The Austin City Council recently extended through March 2016 the current, temporary rules governing overnight concrete pours on downtown job sites.The Austin AGC and our industry allies have been very active on this issue since it developed in late 2014. We’re simply trying to ensure that construction companies working downtown are not subject to rules that may sound solid in theory but in practice will create undue restrictions. Without the opportunity to pour concrete in the late evening hours, a number of problems are created for both the industry at work and the people who live, work and socialize downtown. Pouring at night helps:Alleviate daytime traffic congestion downtown due to large numbers of large concrete trucks required;Keep the public safe from the large number of concrete trucks required;Keep workers safe from high daytime temperatures on hot concrete;
On Monday, October 6th, the Austin Community College Board of Trustees will consider a resolution addressing wages and working conditions on future construction projects included as part of a combined $386 million bond package. Bond packages for new construction typically enjoy broad and strong support from our industry, but the Austin AGC is troubled by certain provisions that will impact the day-to-day operations of companies performing the work.What’s even more problematic is that the resolution appears to have been crafted without input from a broad range of the local construction community. This is especially puzzling when you consider that the owner in this case has the word “community” as part its official name. To be fair, ACC Trustees have a priority focus on local education, not construction, issues.
October 04, 2014
This past week, the Austin Chapter AGC Safety Committee visited with Marco Ramos, who was recently hired to enforce the City of Austin's rest break ordinance for construction workers. Ramos discussed his new compliance role and said he proactively visits sites and also responds to complaints lodged via the City's 311 phone system. Typically, the first thing he looks for on site is the required signage to be posted per the ordinance. He also talks with workers about rest breaks and water availability.
July 12, 2014
