The construction fatality rate is declining faster in Texas than most other states according to a new analysis of federal safety data conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the state's construction fatality and injury rates have declined, as many contractors have spent much of the past decade focusing on improving workplace safety.

“While none of our members will be happy until there are zero injuries and zero fatalities on construction sites, the steps our firms are taking in Texas to improve construction safety are working,” said Brian Turmail, the national association’s spokesperson. “When you work next to heavy machinery in tight quarters - erecting structures and building roads and bridges -- making sure workers are safe is essential.”

Turmail said that Texas went from having a construction fatality rate in 2008 (the earliest year such data is available) of 13.1 deaths per 100,000 workers to having a fatality rate of 9.7 in 2011 (the most recent year such data is available). The state’s 26 percent decline in fatality rate was the eighth largest drop compared to the 41 states and the District of Columbia where the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks fatality rates. Texas went from having the 32nd highest fatality rate in 2008 to the 20th, Turmail added.

Meanwhile, Texas contractors have successfully reduced the construction injury rate by 36 percent between 2003 and 2011 (the earliest and most recent years such data is available), from 4.4 injuries per 100 workers to 2.8. The state now has the seventh lowest construction injury rate among the 41 states and the District of Columbia were similar data is still available, Turmail added.

Turmail announced the new safety data during a visit to a Houston construction site participating in a statewide halt in construction activity, known as a Safety Stand Down, so contractors can provide additional safety training for their workers. The association spokesman said that one of the reasons for the decline in construction and fatality rates is that many construction firms in Texas have worked hard to improve workplace safety, noting that today was the 10th anniversary of the statewide Safety Stand Downs.

He added that many firms and local association chapters in Texas have created new safety programs focused on reducing the risk of falling on the job site, getting struck by moving equipment, and succumbing to dehydration and heat exhaustion during the state's long, hot summers. Also, he added, many firms and chapters have brought on new staff whose main focus is ensuring construction sites are safe and crews are using safety gear properly.

Despite the improving safety trends, Turmail said his association and its member firms will continue to hold Safety Stand Downs, offer safety training and partner with agencies like the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) to find new ways to improve safety.

“This is Texas and we can do even better when it comes to the fatality rate and the injury rate for construction,” Turmail said.

Click here to see the state construction fatality data. Click here to see the state construction injury data.

Volvo Rents, a worldwide provider of small-to-medium sized construction equipment, has opened a new rental center in Selma, Texas. This is the latest move in the company’s continued expansion of its Texas rental business portfolio, increasing its statewide total to 12 rental centers. It also comes on the heels of a recent report by the Associated General Contractors of America that says Texas leads the nation in the increase of construction jobs.

“Despite a recession that has been challenging for all those in the construction industry, we’ve remained confident in our brand and invested in our future,” said Mike Crouch, vice president of Business Development for Volvo Rents. “We’ve been quietly growing our business in Texas throughout the downturn and look forward to playing an integral part in the state’s economic recovery.”

In addition to Volvo Rents’ expanding line of Volvo compact equipment -- such as backhoe and skid steer loaders, compact wheel loaders, compact excavators and compaction equipment -- the rental center carries a comprehensive line of essential equipment and tools for the construction, commercial, industrial and homeowner markets. The focus is on daily, weekly and monthly rentals. Located at 9492 Corporate Drive, the new store is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 24-hour service is also available every day of the week.

Volvo Rents, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Volvo Group, operates more than 130 rental stores in North America. The company operates a network of company-owned rental stores and franchised rental stores in North America. Each of the North American rental centers offers a comprehensive line of essential equipment for the construction, commercial and industrial markets, as well as an extensive line of Volvo compact excavators, compactors, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, compaction equipment, and skid steer loaders. For more information, visit www.volvorents.com.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes improved three points to a 44 reading on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for May. This gain, from a downwardly revised 41 in April, reflected improvement in all three index components -- current sales conditions, sales expectations and traffic of prospective buyers.

