The Build Fort Worth Construction Expo, a collaboration between the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association and the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will include a variety of Construction Breakout Sessions. These sessions will allow attendees to meet face-to-face with leaders and decision-makers from various projects and agencies involved in transforming the North Texas skyline. Register today and join us on August 18! | |
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Build Fort Worth 2023
Construction Expo
This event is a great opportunity for MWDBEs to network and learn about upcoming project opportunities. Don't miss out!
View List of Exhibitors
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Fort Worth ISD Capital Improvement Program in Action
The meeting offered an excellent platform for engaging in one-on-one conversations with key stakeholders
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On July 6, we had the privilege of participating in the Update meeting for the Fort Worth ISD Capital Improvement Program. One of the highlights of this program was meeting with the Teinert Construction team, during which they provided invaluable insights into the subcontractors they seek to collaborate with. The meeting offered an excellent platform for engaging in one-on-one conversations with key stakeholders, including the Project Management Team, Procedeo and representatives from all involved parties.
This gathering presented a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas and gain a deeper understanding of the project's progress and potential developments. We encourage everyone to stay informed and eagerly await forthcoming updates and exciting advancements in the program. More info: https://bit.ly/3pCFaww
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RHCA recently hosted international firms for a visit to Turner Construction and a guided tour of a project site in Dallas
A group of COFOCE members and representatives from Guanajuato, Mexico visited Dallas to gain a firsthand understanding of how the construction industry operates in our state
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On July 11, The RHCA was honored to host a delegation of trade partners and representatives from Mexico's state of Guanajuato's COFOCE. As the first part of their visit, we organized a tour of the renowned Jackson Street Parking Garage, showcasing the intricacies and operations of the construction business in our state. Thank you to Azteca-Omega Group and H.J. Russell & Company. | |
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During the subsequent leg of the delegation tour, we had the privilege of visiting the headquarters of Turner Construction Company, a prominent figure in the construction industry and a founding member of the RHCA that established itself as a global leader in this field. With an impressive annual construction volume of $18 billion and a dedicated workforce of 10,500 employees, Turner proudly showcased why it is the premier choice for general, green, healthcare, education, and entertainment construction projects.
As the final segment of our tour, Turner organized a luncheon that brought together trade partners and representatives from diverse Dallas agencies, fostering invaluable networking opportunities. The event served as a platform to introduce and connect with one another, facilitating the exchange of ideas and thoughts related to our industry. You can learn more about COFOCE here.
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As part of DFW Airport’s $4.8 billion investment, JV seeks contractors
Suffolk Construction - 3i contracting - Nervi JV held an Outreach for the Terminal C Redevelopment project
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On July 19, we attended the informative Suffolk Construction - 3icontracting - Nervi JV Outreach event, where we gained valuable insights into the DFW Airport Terminal C Redevelopment project.
With an impressive 850,000 square feet, this project will revolutionize the interior of 18 domestic gates, ensuring they meet the highest modern standards and elevating the overall airport experience for travelers.
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The JV is looking for professionals specializing in various areas such as concrete, masonry, miscellaneous metals, millwork, roofing, and more. This provides an excellent opportunity for experienced and committed teams.
To learn more, please get in touch with [email protected].
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The RHCA participated in the first-ever "How-to Workshop" for the City of Irving MWBE Program
Our team attended this event hosted by the City of Irving on July 20
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During the event, we learned valuable information about procurement processes within the City of Irving. This included learning about the correct procedures for submitting bids and developing effective responses.
One of the workshop's highlights was talking with Mayor Rick Stopfer of the City of Irving. His insights gave us a clearer picture of the city's commitment to backing minority and women-led enterprises.
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Member Highlight: Edward D. Saldaña, Attorney & Partner
A legal advisor and member of RHCA for 15 years discusses the most common issues that contractors face
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What is the name of your company, and what is its specialization?
Saunders, Walsh & Beard is a trusted business law firm known for delivering superior legal services effectively and efficiently with the highest standards of professionalism. We practice in the areas of Construction Law, Mechanic’s Liens, Contract Law, Real Estate Law, Insurance Law, Employment Law, Business Law, Business Litigation, Personal Injury, and Corporate/LLC or Partnership Formation.
