WISCONSIN WINS
Wisconsin is the top state for construction, according to Associated Builders and Contractors’ 10th annual Merit Shop Scorecard. The scorecard, released annually since 2015, ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on policies and programs that better career pathways in construction, further workforce development and strengthen fair and open competition on taxpayer-funded construction projects. Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia and Florida rounded out the top five states in 2024, in ranking order.
“Policies and processes that protect free enterprise, promote economic growth, reduce regulatory burdens and expand workforce development create the conditions to welcome all of the U.S. construction industry to rebuild America’s infrastructure,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC’s vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs. “States like Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia and Florida set the standard in favorable conditions for the construction industry, and its workforce, to thrive. Hard-working taxpayers are best served by a regulatory environment that creates a level playing field for all contractors to build America with fewer obstacles.”
For more information and to see where your state ranks, visit meritshopscorecard.org.
PLAN AND PREPARE
The American Society of Safety Professionals has updated a key national voluntary consensus standard for construction and demolition sites, which are among the most hazardous work environments.
ANSI/ASSP A10.1-2024 Pre-Project and Pre-Task Safety and Health Planning establishes effective elements and activities for pre-project and pre-task safety and health planning in construction and demolition work.
“The primary purpose of this standard is to assist construction owners, project constructors and contractors in making pre-project and pre-task safety and health planning a typical part of their overall planning process,” said subcommittee Chair Wesley Wheeler, SMS, CESCP, MSP, of the National Electrical Contractors Association.
The standard calls for each potential contractor to provide a report detailing safety staff assigned to the project, time allotted for safety and health training, a substance abuse program, and personal protective equipment and other resources anticipated for the project.
“The revised standard also recommends the use of leading indicators to more accurately gauge workplace safety and health performance,” Wheeler said.
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