“Builders are noting an increased sense of urgency among potential buyers as a result of thinning inventories of homes for sale, continuing affordable mortgage rates and strengthening local economies,” noted National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder from Charlotte, N.C. “This is definitely an encouraging sign even amidst rising challenges with regard to the cost and availability of building materials, lots and labor.”

“While industry supply chains will take time to re-establish themselves following recession-related cutbacks, builders’ views of current sales conditions have improved and expectations for the future remain quite strong as consumers head back to the market in force,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.

Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 25 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores for each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor.

All three HMI components posted gains in May. The index gauging current sales conditions increased four points to 48, while the index gauging expectations for future sales edged up a single point to 53 – its highest level since February of 2007. The index gauging traffic of prospective buyers gained three points to 33.

Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, no movement was recorded in the Northeast, Midwest or South, which held unchanged at 37, 45 and 42, respectively. Only the West recorded a decline, of six points to 49 in May.

Editor’s Note: The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index is strictly the product of NAHB Economics, and is not seen or influenced by any outside party prior to being released to the public. HMI tables can be found at nahb.org/hmi. More information on housing statistics is also available at housingeconomics.com.

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would create a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority, a key development in addressing America’s trillion-dollar water infrastructure challenge. A WIFIA pilot program is included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2013 (S. 601), which passed by a vote of 83-14. It now moves on to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

The American Water Works Association, which developed the WIFIA concept, called WIFIA’s passage a “huge step forward” for water consumers and urged broad support as the legislation heads to the House.

“Today’s approval of WIFIA by the U.S. Senate represents a huge step forward in confronting America’s water infrastructure challenge,” said AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance. “WIFIA would repair more critical water infrastructure at a lower cost to our communities. With so many of our nation’s water pipes in need of replacement, WIFIA will benefit everyone who receives a water bill.

“We are delighted to see the Senate take the bill to final passage,” LaFrance added. “We commend Sen. Barbara Boxer and Sen. David Vitter for working together in a bipartisan manner on this critical legislation. Now our commitment turns to the House, in the hopes the chamber will pass a similar bill this year.

Boxer, D-Calif., is chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and Vitter, R-La., is the ranking Republican. A key part of WIFIA’s success was AWWA’s partnership with the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies and the Water Environment Federation in taking the concept to Capitol Hill. S. 601 will likely be referred to the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

AWWA in 2012 published a comprehensive water infrastructure report titled “Buried No Longer: Confronting America’s Water Infrastructure Challenge,” demonstrating that more than $1 trillion will be required over the next 25 years to repair and expand existing drinking water infrastructure. The report noted that local utility customers will bear the cost of renewal through higher water rates, but that “states and the federal government can help with a careful and cost-effective program that lowers the cost of necessary investments to our communities, such as the creation of a credit support program -- for example, AWWA’s proposed Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority.”

Learn more about WIFIA.

JLG Industries Inc., a leading manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telescopic material handlers, recently announced the availability of the JLG Mobile Analyzer — a first of its kind in the industry. The new tool combines a free mobile application and a wireless access module to provide technicians with remote access to program, troubleshoot, calibrate or customize JLG equipment performance.

“The JLG Mobile Analyzer is a Wi-Fi-enabled evolution of the JLG Analyzer Kit, allowing technicians to do the same analysis they are currently doing with the handheld kit,” explained Chris Mellott, JLG vice president, customer support and aftermarket development. “However, this new tool for Apple or Google operating system devices, allows for an extended operating range of up to 150 ft. Continuing to introduce new technologies that help our customers do their jobs more efficiently is a key priority at JLG. We believe this app provides the flexibility our customers need.”

To support the current North American introduction, the JLG Mobile Analyzer communicates in English and Spanish. Eleven additional languages will be available by the end of 2013, coinciding with the product’s global distribution and providing a consistent user interface to JLG customers around the world. These languages include International French, Dutch, German, Italian, International Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi, Russian, Japanese and Korean.