How long have you been an RHCA member, and what is the philosophy behind your company?
I have been an RHCA member for 15 years. The Firm and I help clients navigate legal and business risks preemptively and strive to resolve legal matters as quickly and efficiently as possible while focusing on accomplishing the client’s objectives for each matter and the client’s bottom line.
What common legal issues or challenges arise in the construction industry, and how does your company typically address them?
Non-payment issues commonly arise on construction projects. I also increasingly see high-risk contract terms resulting in substantial back-charge and non-payment disputes. We address these issues by taking required steps to protect clients’ payment rights under the mechanic’s lien and payment bond laws of Texas, advising clients on the legal risks of proposed contracts, and helping them negotiate favorable terms before they sign contracts.
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What advice can you offer to other companies in the construction industry?
Have a trusted, competent, and experienced legal advisor and make that attorney a regular part of your business process. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
In your opinion, what are the benefits of an RHCA membership?
The RHCA provides meaningful educational and relationship-building opportunities and advocates on your behalf for new business opportunities and favorable legislation. This greatly benefits your business.
Call me at 214-919-3555 or e-mail me at [email protected] to set up a consult (English or Spanish) or to receive our monthly lien reminder email. Visit our website at www.saunderswalsh.com.
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Upcoming Events & Announcements | |
Last week of open nominations! Nominate today! | |
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Offered by the RHCA Safety Council
OSHA 10-Hour for the Construction Industry
(Two Day Class in English or Spanish)
RHCA Member $100.00 / Non-Member $150.00
Topics:
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- Introduction to OSHA
- Electrical
- Fall Protection
- Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment
- Materials Handling
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- Storage, Use, and Disposal
- Tools-Hand and Power
- Scaffolds, Cranes, Derricks, Hoist, Elevators and Conveyors
- Excavations
- Stairways and Ladders
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Thursday, August 3 | 7:30 am – 1:30 pm
Friday, August 4 | 7:30 am – 1:30 pm
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OSHA 30-Hour for the Construction Industry
(Four Day Class in English)
RHCA Member $350.00 / Non-Member $450.00
Topics:
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- Introduction to OSHA
- Fall Hazards
- Electrical Hazards
- Struck by Hazards
- Caught-in or Between
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Health Hazards in Construction
- Stairways and Ladders
- Confined Space Entry
- Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators, & Conveyors
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- Ergonomics
- Excavations
- Motor Vehicles, Mechanized Equipment, Signs & Barricades
- Scaffolds
- Steel Erection
- Tools - Hand and Power
- Job site Inspections
- Accident Investigation
- and more...
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Thursday, August 10, 2023 | 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, August 11, 2023 | 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday, August 24, 2023 | 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, August 25, 2023 | 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
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The RHCA is dedicated to keeping your workers safe, on and off the job site.
Don’t see a training you need here? Just Ask!
*For more information on Training or to schedule a private Training for you and your workers, contact Julio Florez at [email protected] or call us at 972-786-0909.
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Other Texas Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industries News | |
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Via Construction Dive - Weakening global and national economies, mixed with high borrowing costs and excess inflation, suggest recessionary conditions will prevail at some point over the next 12 months, said Anirban Basu, chief economist at Associated Builders and Contractors, during a construction economic update webinar Wednesday. Some segments stand to hold up better than others, such as public construction, manufacturing projects, data centers, grocery stores and multifamily housing, said Basu.
“One of the factors driving construction costs is obviously lack of a skilled workforce, and as far as I can tell, it’s getting worse out there,” said Basu. “As we try to rebuild our supply chains, rebuild our infrastructure, costs are set to go higher because human capital is so scarce.” Learn more.
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Bechtel gets green light on $12B Texas LNG project
Via Construction Dive - Phase 1 of NextDecade’s Rio Grande plant in Brownsville includes total financing of $18.4 billion. Reston, Virginia-based contractor Bechtel received a $12 billion green light to proceed on the Rio Grande LNG Plant in Brownsville, Texas, Houston-based owner NextDecade announced on July 12. Bechtel, one of the largest contractors in the country, received the notice to proceed following a positive final investment decision from the firm. The contractor will begin construction of Phase 1 under its lump-sum turnkey engineering, procurement, and construction contracts, according to the release. A Bechtel spokesperson confirmed that construction has already begun. Learn more.
