Joe Szabo

The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is one of the oldest industries on the planet. Partly because of this it has been slow to move to new technology. “Construction productivity has actually declined in some markets since the 1990s; financial returns for contractors are often relatively low—and volatile.” *

The construction industry is one of the least digitized.

Some of the challenges to the industry include multiple sectors which are geographically dispersed and dramatic differences between projects. Think of the difference between building a bridge verses building an airport.

There is a tendency for every project to be thought of as unique and not scalable therefore making embracing new technology may seem impractical. 

The argument for the construction industry to accelerate technological innovation is powerful and one of the most promising areas today is in the use of Augmented Reality or AR.

What is AR? It is technology that uses a combination of sensors, cameras and databases to integrate your physical surroundings with computer-generated information to provide an efficient, enhanced view of your surroundings. AR differs from VR (Virtual Reality) in that VR is an entirely digital experience without integrating elements of the real world around you.

AR is effective for Project Planning. It can allow you to project 3D models onto a 2D plan.

It can give clients a realistic view of the project and allows for changes before starting the project that might otherwise lead to large cost overruns. The technology allows for quickly measuring height, width and depth on site and transferring those measurements onto updated models making sure that the on site spec and the planned models agree.

Combining a physical view with digital information can be invaluable for locating pipes, walls and beams and inform the user in real time of obstacles to a desired revision.

Augmented Reality allows complex data to be simplified and more immediately useful. Data overload can bog down progress and create confusion for anyone. AR can help by:

• allowing project managers to use machine visualization to ensure that equipment they’ve ordered will fit the workspace
• that any accessory they consider will fit the machine they’re using. 

Some of the most powerful aspects of AR is increased efficiency, higher utilization rates and increased ROI.

In order to maintain a competitive advantage all of these factors are essential.

Making sure that machines are well maintained and being utilized effectively means companies can make more money back on their investments.

AR makes it easier for operators to use their machines safely, can translate control functions and decals to their preferred language and streamline operator efficiency to keep machines in use, as opposed to idling while trying to consult a manual.

AR can help ensure that equipment ordered for a project will actually reach the necessary height and handle projected loads, while still fitting into the dimensions necessary.

There are still drawbacks to AR just as there are with any emerging technology. It is not perfect and can be restricted by bad internet connection in remote places. Not all AR glasses can be worn with a hard hat. 

The potential of AR and other new technologies to revolutionize the industry is profound. If the construction industry is ever going to increase efficiency and productivity in a meaningful way there is no choice but to integrate and embrace new technology. The industry as a whole is well positioned to come back after Covid and AR will be an integral part of its future growth.

JLG’s AR app is a suite of five tools:

• Machine Visualization: Make sure you have the right equipment for any job by placing and moving virtual machines in your actual job site.
• Kit Visualization: Stock or buy the right accessories for any job by viewing them on your real equipment or in the space where they will be used.
• Operation Guidance: Promote safe machine operation with control panel guidance in your choice of languages.
• Decal Viewer: Ensure operator safety with a viewer that shows decal information in your choice of languages and explains symbols and images.
• Inspection Assistance: Increase efficiency with inspection details and information shown on the machine you’re inspecting.

* https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/imagining-constructions-digital-future#

An analysis of government data by the Associated General Contractors of America showed an increase of 84,000 jobs in October. The association warned though that a growing number of of construction projects are being canceled or delayed. (Survey Here) 

Despite the fact that total Construction employment grew to 7,345,000 jobs in October, up 1.2% from September, employment is down 3.9% or 294,000 jobs since February. Nonresidential construction including heavy and civil engineering construction remains 5.6% or 262,000 jobs below February levels. Residential construction has faired better down only 1.1% or 32,000 jobs.

There were significant differences in construction activity between states. Between February and October, New York lost the most construction jobs (-41,600 jobs or -10.1 percent), followed by Texas (-41,500 jobs, -5.2 percent). Vermont had the largest percentage loss (-21.8 percent, -3,200 jobs), followed by North Dakota (-13.2 percent, -3,900 jobs).

Thirteen states added construction jobs as well as the District of Columbia. Virginia added the most jobs (7,100 jobs, 3.5 percent), then Kentucky (4,300 jobs, 5.4 percent) and Alabama (4,300 jobs, 4.5 percent). South Dakota added the largest percentage gain (9.4 percent, 2,300 jobs), followed by Kentucky.

California added the most jobs between September and October (26,300 jobs, 3.1 percent), then Texas (9,400 jobs, 1.3 percent). The largest percentage gain for the month was in Alaska (10.1 percent, 1,500 jobs), followed by Iowa (7.0 percent, 4,700 jobs).

