AGC NYS Newsletter - February 9, 2017 AGC NYS Newsletter February 22, 2017
AGC NYS Newsletter March 23, 2017 Upcoming Events MARCH 2017: March 29: Region 2 Highway Meeting Index: March 30: Region 1 Highway Meeting
Upcoming Events...... 1 APRIL 2017: Industry News April 6: Subcontractor Default Insurance, everything you need to know Elemendorf & Design-Build...... 1 April 10: Tour of NYISO’s Control Center Rebuild NY Now Albany Rally...... 1 April 12: Region 4 Highway Meeting NY Yankees Event...... 2 April 12: Region 6 Highway Meeting Summer Meeting...... 2 NESCA/AGC NYS...... 2 AGC NYS Scholarship...... 2 Build NY Awards...... 2 Industry News Army Corps FEDCON...... 3 Building AGC NYS President & CEO Mike Elmendorf testifies at the New York State Last Planner System...... 3 Senate Infrastructure Committee’s Design-Build Roundtable AGC Federal Contractors Conf...... 3 Senate Infrastructure & Capital Investments Committee Chair Elaine Phillips Summer Meeting...... 4 SCA Reminder...... 4 hosted a design-build roundtable to open discussion between legislators and Change Order Meetings...... 4 participants. AGC NYS President & CEO Mike Elmendorf said that design- Development University...... 5 build is an important procurement tool for state agencies on certain projects. Government Affairs Elmendorf cautioned lawmakers that the Governor’s proposal to expand Robach & Parity...... 5 design-build authority to municipalities should be carefully scrutinized because Rebuild NY Now Campaign...... 5 FAIR Meeting...... 6 of the varying degrees of sophistication on the county level. He also reiterated AGC & Secretary Chao...... 6 AGC NYS’ opposition to mandated project-labor agreements on design-build OSHA Update...... 6 projects. Watch the video here. Highway Work Zone Awareness...... 6 Rebuild NY Now Hosts Successful Rally for Clean Water Infrastructure in Canal Corporation...... 6 PVMS & NYSDOT...... 7 Albany Highway Member Meetings...... 7 In addition to AGC NYS Membership and staff, environmental groups had a Engineering Bulletin...... 7 great turnout of speakers and brought some of their grassroots. The speakers LIRR Expansion...... 7 line-up featured the following: TCC Workshop...... 8 HMA Density Courses...... 8 Sam Anthony – Erdman Anthony/ASCE Safety OSHA Cirriculum...... 9 Senator Fred Akshar Codes Revision...... 9 Georgi Ann Bailey – American Institute of Architects NYS MUTCD Field Guide...... 10 Tracy Brown – Save the Sound Around the State...... 10 Senator Thomas Croci Erin Crotty – Audubon NY The Associated General Contractors Assemblyman Steven Englebright of New York State Adrienne Esposito - Citizens Campaign for the Environment 10 Airline Drive, Suite 203 Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy Albany, NY 12205 Senator Simcha Felder Phone: 518-456-1134 Website: www.agcnys.org Patrick McClellan – NY League of Conservation Voters Assemblyman John McDonald Download our AGC NYS Mobile Assemblyman David McDonough App on iOS or Android Today! Elizabeth Moran – Environmental Advocates Senator Tom O’Mara Assemblyman Steve Otis AGC NYS Newsletter March 23, 2017
Jessica Ottney – The Nature Conservancy Senator James Sanders Dan Shapley – Riverkeeper Jay Simson – ACEC Barbara Van Epps – NY Conference of Mayors Kelly Young – NY Farm Bureau
Thank you to The Fort Miller Group, Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors Inc., and Rifenburg Construction, Inc., for showing their support.
AGC NYS PAC Takes You Out to the Ball Game Join us for an evening at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, May 11 to benefit the AGC NYS Political Action Committee, hosted by Jimmy Smith of Advance Testing. The Yankees will be hosting the Houston Astros, with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. All guestsMUST RSVP prior to the event. To RSVP email [email protected] or call (518) 456-1134.
