Construction Industry News Archives

OSHA CeritifcationsOSHA CeritifcationsAs part of the reaction to the tragic loss of life when a demolition contractor caused a building collapse at 22nd and Market Streets approximately 2 years ago, Philadelphia City Council passed a new city ordinance imposing licensure requirements for demolition contractors. That law, which was signed by Mayor Nutter, also imposed a new training requirement for some contractors to obtain and keep their contractor’s license.

According to the Raleigh, North Carolina based form FMI Corp., 2014 was a vastly better year than 2013 in terms of total construction in place (CPIP). The total for 2014 was $62 billion more – a 7 percent increase – than the year before. The gross number for 2014 was estimated to be around $972 billion. In even better news, the projected number for 2015 exceeds $1 trillion.

One of the biggest commercial real estate brokerage firms in New Jersey is reporting some positive numbers for New Jersey’s real estate and construction economy. According to recent information released by the company, new industrial space was built at the fastest pace seen since 2002 last year. In addition, nearly 12 million square feet of existing tenant space was reabsorbed by the tenants back in the market.

In what appears to be a public private partnership agreement of large proportions, Hill International has been awarded a 4 year contract by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority for the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. The contract, worth $33.7 million, will require Hill to provide construction management services on a number of projects and inspection services in support of the Facilities Improvement Program.

The International Green Construction Code was developed by the International Code Council -more commonly known as the ICC – and first published in 2012. Its state purpose is to develop a model code for the measurement of sustainability in the construction industry. The goal in developing the code is to “make buildings more efficient, reduce waste, and have a positive impact on health, safety and community welfare”.

The Philadelphia Business Journal is reporting that New Jersey Federal Judge Joseph Rodriguez recently accepted a guilty plea from an OSHA instructor who admits to selling fake OSHA 30 Hour Certification Cards.

The Metabo Corporation has announced a recall of the W14-150 Ergo Angle Grinder. The company indicated that it was brought to their attention that under certain circumstances the grinder can get stuck in the on position. Two incidents were verified, although there have been no injuries to date. Metabo cites its desire to promote safety and to ensure that no user is injured by its product as the basis for the recall.

The next project for the City Centered Investment Corporation of Allentown is likely to end up being its biggest ever. Five City Center, a proposed 7-story office building would be 250,000 square feet plus parking for more than 1,000 spaces to accommodate the building. The project would be headed by the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority.

A recent trial in Delaware County, Pennsylvania resulted in a $24.3 million verdict in favor of the construction company Utility Line Services. The award, handed down by an 8 person jury panel, was arrived at by finding a breach of contract, violation of the Pennsylvania Contractor and Subcontractor Payment Act (“CASPA”), and wrongful termination of the contract.

Those who follow politics know that the “baby boomer” generation is often the topic of discussion in the context of budgetary and policy debates. The massive number of people that fit into that age demographic presents unique challenges in so many different ways. The construction industry, including in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, is no different.