“The survey results make it clear that the months-long pandemic is undermining demand for projects, disrupting vital supply chains and clouding the industry’s outlook,” said Ken Simonson, the Associated General Contractors of America chief economist. “Without new federal relief measures, these challenges pose a significant threat to current construction employment levels.” *

The association’s October survey included responses by over one thousand contractors in residential and non-residential construction. Three quarters of them reported that a project had been canceled or postponed. Overall they reported more cancelations than starts.

Industry groups are still hoping congress will pass another stimulus package before the end of the year. Additional investment in infrastructure, liability reforms and new Paycheck Protection Program flexibility and tax relief could help offset impacts of the growing number of project delays and cancelations. 

“Congressional leaders understand that employers cannot afford to wait until next year for relief from the broad economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “We stand ready to work with Congress to make sure any new relief measures include new infrastructure investments, tax relief and liability reform so honest firms don’t fall victim to predatory lawyers seeking to profit from the coronavirus.” *

Whether a lame duck congress will take the initiative is partly dependent on industry professionals activism. If a deal is reached before the end of this year, it’s likely to be much smaller than previous stimulus packages. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated that he backs another stimulus package but it seems he wants to keep it in the range of $500 Billion instead of the $2 trillion sought by Democrats.

Now might be a good time to reach out to your representatives to make sure they are motivated to act to protect this essential industry and the overall economy with more financial stimulus.

*https://www.agc.org/news/2020/10/28/more-contractors-report-canceled-projects-starts-survey-finds-construction-0

Elite Construction Equipment is excited to now offer the Hilti PS 1000 X-scan Concrete GPR System to rent. This compact and innovative devise can scan through concrete up to 16 inches deep. You can map out and avoid drilling into reinforcing bars, cables and locate cavities before you start.

The PS 1000 concrete scans show objects in a 2D or 3D plan view and cross-sectional view for immediate analysis, or an in-depth view on the PSA 100 monitor. The unit includes a high memory capacity for clearly interpretable color images of the objects concealed in concrete structures. Users can also quickly locate objects, allowing their positions to be marked directly on the working surface.

Key Features:

·       Scans stretches of up to 10 m in length

·       Inspection and detection in steel-reinforced and prestressed concrete structures

·       Compact and cordless system consisting of scanner and monitor

·       Advanced software for comprehensive reports and documentation

Video demonstration of how powerful this can be on job sites.

PS-1000-X-Scan-Radar-Detection-System-Brochure-ASSET-DOC-LOC-4351975

Elite Construction Equipment offers a comprehensive range of test and measurement equipment with a variety of rental terms for periods ranging from a day, a week, a month or a year or more.

On September 22 Congress approved a sweeping bipartisan vote to extend funding for the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, or “FAST Act.” The Fast Act was originally signed into law on Dec. 4th, 2015 and provided $305 billion over fiscal years 2016 through 2020. The act provides federal support for critical transportation projects like new transit lines, bridges and highways. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the construction industry had advocated for expansion of the program but any changes have been put on hold till next year when a compromise will hopefully be reached.

The original bill from 2015 was designed to help states fund large infrastructure projects while streamlining approval processes for new projects. 

The FAST Act adopted a number of Administration proposals to further speed the permitting processes while still protecting environmental and historic treasures and also codifying the online system to track projects and interagency coordination processes.*

The act also established a Nation Surface Transportation and Innovation Finance Bureau to act as a go-to resource for state and local governments to apply for federal funding, financing, safety and technical assistance. 

Efforts to revise and improve the plan were hampered by a legislative log jam as well as circumstances surrounding the pandemic. 

Repsresentives Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Sam Graves (R-Mo.), leaders of the House Transportation Policy Panel, expressed agreement on the value of a one-year extension of the highway law, allowing congressional policymakers time to update its provisions.

“With this one-year extension in place, we can continue work on a long-term, transformational bill that significantly boosts investment in our surface transportation network and moves our transportation systems into the 21st century,” DeFazio said.

“As many stakeholders continue to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that states are capable of planning and executing infrastructure projects and preventing any disruptions to the 2021 construction season will keep Americans on the job rebuilding our infrastructure,” Graves noted.**

Revenue declines to public agencies due to COVID-19 have already resulted in cancelation or delay of 8 billion dollars in transportation projects with more cancelations or delays on the horizon. The risk of not passing some sort of extension could have been disastrous to industry and current transportation and infrastructure projects.

A variety of passenger transportation and freight stakeholders had been advocating for a federal tax increase to address the need for $37 billion and $32 billion in emergency funds for the DOT and public transit agencies, respectively. Of course with the economic impact already felt, due to the pandemic, agreeing to a tax increase was problematic. 

The extension was tacked on to the larger CR or continuing resolution which provided stopgap funding to the federal government as a whole. The resolution keeps funding of government programs at current levels through Dec. 11 keeping funding afloat till after the election. 

The one-year extension for the FAST act will allow for more planning and negotiation that will lead to a serious long-term transportation funding bill that will move our transportation systems forward into the 21st century.