Save the Date: 2017 AGC NYS Summer Meeting AGC NYS returns to the Otesaga in Cooperstown July 13-16 for the annual summer meeting. Agenda highlights include a trade show held all three days, an AIA roundtable, Building Board of Governors Meeting, Highway Board of Governors Meeting, Board of Directors Meeting and a local brewery tour. Sponsorships are also available, email [email protected] for more information.
NESCA/AGC NYS Young Professionals Mixer, March 29, 6:00 p.m. Join other young professionals for the next Young Professionals Mixer at Lucky Strike Social! Once again NESCA has invited AGC members to attend their event. Take time out of your work week to meet and connect with other young professionals involved in the upstate New York construction industry in a relaxed, social environment. NESCA’s Young Professionals is a group of “younger” (roughly 21-40) NESCA members, 2nd generation company owners, and young management-level employees of NESCA members who would like to become more active in the association, gain exposure within the construction industry and business community at large, and network with other young professionals involved in the commercial construction industry. Please click here for a registration form.
2017 AGC NYS Scholarship Applications Now Available! AGC NYS is proud to announce that the AGC NYS Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for their undergraduate, graduate and diesel technology programs.
Since 1998 the program has awarded 555 scholarships totaling over $1 million to students pursuing degrees in Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, Construction Management and Diesel Technology. Last year the scholarship committee awarded 24 scholarships worth a total of $62,000.
Please encourage any students or interns you may know to apply. Deadline is May 15, 2017.
You can find the applications on the AGC NYS website.
Sponsorships Available for the AGC Jeffrey J Zogg Build NY Awards and AIA NYS Excelsior Awards On May 16 in Albany, N.Y., AGC NYS and the AIA NYS will be holding a joint awards program and reception featuring the AGC Jeffrey J. Zogg Build NY Award winners and the AIA NYS Excelsior Award winners. The event will be a big draw for both contractors and architects throughout the state. We are currently looking for sponsors to help underwrite the event. There are three sponsorship levels that offer a number of different
The Associated General Contractors Phone: 518-456-1134 of New York State Website: www.agcnys.org 2 10 Airline Drive, Suite 203 Download our AGC NYS Mobile App Today! Albany, N.Y. 12205 AGC NYS Newsletter March 23, 2017
benefits to each firm. You can download a detailed sponsorship form byclicking here or register to sponsor online. Deadline is April 15.
Join the AGC NYS Group on LinkedIn Want to connect with your peers in AGC NYS on LinkedIn? Just type AGC NYS into your LinkedIn search bar and request to join the group. Upon approval, you’ll be connected to thousands of your fellow members in seconds. Check back for conversation topics and posts from your AGC NYS staff.
Alliant Insurance Services Announces Addition of Eric Canterbury Alliant Insurance Services is pleased to announce that Eric Canterbury has joined Alliant Construction Services Group as a Vice President based in the Albany, N.Y., office. Eric has over 21 years of risk management experience as an established risk advisor for construction clients, as well as extensive experience in underwriting, management, and brokering of some of the largest surety programs.
Questions for Army Corps HQ? Submit Them for FEDCON AGC’s Federal Contractors Conference | May 1-3 in D.C. The difference between AGC’s Federal Contractors Conference (FedCon) and other federal construction meetings is that at FedCon construction contractor attendees drive the agenda. For this year’s conference— held May 1-3 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.—AGC is currently seeking your questions for consideration in meetings with headquarters leaders of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Military Construction Program, Civil Works Program, Contracting, Safety and Small Business offices. To see the draft agendas for these USACE sessions, click here. To register for FedCon, click here.
Building News
Last Planner System Implementation - Healthcare Construction Program Moved to April April 26, 2017 - New York City Fire Museum This program was originally scheduled for Mid-March. Due to weather and other issues, it was moved to late April.
A panel of members of the Turner Construction Team leading the charge for the New York Presbyterian David H. Koch project on York Avenue in NYC will discuss the implementation of Last Planner System at the project and with the subcontractors resulting in attainable milestones, reliable and predictable work flow and a healthier project environment. They will be joined by David MacNeel of On Point Lean Consulting who has provided Last Planner System Coaching to the team at New York Presbyterian. Click on the link to register.
If you are having any trouble registering for this event, please contact Joe Hogan.
