Wireless remote with up to 60ft range
Inverted and standard installs
Enhanced control through variable speed and fine adjustment
Hoist inspection interval and record storage via ONE-KEY™
5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty
Roll-On 7200W/3600W 2.5kWh Power Supply
The Milwaukee Roll-On 7,200W/3,600W 2.5kWh power supply delivers instant gas-equivalent power for the toughest jobs. It uses a REDLITHIUM™ Integrated 2.5kWh Battery, providing high power and runtime during sustained high-demand applications. ROLL-ON™ has two (2) 20A duplex breaker outlets, one USB-A port, and one USB-C port for instant power for corded tools, chargers, and other electronics. ROLL-ON™ can be used indoors and outdoors (temporary use) with zero emissions, quiet operation, and IP54 rating to withstand job site conditions. Add the ROLL-ON™ 7200W/3600W 2.5kWh Power Supply Cover (48-11-3300) to protect your machine against dust and debris in storage.
Product highlights
7200W of starting power and 3600W of running power
REDLITHIUM Integrated 2.5kWh Battery provides high power and runtime
Instant setup eliminates temporary power and gas hassles
Zero emissions, quiet operation, and IP54-rated protection
Charges in 3 hours to 100% and in under 35 minutes to 25%
Pure sine wave inverter protects sensitive electronics
Features pass-through power for the ability to charge and discharge simultaneously
Fully compatible with the PACKOUT Modular Storage System
9.5″ All-Terrain Wheels
Integrated ONE-KEY™ for tracking, management, and adjustable charging rate to maximize outlet usage onsite
M18 Brushless Single Acting 60in3 10,000psi Hydraulic Pump
The Milwaukee M18 Brushless Single Acting 60in3 10,000psi Hydraulic Pump saves time and effort by eliminating the need for manual pumps on the job site. The pump is 2.5X faster than hand pumps and requires 95% less muscle effort to deliver increased productivity, faster applications, and less fatigue. A manual valve allows precise control over return flow, while a bladder window will enable you to gauge fluid levels quickly. It’s fully compatible with all existing 10,000psi single-acting rated hydraulic hoses and cylinders. And at just 12.6 lbs, this compact pump is highly portable and allows easy transport to every application.
Product highlights
Compatible with all 10,000 psi rated single-acting hydraulic hoses, cylinders, and tools
60in3 of usable oil allows you to fully extend a wide variety of small cylinders and tools to full stroke
Manual valve enables better control over return flow
Bladder window to quickly gauge fluid levels
Trigger Lock Out prevents unwanted tool activation in transport, set up, and tear down
Integrated D-Rings to easily tie-off with a lanyard at heights
Compact and lightweight design at only 12.6 lbs
Brushless motor provides improved durability
Compatible with all M18™ batteries and chargers
MX FUEL™ 1 HP 2″ Submersible Pump
Standing water on a job site can be problematic, especially in the colder months. The Milwaukee MX FUEL™ 1 HP 2″ Submersible Pump provides portability and efficiency for removing water without needing a generator in confined spaces. It uses auto-sensing technology to automatically sense water levels and respond without manual adjustment to improve efficiency.
Using the MX FUEL™ XC6.0 battery, this pump delivers up to 20 minutes of continuous runtime and relocates up to 2,000 gallons per charge. The Portable Pump Console is ONE-KEY Compatible and compatible with all MX FUEL™ batteries and MX FUEL™ portable pump consoles.
The MX FUEL™ 1 HP 2″ Submersible Pump is set to hit shelves in Q3 of 2024.
Product highlights
No generator required
Auto-sending enables greater efficiency and runtime
20 minutes of runtime and clears 2,000 gallons per charge
Three performance modes (high, auto, and low)
POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor provides more power, more run-time, and longer life
Fully compatible with the MX FUEL™ Equipment System
2-year equipment warranty and 2-year battery warranty
MX Fuel™ 70kg Rammer
A full-sized plate compactor can be tricky to maneuver in tight spaces, even for a pro. The Milwaukee MX FUEL™ 70kg Rammer is compact, easily fits into confined spaces, and is easy to use. It features a centralized control panel for easy adjustments and better control and stability. The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivers greater power for maximum productivity without sacrificing compaction performance. And with no gas and a push-button start, there’s no headache to get it started. Plus, zero emissions mean it’s safe for indoor and outdoor use. When paired with an MX FUEL™ Forged HD 12.0Ah battery, it offers 25 minutes of continuous runtime or approximately 1/4 mile of compaction.
