Total construction spending increased by 0.4 percent in September, yet a record-high number of job openings suggests the industry would be completing even more projects if it could hire enough workers, according to an analysis of federal spending data the Associated General Contractors of America released Nov. 1.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration released its top 10 most frequently cited federal health and safety violations for fiscal year 2023, and the top four entries relate to construction fall protection standards.

During the recent International Code Council annual business meeting in St. Louis, American Wood Council South Central Region Director David P. Tyree, P.E., C.B.O., was presented with a lifetime honorary membership in recognition of his exceptional contributions to ICC.

Future Market Insights has released its market report for the Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems industry, according to Nikhil Kaitwade of Market Research Blog. The report includes predictions, trends and information about the EIFS market through 2033.

Continuing its commitment to sustainable design excellence, SGA - a leading, multidisciplinary architecture, design and planning firm - has announced that Sadaf Jafari, LEED AP BD + C, CPHC, has joined the firm’s Boston office as the director of sustainable design.

To provide equipment owners and operators with information about add-on accessories available for boom lifts and scissors, JLG has published a free accessories resource guide on #DirectAccess. These important tools can increase operators’ job site productivity, provide additional safety measures and/or extend a machine’s efficiency in certain applications.

Jonathan Humble, FAIA, NCARB, LEED BD+C, regional director of the American Iron and Steel Institute Construction Technical Program, was presented with the Cool Roof Rating Council’s Lifetime Award at its annual meeting held on June 14 in Las Vegas.

In collaboration with the Utah Uniform Building Code Commission, Utah Home Builders Association, Representative Cal Musselman and Senator Curt Bramble, Huntsman Building Solutions helped get key energy efficiency updates integrated into Utah’s building code via the passage of House Bill 523.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration released new resources to help protect workers from extreme heat. The new resources include fact sheets to provide information on personal risk factors, the importance of an individual’s hydration status and pregnant worker safety in the heat.

The Air Barrier Association of America announced the launch of the country’s first-of-its-kind Large Building Whole Building Airtightness Program, which includes both certification and training.