Register Now for the 2017 AGC Federal Contractors Conference May 1-3 – Washington, DC If you engage in work with The Federal Government, don’t miss the 2017 AGC Federal Contractors Conference in Washington, DC May 1-3. You will be able to join in talks with: • Army Corps of Engineers • Naval Facilities Engineering Command • General Services Administration • Air Force Civil Engineering Center • Bureau of Reclamation • and many more
The Associated General Contractors Phone: 518-456-1134 of New York State Website: www.agcnys.org 3 10 Airline Drive, Suite 203 Download our AGC NYS Mobile App Today! Albany, N.Y. 12205 AGC NYS Newsletter March 23, 2017
Here the latest project forecasts, expert insight on upcoming regulatory hurdles, and ample networking opportunities with agency decision makers are critical to being competitive in the federal construction market.
Unlike other events, the AGC Federal Contractors Conference brings federal agencies directly to the table alongside attendees to generate more candid dialogue and fewer generic presentations. In addition to agency budget and policy overviews, the conference focuses on addressing specific issues facing the construction industry and particular agencies from public-private partnerships to source selection; multiple award contracts to small business; and design-build to bonding.
Everything you need can be found right here: Agenda, Speakers, Registration, Travel & Hotel Information.
The AGC Federal Contractors Conference is your best opportunity to enhance your business and advance your career.
2017 AGC NYS Summer Meeting to Include Programs on Contractor/Designer Collaboration and Double Breasting This years’ AGC NYS Summer Meeting will be held at the Otesaga in Cooperstown July 13-16. Plans are underway for the events, meetings and seminars to be offered at the conference. One program – which will immediately precede the Building Board of Governors’ Meeting Thursday afternoon – is a result of our ongoing relationship with AIA NYS. The program will feature a panel discussion of architects and GC/CMs who will discuss the Contractor/Architect Relationship- Collaboration and Conflict Resolution. For Saturday morning, we have assembled a panel of attorneys – Joel Howard of Couch White, Greg Begg of Peckar & Abramson and Denise Gold, AGC of America’s Associate General Counsel – who will explore the myriad issues surrounding double-breasting in all its forms.
We hope to see you in Cooperstown for these and other great programs and events. Stay tuned for further details.
SCA Asks AGC NYS to Remind Its Members to Use New Change Order and Dispute Tools In a discussion last week with NYCSCA’s New VP of Construction Management Gordon Tung at a CFMA breakfast program, he noted that the promised electronic information piece of the change order process is near full implementation. There is real hope that that piece will further speed up the change order process. Gordon also asked us to remind our Members of the recent process improvements that have been developed in discussions with AGC NYS and STA and to ask our Members to use the tools now available to them. While the Chief Project Officers should be demanding those meetings prior to NOD issuance, Gordon noted that Contractors should be demanding them also. Gordon also asked that we pass along to our Membership that they should use the new process for disagreeing with an RFI answer within the RFI documents. This will allow the matter to be properly dealt with and, if necessary, adjudicated.
We applaud the SCA’s apparent real efforts in this area to not only improve the process but to strive for fairness but in order to see real progress, contractors need to use the tools. A task force of AGC NYS and STA (Subcontractors Trade Association) will be meeting to discuss these issues. Gordon said that they will be doing more internal training and indicated willingness to participate in a joint training program AGC NYS and STA wish to engage in. We will take him up on that offer so stay tuned.
Change Order Meetings Continue with DASNY, OGS and SUCF As previously reported, AGC NYS has been working with ESSA (Empire State Subcontractors Association) to develop an improved contractual approach to managing the change order process. In doing so, we have provided suggested amendments to the standard DASNY, OGS and SUCF boilerplate contract documents. Preliminary meetings have been held with DASNY and OGS and we will meet with SUCF later this week.
The Associated General Contractors Phone: 518-456-1134 of New York State Website: www.agcnys.org 4 10 Airline Drive, Suite 203 Download our AGC NYS Mobile App Today! Albany, N.Y. 12205 AGC NYS Newsletter March 23, 2017
Following those meetings we will follow up and continue to press for changes and improvements. If you would like copies of the suggested language, please contact Joe Hogan. With that said, it is important to note that central to success of whatever contract language is developed will be the timely proposals provided by subcontractors and contractors.