* https://www.transportation.gov/fastact

**https://www.ttnews.com/articles/fast-act-yearlong-extension-included-temporary-funding-bill

ANSI – The New American National Standards Institute updated standards earlier this year for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) like scissor lifts and boom lifts. The changes at this time are still considered voluntary but require that owners supervisors be trained. Generally ANSI standards are adopted by OSHA so it is likely a matter of time before these standards are mandatory. 

 The new standard took affect June 1, 2020 but it is important to know that OSHA regulations have not yet changed, though:

“Regarding them being voluntary, how can you support being compliant with OSHA’s employer requirement to provide a workplace free from harm if you are not following industry best practices?” Tony Groat, North American regional manager for the International Powered Access Federation,… “I guarantee every plaintiff’s attorney will be ready to refer to the standards!”*

MEWP manufacturers need to comply with the ANSI standard for liability reasons and users of rented equipment are also directly affected by the new standard. Training includes general knowledge and application components. 

Operators must demonstrate proficiency in operating the aerial lifts (MEWP). Anyone operating an aerial lift including Supervisors must undergo the same training as the operator, but without the hands-on component.

ANSI defines different roles related to MEWP operations. The “owner” is the person or business entity that owns or rents the MEWP. The “user” is the person or business entity who has ultimate care and custody of the MEWP. In many cases the owner and the user will be the same, such as a small business owner who rents a scissor lift for employees. The user can also be someone the owner has designated to oversee the MEWP, such as a general manager or a foreman. An “operator” is a person qualified to operate MEWP controls.

One new role in ANSI A92-2018 is the “occupant,” which is any person on the work platform who is not an “operator.” Finally, a “supervisor” is any person assigned to monitor the operator’s performance during work with the MEWP. In many cases the user will also be a supervisor, but in larger operations the user may designate others as supervisors.**

The new requirements under ANSI A92-2018 include:

Occupant: MEWP occupants need a basic site orientation including onsite hazards and hazardous locations, various warning signs and any other rules that must be observed. They do not need formal training or certification however before working on a MEWP. There needs to be a pre-job safety briefing to explain the risks and controls involved, and the task to be performed. At least one occupant of a MEWP must be trained lower the platform in the case of an emergency.

Operator: Along with existing requirements, operators must have knowledge of controls and procedures for any new MEWP on their site including inspection procedures. They must also assure that an operator is on the ground level to lower the MEWP in case of emergency.

Supervisors: Supervisors are considered anyone who directly supervises any number of operators. Supervisors must be trained in identifying hazards and risks as well as be able to follow instructions from the MEWP’s manual.

Remember that Elite provides MEWPS training to the most current standards. Don’t risk the danger or liability that could come from having untrained workers. Call to enquire about classes and certifications.

*  https://www.equipmentworld.com/new-ansi-standards-aerial-lifts-june-1-construction-industry/

**  https://safetyskills.com/new-ansi-mewp-standards/

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has updated guidance for wearing masks while working in hot and humid weather or while doing strenuous activity. This update partially addresses the concern of many in the construction industry especially in the West. 

“In all reality, face coverings are adding another layer of potential heat,” says Rodd Weber, corporate safety director for PENTA Building Group based in Las Vegas. “And we’ve had several subcontractors say that they’ve had people go down with heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.” *https://www.equipmentworld.com/masks-extreme-heat-construction-workers/

The guidance allows for workers to work without masks if outside and able to maintain a distance from others of at least six feet. OSHA also suggests that face shields can be an alternative when cloth masks aren’t feasible. When employees are deaf or hard of hearing shields may provide the only practical solution, though it is recommended that the shield wrap around the sides of the face and extend below the chin.

In hot climates sweat tends to ruin disposable masks and makes cloth masks difficult to use. The new guidance will help landscapers, construction workers and roofers in particular. Of course when workers have to be within six feet of each other, masks must be worn.

OSHA’s recommendations appear to directly reflect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidelines. (see below) *

