Seventy-three percent of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls in 2017 as contractors expect private and public sector demand to grow in all market segments, according to survey results released this month by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate. Despite the general optimism outlined in  Expecting a Post-Election Bump: The 2017 Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook, many firms report they remain worried about the availability of qualified workers and rising health and regulatory costs.

"Contractors have relatively high expectations for 2017 as they predict the economy and demands for all types of construction will grow," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "As a result of this optimism, many firms expect to expand their headcount next year."

   

Recognizing AGC Contractor Members for Safety Excellence Since 1926, the National AGC Safety Awards (NASA) program has been an ongoing effort to offer AGC members an opportunity to evaluate their safety record. NASA compares a member's safety record with other AGC members according to the member size and construction type. Additionally, NASA provides a great opportunity for contractor members to compete for nationally recognized awards that have excellent safety records.

To enter, you simply provide the Austin AGC with your OSHA 300 logs for 2016, by 5pm on February 3, 2017.  Entries are eligible for national AGC awards and also state AGC Texas Building Branch (TBB) awards.  The state TBB awards are presented as part of the annual summer convention which will be held this June in Idaho.  Photos from last year's TBB safety awards presentations are available here.

This is a very easy and great way to get recognition for your company's superior safety efforts! More information here or contact Austin AGC Safety Director Rob Williams via e-mail or at 512.442.7887.