Development University -A Look at the Region’s Higher Education Agenda Commercial Observer invites you to join us for an important industry-wide forum on the future of the higher education development industry in the region. This forum aims to provide an overview of regional construction and development contract opportunities for owners and developers, construction managers and subcontractors, architects, engineers and design professionals. The program will feature leading institutions of higher education and the drivers behind some of the region’s most notable higher education projects in both the public and private sectors. Join us for a look at design and development, technology innovation and unique trends in the area of higher education. The event will be held at the CUNY Graduate Center, Wednesday, April 5, 2017, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register here.
AGC NYS/AIA NYS Joint Effort Taking Shape The official leadership team of what is termed the AIA NYS/AGC NYS Community held their first meeting this week. They are moving forward on plans for several joint efforts which will include the Jeffrey J. Zogg Build New York/Excelsior Awards joint event on the evening of May 16 in Albany; a seminar for the fall and roll out of the nation “Walk a Day In My Shoes” program with our CLC/Emerging Professionals groups. Stay tuned for more information on these programs and efforts.
Government Affairs
STATE NEWS Budget Conference Committees Meet – Senator Robach Defends Transportation Parity The New York State Senate and Assembly Budget Conference Committees met this week to discuss their one-house priorities and the differences between the Legislative and Executive budget proposals. At the transportation subcommittee meeting, Committee Chairman Joseph Robach was critical of the Democrats efforts to restore $65 million to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that was cut in the Executive Budget. Robach said, “To take money — technically, we have parity now and there’s a lot of projects going on for the MTA, not as many going on for roads and bridges — to take money out of that pool to shift it to their capital, I think, would not be sticking to the agreement we made last year.”
Over the next two weeks, the conference committees will meet publicly with final negotiations taking place behind closed doors. AGC NYS is closely monitoring discussions about workers’ compensation reform, defining public work, mandatory project-labor agreements, design-build, Buy American mandates and infrastructure funding. The New York State Budget is due April 1.
Rebuild NY Now Rallies in Albany and Campaigns with Syracuse Mayor Miner Hundreds of construction workers, environmental advocates, architects, engineers, farmers, legislators and supporters voiced their support for clean water infrastructure investment at a Rebuild NY Now rally in The Legislative Office Building. The rally was hosted by Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Chairman Thomas O’Mara who is supporting the Senate budget proposal to allocate $7 billion for water infrastructure. Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee Chairman Steven Englebright urged the crowd to keep fighting for funding.
The Associated General Contractors Phone: 518-456-1134 of New York State Website: www.agcnys.org 5 10 Airline Drive, Suite 203 Download our AGC NYS Mobile App Today! Albany, N.Y. 12205 AGC NYS Newsletter March 23, 2017
We joined Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and representatives of The Nature Conservancy, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and the New York Farm Bureau to urge central New York lawmakers to support funding for water infrastructure. This is the third press conference hosted by Mayor Miner, who is one of the staunchest supporters of infrastructure investment and Rebuild NY Now.
Fair Apportionment of Infrastructure Resources (FAIR) Committee Spring Meeting More than 200 contractors, employees, labor, elected officials, and representatives from the NYSDOT and New York Power Authority met at the annual FAIR Committee breakfast in Lancaster, NY. Most of the discussion focused on the transportation capital needs of western New York, particularly the suppression of tolls and electronic tolling on the New York State Thruway. We were honored to give the participants a state budget update and other news from AGC NYS.
What’s next in Albany? State budget deadline is April 1.
FEDERAL NEWS: AGC Meets with Transportation Secretary Chao AGC CEO Stephen Sandherr and members of AGC’s Congressional Relations staff met with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to discuss working with her and the Trump Administration on infrastructure investment and regulatory reform. In advance of the meeting, AGC provided a list of Transportation Department regulatory requirements, both newly imposed by the Obama Administration and some of long standing that could be abandoned or modified to speed up project delivery or ease the regulatory burden on contractors undertaking DOT-assisted projects.