The MILWAUKEE® MX FUEL™ 70kg Rammer is fully compatible with ONE-KEY™ and our MX FUEL™ Equipment System.
The MX FUEL™ 70kg Rammer is set to hit shelves in Q2 of 2024.
Product highlights
25 min of runtime or more than 1/4 mile of compaction per charge
Centralized user interface for easy adjustments and greater control and stability
Push button start/stop
Stability and tip detection for optimal safety
ONE-KEY™ compatible
65-minute charge time with the MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 on the MX FUEL™ Super Charger
Fully Compatible with the MX FUEL™ Equipment System
2-year equipment warranty and 2-year battery warranty
MX FUEL™ Portable Battery Extension
Never worry about running out of battery on the job with the all-new MX FUEL™ Portable Battery Extension—operate your MX FUEL™ Equipment and take the weight of the MX FUEL™ battery pack. It delivers a lighter tool weight and less fatigue on handheld equipment without compromising performance. Fully compatible with all MX FUEL™ batteries, the MX FUEL™ Portable Battery Extension allows you to benefit from maximum run-time by leveraging Mialwukee’s most capable battery packs. The 8′ tether adapter offers peak flexibility to operate hand-held equipment from the ground, a ladder, lift, or scaffolding. And the backpack harness with adjustable straps and carrying handle offers easy transport between sites.
The MX FUEL™ Portable Battery Extension is set to hit shelves in Q2 of 2024.
Product highlights
Lighter tool weight for reduced fatigue without compromising performance
Compatible with all MX FUEL™ batteries
Up to 45% less MX FUEL™ Equipment weight
8’ ether Adapter fits all MX FUEL™ Equipment
Easily remove Backpack Harness for stationary use
2-year equipment warranty
M18 FUEL™ Duplex Nailer
The M18 FUEL™ Duplex Nailer takes concrete formwork to new levels by boosting productivity and optimizing ergonomics. It leverages Milwaukee’s nitrogen air spring technology, POWERSTATE™ Brushless motor, and REDLINK™ Intelligence to deliver maximum performance. Capable of firing rates of up to 4 nails per second, the M18 FUEL™ Duplex Nailer can increase productivity by up to 7X and reduce user muscle strain, effort, and fatigue.
The all-new nailer has user-driven features and a cordless design for greater maneuverability. It’s also compatible with Milwaukee’s Collated Duplex Nails in two sizes: 8D (2 ¼” drivable length) and 16D (3” drivable length). And when paired with our M18™ REDLITHIUM™ 5.0AH Battery pack, users can fire up to 800 nails per charge.
The M18 FUEL™ Duplex Nailer is set to hit shelves in Q3 of 2024.
Product highlights
Only compatible with Milwaukee Collated Duplex Nails (MDP8D-2000, MDP16D-2000)
Tool-free jam-clearing latch and depth-adjustment
Rapid firing speed at 4 nails per second
Belt and rafter hook
Nail placement indicator
LED work light
Dry fire lockout
REDLITHIUM battery technology delivers more work per charge and more work over pack life
POWERSTATE Brushless Motor delivers longer life and higher performance
Ergonomic handle for use with thick work gloves
MX FUEL™ 14″ Cut-Off Saw w/ RAPIDSTOP™
The MX FUEL™ 14 in. Cut-Off Saw w/ RAPID STOP™ delivers 14” gas performance with zero emissions and no gas headaches. The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor enables users to cut tough materials like rebar, concrete, and ductile iron with precision and ease. The push-button start delivers instant power for faster cutting, and the no-gas engine means less noise and vibration and safer use for indoor and outdoor applications.