Users can download the app at no charge on mobile devices compatible with Apple iOS 5.0 and up, as well as Android API 8 and up, through Apple iTunes and Google Play stores. Regular software updates ensure compatibility to mobile devices. The app works with the JLG Mobile Wireless Access Module, which can be ordered through JLG’s Online Express or a JLG representative.

The access module plugs into a port on JLG products that are currently compatible with the JLG Analyzer Kit, as well as all new JLG products with Advance Design Electronics (ADE), and uses the app to transmit equipment performance data to a mobile device. Although the module is interchangeable among machines, it can only be connected to one mobile device at a time. To enhance functionality, technicians can make phone calls while using the JLG Mobile Analyzer, enabling them to talk with factory support representatives as they work on machines. And because technicians are not limited by connections to equipment by cables attached to handheld devices, they have greater mobility around equipment and can seek shelter in trucks or other protective cover during inclement weather, while continuing to receive and analyze data.

The JLG Mobile Analyzer delivers information in full description read-outs, which are easier to understand than the abbreviated scrolling text associated with the Analyzer Kit. However, the tool operates the same as the traditional Analyzer Kit, and training is included as part of all JLG factory training. In addition, e-learning for the Mobile Analyzer is currently under development and will be available through JLG University by the end of 2013.

For more information about the JLG Mobile Analyzer, please visit www.jlg.com/mobile-analyzer-app or talk with your JLG representative. For more information about JLG, visit the company's website at www.jlg.com.

Avant Tecno Corp. was founded in 1991. Since then it has produced many innovative solutions in the field of multi-functional loaders and attachments. Product development coupled with a commitment to superior engineering has always been and will be one of the most important factors in Avant’s success. Manufacturing, product development, sales and marketing are located in Ylöjärvi, Finland. In addition, Avant has its own subsidiary sales offices in Germany, United Kingdom and now in the USA. Here in the USA, Avant products are available through Avant Tecno USA and its growing dealer network.

Watch the company’s biggest articulated Avant (the 700 Series) in action in the video above, plowing snow, mowing lawns and more. It has more power and speed with hydrostatic transmission, a full DLX cab with air conditioning and air suspension seat as an option. The power and versatility of the Avant 750 has astonished many professionals in landscaping and property maintenance. Learn more at www.AvantTecnoUSA.com.

National construction materials prices slipped 0.1 percent in April, according to the May 15 producer price report by the U.S. Department of Labor. Year over year, construction materials prices are up just 0.4 percent. Nonresidential construction materials prices decreased 0.1 percent for the month and are down 0.4 percent over the last 12 months.

Nonferrous wire and cable prices dropped 3.5 percent for the month and are down 4.2 percent on a year-over-year basis. Prices for plumbing fixtures and fittings slipped 0.5 percent compared to March, but are 0.8 percent higher than April 2012 prices. Prices for fabricated structural metal products decreased 0.4 percent for the month and are down 0.9 percent compared to one year ago. Iron and steel prices slipped 0.3 percent in April and are 9.3 percent lower from the same time last year. Steel mill product prices are an exception to the trend for metal prices, as they increased 0.4 percent for the month but remain 8.9 percent lower than the same time last year.

In contrast, crude energy prices increased 3.7 percent as natural gas prices jumped 15.5 percent. Year over year, crude energy prices are up 8.4 percent. Softwood lumber prices continue to climb and are up 2.5 percent for the month and 33.1 percent during the past 12 months.  Prices for prepared asphalt, tar roofing, and siding increased 2.1 percent in April and are 6 percent higher compared to the same time last year.  Prices for concrete products increased 1.1 percent compared to last month and are 3.2 percent higher from one year ago.

Overall, the nation’s wholesale goods prices decreased 0.7 percent in April -- the largest drop in three years -- but are 0.7 percent higher compared to April 2012. 

Analysis
“Once again, the headline number for nonresidential construction materials prices remains benign,” stated Associated Builders and Contractors chief economist Anirban Basu. “Over the past six months, the monthly percentage changes in nonresidential materials prices have shown little movement.