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• Pre-screen employees
  • Reassess employees’ medical conditions to determine if they are still safe to work in an environment with additional heat stress risk from
    • COVID-19 related engineering controls,
    • PPE (for healthcare personnel),
    • Cloth face covering or mask use, and
    • Social distancing practices.
• Re-acclimatization
  • Place employees returning after an absence of one or more weeks on a re-entry work schedule that will slowly reintroduce them to working in a hot environment. Employees can often re-acclimatize in 2 to 3 days upon return to work. NOTE: Workers new to the job may take up to 14 days to fully acclimatize.
• Buddy system
  • Assign buddies and remind them to assess each other for symptoms of heat-related illness. Verbal check-ins are important because social distancing and wearing cloth face coverings or masks, or respirators (for healthcare personnel) make it harder to see signs and symptoms.
  • If the work process allows for it, maintain social distancing during any check-ins.
• Cloth face coverings or masks and PPE (e.g., for healthcare personnel)
  • Provide workers with cloth face coverings or masks and any required PPE that provide proper protection but minimize heat stress. Some considerations include:
    • Cloth face coverings or masks that are lightweight and light in color.
    • Protective garments (if worn) made of breathable materials that are also lightweight and light in color.
    • Damp or dirty cloth face coverings or masks need to be replaced with clean ones.
    • If use of cloth face coverings or masks may increase the risk of heat-related illness, consult with an occupational safety and health professional to determine the appropriate cloth face covering or mask for the setting. Outdoor workers may prioritize use of cloth face coverings or masks when in close contact with other people (e.g., during group travel or shift meetings) and remove them when social distancing is possible. CDC provides information on adaptations and alternatives that should be considered when cloth face coverings or masks may not be feasible.
  • Consider allowing workers to remove cloth face coverings or masks outdoors if work positions or seating arrangements provide more than 6 feet between employees.
    • If storing the cloth face covering or mask while at work, employees should place the used cloth face covering or mask into a dry, breathable container or paper bag labeled with the employee’s name.
• Work/rest schedules
  • Consider altering the current work/rest schedule to account for the additional heat stress.
    • Decrease the amount of work and increase the length and frequency of rest breaks. Frequent and longer rest breaks may be needed so that workers have adequate time to remove cloth face coverings or masks, practice proper hand washing, and rehydrate while maintaining social distancing requirements.
    • Schedules will also need to be adjusted with increasing temperatures and humidity.
  • Ensure managers who oversee work/rest schedules and manage cooling stations are trained to recognize heat-related illnesses and actively monitor employees for these conditions.
  • If possible, modify schedules so that the majority of work hours or the most physically demanding tasks occur overnight or during cooler parts of the day.
• Daily work completion targets
  • Reassess daily production targets if social distancing requirements or increased rest schedules add time to an employee’s tasks. Consider decreasing the number of tasks to be completed on each shift.
• Make sure the facility is well ventilated.
  • Work with facilities management to adjust the ventilation to deliver the maximum amount of fresh air to occupied spaces while maintaining the humidity at 40-60%. If possible, increase the filter efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units to highest functional level.
  • Increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible in non-climate-controlled indoor workspaces by opening windows and doors and using fans when environmental conditions and building requirements allow. Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk for occupants. This will increase evaporative cooling effects for workers and will help dilute any respiratory droplets produced by workers.
  • If fans such as pedestal fans or hard mounted fans are used at the worksite, take steps to minimize air from fans blowing from one worker directly at another.
• Cooling stations
  • Ensure that cooling stations provide shading from the sun. Position cooling or misting fans and arrange seating so that air does not blow respiratory droplets from one employee to another seated nearby.
  • Arrange seating in the cooling station to maintain social distancing during rest breaks. Proper social distancing is very important during breaks as workers will need to remove respirators or cloth face coverings or masks to rehydrate.
  • If providing pre-packaged water bottles or rehydration fluids (such as sports drinks), place individual bottles at each seat before employees enter the cooling station at the start of each rest cycle to avoid congregating around water refill stations.
    • At each worksite, ensure that water is always easily accessible so employees can rehydrate frequently and as needed.
  • If water refill stations are unavoidable:
    • Use markers and signs to promote social distancing in the refill line.
    • Consider issuing refillable drinking bottles to employees or allowing them to bring their own to be stored inside the cooling station if they cannot or do not plan to carry them while working. Refillable bottles should be clearly marked with the employee’s name and designated work/rest cycle.
    • If using disposable paper cones or cups, store them in an enclosed container near the refill station to reduce the risk of contamination if someone coughs or sneezes.
    • Avoid contact between the water dispenser and a drinking cup or bottle when refilling it.
    • If cooling stations are located indoors, consider using no-touch activation methods for water dispensing.
• Emergency first aid plan for heat related illnesses
  • Immediately remove worker from hot environment to cooling station.
  • Remove PPE (normally worn for job tasks), cloth face covering or mask, and excess clothing from affected employee to facilitate cooling.
  • Provide cool liquids to drink, if the employee is alert.
  • If heat stroke is suspected:
    • Call 911.
    • Remove all PPE from affected employee to facilitate emergent cooling and resuscitation measures.
    • While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, cool the employee aggressively with any means available such as immersion in cool water or an ice bath or use of misting fans. Note that use of any immersion cooling methods in someone with heat stroke with a depressed mental status should include careful positioning and constant monitoring to prevent submersion and aspiration of cooling fluids.
    • Other employees providing first aid or resuscitation should continue wearing their PPE (e.g., healthcare personnel) or cloth face coverings or masks.

*  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/heat-stress-employers.html