On the funding front, AGC also pledged to work with the administration on an infrastructure initiative that provides needed investment in a variety of infrastructure categories. AGC suggested that providing the revenue needed to support a growing investment in highways, bridges and transit through the Highway Trust Fund should be part of the initiative. Secretary Chao said preliminary meetings on the Trump infrastructure initiative have been organized by the White House to coordinate input from the various federal agencies with some involvement in infrastructure.
Help Us Repeal OSHA Effort to Extend Statute of Limitations for Record-keeping Violations The Senate will consider repealing a rule that exposes business owners to unfair liability for honest and inadvertent paperwork mistakes related to record-keeping. The rule – which extends the statute of limitations on record-keeping violations from six months to five and a half years – does not improve the safety or health of your company’s workers. Contact your Senators and urge them to support swift passage of H.J.Res. 83 to stop OSHA’s abuse of authority. The House passed legislation to repeal the rule on March 1.
The rule was issued by OSHA to get around a court decision involving a construction company that challenged an OSHA citation for a record-keeping violation issued beyond six months. Two federal courts have since rebuked OSHA’s theory for issuing record-keeping citations after six months. This rule, issued by the Obama administration in December, directly contradicts both the courts and Congress.
What’s next in D.C? The past week in D.C. has been dominated by the repeal of Obamacare and fighting over the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. However, please join us att he annual NYRIC Reception on Tuesday, April 4.
The Associated General Contractors Phone: 518-456-1134 of New York State Website: www.agcnys.org 6 10 Airline Drive, Suite 203 Download our AGC NYS Mobile App Today! Albany, N.Y. 12205 AGC NYS Newsletter March 23, 2017
Highway News
2017 National Work Zone Awareness Week Highlights Dangers to Workers Please Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Promote Work Zone Safety During the Summer Driving Season
To get a better handle on the impact of vehicle crashes at AGC member work sites, we have prepared this brief survey. Please take a few minutes to complete it by April 14. AGC of America will use the results of the survey to help educate the media and driving public about the need to slow down, drive with care and stay away from mobile devices while operating in highway work zones.
The survey results release will be included in the launch of a public awareness campaign in the days leading up to Memorial Day and the traditional start of the summer driving season.
AGC NYS in Conversation with NYS Canal Corporation The Canal Corporation is now under the auspices of NY Power Authority. Cathy Sheridan is the Manager of Engineering & Maintenance. Dave Mellen serves as Director, Construction Management. We look forward to continued partnership with the Corp and this set of leaders. Lettings will be conducted in much the same fashion as when supported by the Thruway with the first project(s) to advance in early summer.
In an effort to facilitate the upcoming capital projects and lettings and improve processes, a joint task group with Dave Mellen has been formed to look at Section 100 conditions. We will be meeting on April 11. If you have ideas or comments for the group, please send them to Karen Morrison, [email protected].
NOTE on PVMS Being Spec’d by NYSDOT Contractors should be aware of the recent spate of designers specifying “Full Matrix” message units on projects. These units are supposed to be specified per the HDM and only under certain conditions. If you see these special units detailed on a project, please be sure to submit a question prior to letting to verify whether “Full Matrix” is actually warranted or if the standard “Line or Character Matrix” fulfills the design manual guidance.
AGC NYS Highway Membership Meetings – Spring Line-up We have scheduled the first meetings. Members will have the opportunity to hear what’s news at the DOT, Canals and Thruway. Regions 2 (March 29), Region 1 (March 30) , Region 6 and Region 4 (April 12), Regions 8/11 (May 22) and Region 10 (May 23). To register online or for more info, click here.
NYSDOT Posts New Engineering Bulletin EB 17-010 New and Replacement Bridge Detail Sheets – Prestressed Concrete Beams and Slab Units (BD-PC1E through BD-PC39E)
Effective September 1, 2017 This Engineering Bulletin (EB) replaces the existing NYSDOT Bridge Detail (US Customary) Sheets BD- PA1E through BD-PA10E and BD-PS1E through BD-PS14E with a new BD-PC series. The new BD-PC series reorganizes, updates, and corrects existing details in addition to adding details for spread box beams and NEXT beams. The existing metric Bridge Detail Sheets are not being updated with this EB.