“However, beneath the headline numbers is some emerging volatility that should concern contractors,” said Basu. “This volatility is not necessarily associated with rising prices, but rather with expanding monthly fluctuation that may render bidding projects more difficult. 

“In the most recent month, materials prices would have actually fallen significantly except for an increase in energy prices. In recent weeks, commodity prices have generally been weaker, a reflection of a soft global economy still prone to bouts of weakness.”

“Economic growth in China now appears to be firming and Japanese economic activity is accelerating, which would tend to be consistent with future materials price increases,” added Basu. “In addition to a shifting global outlook is the impact of central bank policy around the world. Many central banks are now following the lead of America’s Federal Reserve by lowering interest rates and increasing money supplies -- a policy environment that is more likely to be associated with both volatile and rising materials prices.” 

“Only time will tell if materials prices generally remain lower,” said Basu. “However, contractors should not be surprised if nonresidential construction materials prices bounce back significantly over the next several months.”

CNH Parts & Service, the product support division of agricultural and construction equipment maker CNH Global N.V. , has announced plans to invest more than $13 million to equip and lease a new facility at 210 South Enterprise Drive in Lebanon, Ind., in the Lebanon Business Park. Once fully operational and staffed, the new facility is expected to support 100 new area jobs.

Known as the Special Processing Center, the new facility will be the company’s third location in the Lebanon Business Park. The CNH North American Master Depot and its Centralized Receiving and Packaging Center currently employ nearly 500 full-time and an additional 200 contract workers in the area, and serve 11 regional parts distribution facilities that supply daily parts to New Holland, Case IH and Case Construction dealerships throughout North America.

“This new Special Processing Center will significantly enhance and expand the overall capabilities of our North American parts operations,” according to Scott Harris, vice president of CNH Parts & Service for North America. “Its mission is to provide new and highly specialized services that will help our dealers grow their parts sales, even in the most highly competitive segments of our business.”

As an incentive for CNH to move forward with its plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation has offered CNH up to $650,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. In addition, the City of Lebanon is providing tax credits of up to $285,000, for a total incentive package in excess of $1 million. The company will be eligible to receive incentives as the new local jobs are filled and investments implemented.

The company’s central parts distribution hub for North America is strategically located in Lebanon because it is within a one-day drive of more than 75 percent of the company’s North American supply base. The well-established interstate highway system also provides CNH with excellent access to its regional parts distribution facilities in other U.S. and Canadian markets that are critical to the company.

In addition, the Lebanon facilities are just 30 minutes away from the Indianapolis airport, which is home to one of FedEx’s largest operations — a company that CNH relies on to expedite parts throughout the world. A total of 10 major airlines serve the Indianapolis airport connecting to the domestic U.S. markets and international destinations.

“The Special Processing Center will have several unique capabilities, such as a specialized warehousing center dedicated to supporting our import and export operations, and a new logistics command and control operation for our extensive parts delivery system that will now deliver both depot stocked and vendor ship-direct parts via our Daily Stock Order delivery system,” notes Keith Shadrick, Senior Director of Operations and Logistics for CNH Parts & Service in North America.

“We’ll also assemble and package repair and maintenance kits in our new state-of-the-art kitting center, put protective finishes on parts in our new paint booth, and protect parts during shipment with the new facility’s specialized packaging capabilities.”

“We’re excited,” concludes Harris. “We want our New Holland, Case IH and Case Construction dealers and customers to have the best parts and service support in our industry. The addition of our new Special Processing Center clearly demonstrates our commitment.” 

Doosan Portable Power is delivering a new power level in its air compressor lineup with the introduction of the Tier 4i-compliant XP200WJD. The new model produces 200 cfm at 125 psig, making it ideal for countless applications, including general construction, sandblasting, pneumatic tool operation and pipeline testing.

“Our customers’ needs are constantly evolving, and our responsibility to best serve them is to ensure that we operate with a certain amount of flexibility, so that we answer those needs efficiently and effectively,” said Juan Rubio, assistant product manager, air compressors, Doosan Portable Power. “Our customers have expressed a need for a model that delivers 200 cfm at 125 psig with the same productivity and reliability they receive from our P250 model -- so, we went to work.”

