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Why contractors need to prepare for legal disputes due to COVID-19
Justin Gitelman Construction & Building MaterialsThe coronavirus pandemic has changed the construction game. Contractors are trying to hold onto their cash as long as possible while still having to pay their subcontractors and suppliers. Cash is tight right now, and it’s leaving contractors with a major cash threat. Contractors already are faced with the longest waits for payment of businesses in any industry, which makes matters worse when the country is in the middle of a recession. As social distancing and stay-at-home orders remain in place, coronavirus will continue to impact the construction industry.
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As virus peaks, so does the conversion of temporary hospitals
Scott E. Rupp Facilities & GroundsAmong the daily deluge of coronavirus-related news, a theme among the headlines is the abundance of temporary medical hospitals that continue to be developed. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is leading these efforts, operating under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Convention centers, hotels, and other large-scale gathering areas continue to be evaluated as the virus ravages the nation, from hotspots such as New York City to the county's interior, like Kansas City.
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Remodeling activity tapers off amidst economic standstill
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsConcerns for health and safety as well as the economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have brought about an abrupt reversal in remodeling activity in the past month. Several recent industry surveys show that between 70 to 90% of firms engaged in remodeling and renovation have seen a substantial decline in new business inquiries along with increasing numbers of client requests for project delays or cancellations. Nonetheless, many are hopeful business will return when living and working conditions improve.
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How technology can help prevent workplace injuries
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementA few months ago, we reported on workplace fatalities being at their highest levels since 2008, although workplace injuries are trending down. And now, the National Security Council recently released its first Work to Zero research report, "Safety Technology 2020: Mapping Technology Solutions for Reducing Serious Injuries and Fatalities in the Workplace." The report identifies the most relevant workplace hazards, along with technologies that can help to mitigate the risks.
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How shrouds cause chimney fires
Derek Lidstrom Construction & Building MaterialsChimney fires are one of the most dangerous events that a house will typically endure. If the house is still standing when the smoke clears, the investigation that follows is usually worthy of a Sherlock Holmes adventure. Many factors come into play on most chimney fires, and it is the responsibility of the chimney professional to play lead detective and ferret out any and all factors, create a hypothesis and prove his theory to the satisfaction of the fire department, the homeowner and possibly an insurance company. This requires good, clean info. That is what I wish to share here.
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Interior design employment growth highest in 5 years, per most recent data
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesSince 2015, when the industry rebounded from the Great Recession, the number of employed interior designers has been gradually increasing each year. In the 12-month period from May 2018 to May 2019, however, the number of interior designers added to the employment rolls grew by nearly 6% — the largest increase since 2015. Employment for interior designers in 2019 was the highest it has ever been, with more of them working in A&D firms rather than in other industry-related positions.
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3 possible economic outcomes for the coronavirus pandemic
Lark Gould Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementSurviving the coronavirus is currently top of mind for the American public. There are many likely scenarios possible within the possible epidemiological trajectories of COVID-19 and the economic response to this crisis will also develop over the next few months, bringing a new set of struggles to consider. The Conference Board, a New York-based think tank on the economy and public policy, has developed three scenarios for the development of the U.S. economy through the remainder of the year.
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Can airports survive the coronavirus crisis?
Matt Falcus Transportation Technology & AutomotiveThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is causing an unprecedented crisis among the aviation industry, and it is threatening to drastically change the landscape and future of airports. With much of the world on lockdown and airlines effectively grounding their fleets, many airports are operating only a few key flights per day. Experiencing little demand, airports like Atlanta, Zurich and Frankfurt have assigned whole runways as temporary parking lots for grounded aircraft. Other airports, like Paris Orly and London City, have closed completely.
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Army Corps of Engineers identifies more than 100 facilities to serve as…
Scott E. Rupp Facilities & GroundsDuring the month of March, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued over 120 press releases. Compared to the same time a year ago, USACE published just one press release. Most of the Corps of Engineers’ releases announce its involvement in procuring facilities appropriate for providing alternate care for the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, this process involves turning non-healthcare buildings and facilities into hospitals. Such facilities can be used for stable, non-COVID-19 patients to reduce the potential burden on hospitals.
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How important is good office space design?
Terri Williams Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesThere's no magic formula for creating an office environment that fosters productivity and collaboration while increasing employee engagement levels. However, it appears that the physical office space may be as important as the intangible factors that companies routinely chase. A new survey of top-performing employees in Denver conducted by Layton Construction, reveals that office space is so important that it’s only trumped by salary, working hours, healthcare benefits, and the daily commute.
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