LIRR Expansion Project Networking Event – March 30, 8:00 a.m. – Noon Meet the Shortlisted Design-Build Teams, MWBE’s and SDVOB’s:
The project calls for a completely new approach to the construction of a third track along a 9.8-mile stretch of the railroad’s heavily traversed Main Line corridor between the Floral Park and Hicksville train stations, the
The Associated General Contractors Phone: 518-456-1134 of New York State Website: www.agcnys.org 7 10 Airline Drive, Suite 203 Download our AGC NYS Mobile App Today! Albany, N.Y. 12205 AGC NYS Newsletter March 23, 2017
elimination of the seven grade crossings along this route, as well as the upgrade of railroad infrastructure, stations and parking in the project area.
Find event details and registration here.
Construction Partnering Conference - Contractor Participation Encouraged Plan on participating in a National conference April 4-6, 2017 in Sparks, Nevada on, “Advancing Best Practices in the ART of Partnering.” AGC of America, AGC of Nevada, and Las Vegas Chapter AGC are working with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in this initiative emphasizing the need for partnering; highlighting the top two or three state of the art partnering practices; and, showcasing how these recognized leaders are supporting and advancing the use of partnering on highway construction projects. The sessions will provide a forum for participants to share their experiences, “lessons learned” and identify opportunities for advancement. Copies of all supporting materials, documenting best practices on the current state of the art in partnering nationally, and conference proceedings will be collected and made available nationally on the NDOT website with a link here and on the FHWA Construction website. A pre-conference half day seminar is scheduled to precede the partnering conference which will focus on the use of partnering with alternative delivery systems and revitalizing/kick- starting an existing partnering initiative. Registration information available here.
TCC Fly-In and State Funding Workshop 2017 could be the year of infrastructure in Washington, D.C. President Trump highlighted rebuilding infrastructure during his campaign, again on election night and as part of his inaugural address and already House and Senate Committees have held hearings to highlight infrastructure issues. As we await details about the Trump Infrastructure Initiative, one thing is clear, the construction industry’s involvement is vitally important. The 16th Annual Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) Legislative Fly-In, scheduled for May 17-18, 2017 is well-timed to provide an opportunity for that input.
Join AGC NYS and hundreds of other industry leaders in delivering the construction industry’s message on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. This year’s meeting will once again be held again at the Hyatt Regency Washington at 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. Make your reservations directly with the Hyatt Regency by calling 1-888-421-1442 or 1-202-737-1234. The room rate is $329 per night and the registration cut-off date is April 17.
2017 New York State HMA Density Testing Inspector Certification Courses The AGC NYS-sponsored HMA Density Inspector Certification Program provides qualification of personnel performing density testing on Hot Mix Asphalt in New York State. Certification is required for testing on all NYSDOT and Thruway paving projects and is valid for five years. Technicians must attend a two-day program and successfully pass the written examination. Certificates expire after 5 years; a re-certification exam must then be taken and passed. The course and exams are administered by Alfred State College.
2017 Schedule: TWO DAY COURSE □ January 26 - 27, Campbell Hall, N.Y. □ March 30 - 31, Newburgh, N.Y. □ April 27 - 28, Wellsville, N.Y. □ May 18 - 19, Newburgh, N.Y. □ August 14 - 15, Newburgh N.Y. EXAM ONLY □ January 27, Campbell Hall, N.Y.
The Associated General Contractors Phone: 518-456-1134 of New York State Website: www.agcnys.org 8 10 Airline Drive, Suite 203 Download our AGC NYS Mobile App Today! Albany, N.Y. 12205 AGC NYS Newsletter March 23, 2017
□ March 31, Newburgh, N.Y. □ April 28, Wellsville, N.Y. □ May 19, Newburgh, N.Y. □ August 15, Newburgh, N.Y.