Featuring RAPID STOP™ Blade Break & Kickback Control, the MX FUEL™ 14 in. Cut-Off Saw enhances safety by stopping the blade in three seconds. REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence ensures optimal tool performance and provides overload protection. It also contains an electric onboard water connection that releases water when the trigger is released, helping to reduce onsite mess.
Product highlights
14” gas performance with zero emissions
14 ft in concrete and 120 cuts in #5 rebar per charge
Push button start
RAPIDSTOP™ Blade Brake & Kickback Control for enhanced safety
Load light indicator
No engine maintenance
Onboard electric water valve
Fully compatible with the MX FUEL™ Equipment system.
Allowing hazardous construction site conditions ruined a young union operating engineer’s hip, damaging his livelihood, and cost those he sued $919,000 for injuries.
The settlement, won in early June by Chicago injury law firm GWC, resulted from a lawsuit led by GWC partner Michael D. Fisher and attorney Autumn K. Leslie. It includes a complete waiver of the worker’s compensation lien, which totaled $189,000.
Poor site conditions injured worker
The successful lawsuit resulted from a November 2019 accident where a 27-year-old union operating engineer working on a site in Willow Springs, Illinois, was hurt when he tripped and fell while stepping over a silt fence in muddy conditions. The lawsuit was filed against a large pipeline operator, charging that it didn’t identify and rectify hazardous conditions and activities on the worksite.
The suit was also filed against the project’s general contractor for failing to provide safe access around the job site without requiring workers to step over the silt fence, which caused the plaintiff to fall.
Companies deny blame for serious injury
The plaintiff in the lawsuit suffered a torn labrum in his left hip and aggravated the underlying impingement in his left hip. The injury required surgery, putting the plaintiff out of work for almost a year.
Both defendants claimed they acted reasonably in identifying and addressing hazards. They also claimed the plaintiff’s injuries were his fault for choosing to step over the silt fence.
“While the defendants conceded nothing, we were able to show, one witness at a time, how their failures directly caused our client’s fall,” GWC partner Michael D. Fisher said.
A pattern of neglect established
The lawsuit demonstrated that the defendants didn’t do enough to identify and address the hazardous conditions on the job site and were responsible for the fall that seriously injured the plaintiff.
Various workers made daily efforts to stabilize muddy ground on the job site before the plaintiff’s fall, but this didn’t fix the problem.
“Defendants testified that there were alternative routes available; however, when workers who were at the job site on a daily basis testified that there were no alternative routes for the work our client was doing without stepping over that slit fence, it became clear that this incident was inevitable and defendants were going to need to pay,” attorney Autumn Leslie said.
Pittsburgh city officials have stopped work on the 900,000 SF UPMC Presbyterian Hospital Tower in a matter related to the city and the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council and work permits for the project. The billion-dollar project involves building a 17-story inpatient tower. Ground was broken for the tower two years ago.
City orders work stoppage
On June 20, Pittsburgh’s Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections issued a stop work order on the building, leaving 120 workers temporarily out of work.
One council official said the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council has no involvement in the matter apart from advocating for the union workers on this job who are out of work due to an error from the contractor, the city, or both.
“My problem is I have over a hundred union workers sitting at home today,” said Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council business manager Greg Bernard, a trained ironworker. “I need to get them back to work as soon as possible. That’s our issue with it.”
Required permits not yet approved
According to Maria Montano, the city’s communications director, UPMC didn’t have the required permits for the project and was ordered to obtain them before work could resume. The large nonprofit failed to get the necessary permits for the building’s electrical, mechanical, and fire suppression work, which has been under construction for over a year.
“These permits were applied for six months ago but not approved by the city yet,” Bernard said.
City officials are taking the matter seriously and halting project work. It’s currently unclear who is at fault, but work should not have progressed without the required permits.
“It is our job in city government to ensure the safety of workers and citizens,” Montaño said to CBS Pittsburgh. “UPMC did not have the required permits for the work it was doing, and when that was discovered, our inspector issued a stop order.” UPMC told CBS Pittsburgh the matter should be resolved quickly. It’s unclear how soon that will happen.
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