The XP200WJD maximizes jobsite productivity with an eight-hour runtime at 100 percent load. Dependable even in extreme temperatures, the model boasts a three-degree limited ambient temperature improvement, delivering reliable performance in conditions up to 118 F.

Easy-to-access service points and simplified maintenance enhance machine lifetime. Pnuematic lift side doors provide easy access to service points -- from hoses to filters and fuel tanks -- while a rear panel simplifies heat exchanger cleaning. A spin-on oil separation system offers the industry’s easiest maintenance, while an engine and airend diagnostic module provides operators with at-a-glance maintenance and servicing information.

The rugged design, easy transportability and flexibility to meet a multitude of applications also make the XP200WJD an ideal model for rental fleets. Jobsite efficiencies are gained with the industry’s largest tool storage system that puts tools required within easy reach. A three-position, adjustable pintle eye accommodates a variety of vehicle hitches while a folding A-frame drawbar with heavy-duty safety chains allows for easy attachment and towing stability. Rugged terrain is managed with peace of mind, as heavy-duty, independent rubber-torsion suspension running gear and high ground clearance wheels reduce shock transfer to internal components. The model also comes standard with a corrosion-resistant steel enclosure.

The XP200WJD is powered by a Tier 4i-compliant John Deere engine, and includes a one-year, 2,000-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty; two-year, 4,000-hour engine warranty; and two-year, 4,000-hour airend warranty. An optional five-year, 10,000-hour extended powertrain warranty is available if genuine Doosan fluids and filters are used at recommended maintenance intervals.

Doosan Portable Power offers the industry’s largest lineup of Tier 4i-compliant air compressors. For more information about Doosan Portable Power, and to view the full line of air compressors, please visit doosanportablepower.com.

Bobcat Co. has officially broken ground on its $20 million renovation and expansion to create the Acceleration Center in Bismarck, N.D. When complete, the Acceleration Center will be a modern complex for advancing innovation where professionals utilize technology and modern design to ensure the position of Bobcat as the leader in the compact equipment industry.

The project includes expansion of an existing building as well as development of a new test track and indoor testing facility -- all at the Northern Plains Commerce Centre in Bismarck. The expansion of the existing building will include a two-story office building and provide a total of 160,000 sq ft of modern workspace. Additionally, a 35,000-sq-ft indoor testing arena will be constructed next to a 22-acre outdoor testing and track area. Construction is expected to be complete by summer 2014.

The Acceleration Center will initially house 135 employees tasked with: innovating and advancing designs; testing; prototype engineering; and the computer simulation of ideas and concepts. These efforts will be accelerated thanks to the collaborative open environment and modern technology built into the facility.

Company president Rich Goldsbury was the master of ceremonies for the groundbreaking event, while North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple, U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, U.S. Representative Kevin Cramer, and Bismarck Mayor John Warford were on hand to make the ceremonial turn of dirt, which included the use of Bobcat equipment to mark the moment.

“This is an exciting day as we invest in the future of Bobcat and the future of North Dakota,” said Goldsbury. “We created the compact equipment industry, and the Acceleration Center will ensure the Bobcat tradition of innovation and market leadership continues.”

The Acceleration Center will also serve as a center for excellence and a learning institute for employees. The facility features an open space and high-tech design to encourage collaboration and discussion. Bobcat dealers and customers will be brought to the complex for training and hands-on experience operating the newest innovations from Bobcat.

“The newest designs, the latest technologies and the best ways to apply product features important to our customers will be part of the daily life inside the Acceleration Center,” Goldsbury added. “We take great pride in our North Dakota roots. Today, we have set the foundation for the future in North Dakota.”

The contractor for the project is Comstock Construction Inc. of Wahpeton. When complete, the entire project -- including the original building built in 2005 -- will mark a $35 million investment by Bobcat in the Northern Plains Commerce Centre in Bismarck.