For registration and payment info contact: The Center for Community Education and Training Alfred State College 10 Upper College Drive Alfred, N.Y. 14802 Fax – 607-587-3295 Email – [email protected]
Safety News
10 and 30-Hour OSHA Curriculum Changing AGC NYS has learned that the curriculum for the OSHA 10 and 30-Hour training classes may be changing. The most notable item concerns their controversial whistle-blower training segment which was required to be covered during all 10 and 30-Hour classes. Under the Obama administration, the Secretary changed the training requirements mandating that each 10 and 30-Hour training program dedicate two hours of the training section concentrating on OSHA. In that allotted time, trainers were required to provide participants a copy of complaint forms and put the class through an exercise in the proper completion of the complaint documents. This requirement has been a source of much discussion in the construction community because of obvious reasons. AGC NYS has been a strong opponent of mandating such training requirements and it appears that the Trump administration is looking to cut back on the allotted time to cover OSHA during 10 and 30-Hour classes to one hour. The hour allotted time frame is consistent with administrations prior to Obama taking office.
AGC NYS has observed a sharp increase in inspections, which we believe is a direct correlation to the changes that were made regarding the addition of training requirements related to filing complaints. Training requirements for employee rights regarding filing complaints have always been on the books, but the inclusion of handing out complaint forms and doing exercises to properly complete complaint forms was an addition to the training requirements which did not sit well with many. Employees have rights to file a complaint and are encouraged to speak with management if there are any safety issues that need to be addressed prior to taking such a step. AGC NYS is hopeful that mandatory provision for the distribution and completion of complaint forms will be removed from the training curriculum. Contractors pay for these classes because they care about their employees and recognize the value of having a safe worksite. Many employers believe it to be a “poke in the eye” to require such curriculum. Here at AGC NYS, we could not agree more. AGC NYS will keep the membership informed as we confirm what changes will be made.
2017 Construction Codes Revision Committees The Department of Buildings is mandated to keep the New York City Construction Codes up to date. To this end, the Department is organizing a series of volunteer committees to develop and review revisions to the 2014 New York City Construction Codes. It is also the intention of the Department to develop a new code that specifically addresses alterations to existing buildings (the Existing Building Code), and also to submit a draft of the existing Building Code to the Construction Codes Committees for their review during this revision cycle.
Please see the 2017 Construction Codes Revision Cycle Handbook, for more details.
The Associated General Contractors Phone: 518-456-1134 of New York State Website: www.agcnys.org 9 10 Airline Drive, Suite 203 Download our AGC NYS Mobile App Today! Albany, N.Y. 12205 AGC NYS Newsletter March 23, 2017
If you wish to participate on a Construction Codes Revision Committee, please submit a completed and signed application, including any required attachments, to the Department by March 30, 2017.
Completed applications may be submitted by email to [email protected] or mailed to:
New York City Department of Buildings Code Development Unit Attn: Committee Selection 280 Broadway, 7th Floor New York, NY 10007
MUTCD Field Guide for Temporary Traffic Control Available Designed for fast and easy reference on your job site, it’s a pocket-sized booklet that includes all of the street & highway layouts found in the Federal MUTCD. It clearly shows exactly how to set up traffic control plans for all types of temporary closures and detours including:
• Warning and regulatory signs used in temporary traffic control zones • Shoulder closures on a highway • Lane closures using flaggers • Multiple lane closures at an intersection • Pedestrian detours • Bike lane detours • And much more
This new Field Guide from the Associated General Contractors of America and BNi Building News is packed with clear illustrations and is clearly indexed to guide you to the information you need quickly. You’ll see what signs to use, where to place them, the size of buffer zones, channelizer and barricade placement, plus the position of warning flashers and other devices. Nothing is left to chance.
Around the State AGC staff participated with the Rebuild New York coalition in the Rally for Clean Water Infrastructure at the Legislative Office Building.
Joe traveled to NYC for a CFMA program where representatives of NYCSCA, MTA CC and NYSDOT spoke out their program and doing business with their agency.
Joe traveled to Rochester to address a Construction Project Management Class at RIT.
Karen and Walter were in Buffalo for the FAIR Legislative Breakfast.
Mike testified at the New York State Senate Infrastructure Committee’s Design-Build Roundtable.
Mike attended a meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Tort Reform Association in Washington, D.C., where he was re-elected to another two-year term on the board.
The Associated General Contractors Phone: 518-456-1134 of New York State Website: www.agcnys.org 10 10 Airline Drive, Suite 203 Download our AGC NYS Mobile App Today! Albany, N.Y. 12205