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Via Construction Dive - The U.S. arm of the Sweden-based contractor was an early adopter of UAVs and has navigated the challenges and benefits of deploying the tools on site. As drones become more commonplace on jobsites across the world, Skanska USA has a few tips on how to leverage them. The contractor’s drone program was started in 2015, and now features more than 70 people across different departments for the U.S. arm of the Swedish contractor. Together, the group comes up with uses for the tech across jobsites around the country. Now, the program has fostered a sense of community, said Albert Zulps, the director of emerging technologies for Skanska USA Building, leading to photo contests and helpful advice. Learn more.
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Most states are experiencing an unprecedented heat wave and the U.S. is on track for the hottest summer on record. Heat is a well-known and recognized occupational hazard for outdoor and indoor workers that can cause serious or fatal illness when they are not provided the necessary protections and training. Each year, thousands of workers become sick from occupational heat exposure, and too many of those illnesses result in fatalities. New employees whose bodies have not had time to adjust to working in the heat are most vulnerable — nearly 3 out of 4 workers who die from heat-related causes die in their first week on the job.
Employer Responsibility It’s the law!
Employers have a duty to protect workers against heat. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility not to assign work in high heat
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conditions without protections in place for workers, where they could be literally worked to death. This is true even in Texas, despite its recent law limiting local ordinances on heat illness protections.
At a minimum, employers should provide adequate cool water, rest breaks, and shade or a cool rest area for employees.
Give new or returning employees the chance to gradually acclimatize (or become used to working in hot temperatures), to be trained and plan for emergencies, and to monitor for heat signs/symptoms.
Train employees on heat illness prevention, signs of heat illness, and how to act immediately if they or another employee appears to be suffering from a heat related illness.
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Worker Rights
Every worker covered under the OSHA Act has the right to a safe and healthful workplace.
Workers can file a confidential complaint with OSHA if they believe their working conditions are unsafe or unhealthful, or if they think their employer is not following OSHA standards.
Complaints can be reported by calling OSHA at 800- 321-OSHA or filing online.
It is illegal for any employer to fire or otherwise retaliate against a worker who complains to OSHA and uses their legal rights. Workers can exercise their rights to file a Whistleblower complaint within 30 days if they believe they have been retaliated against in any way.
Federal Enforcement OSHA initiated a National Emphasis Program on the heat in April 2022 and continues to focus enforcement efforts in geographic areas and industries with the most vulnerable workers. Many states have their own initiatives, and several have their own OSHA heat standards.
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Agency is planning enhanced enforcement actions, with a strategic focus on geographic locations and industries where high heat impacts vulnerable worker populations. This means more inspection activity as well as a broader use of enforcement tools, especially where workers are in clear danger.
OSHA will also be providing outreach and compliance assistance to ensure employers, including those not covered by the OSH Act, and worker organizations have the tools to protect workers from hazardous heat.
OSHA is also diligently working towards publishing a proposed standard on heat illness prevention for indoor and outdoor workers. We are currently in the Congressionally mandated Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act process, to get feedback from small businesses on regulatory approaches under consideration.
Employers should immediately take all steps to protect workers from extreme heat. Learn more about how to protect workers from occupational heat hazards at osha.gov/heat.
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MONTHLY NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION, June 2023
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Building Permits
Privately‐owned housing units authorized by building permits in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,440,000.
Housing Starts
Privately‐owned housing starts in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,434,000.
Housing Completions
Privately‐owned housing completions in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,468,000.
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Texas economic growth outpaces nation despite persistent downside risks
Texas employment growth advanced in May, continuing to surpass the national average
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Via Dallas Federal Reserve- Photo: Terrance Barksdale - Texas employment growth advanced in May, continuing to surpass the national average. Meanwhile, price and wage pressures remain elevated, according to the Texas Business Outlook Surveys (TBOS). Employment growth is projected to slow later this year, while price and wage pressures are expected to ease following Federal Reserve monetary policy tightening. Manufacturing new orders continued to slide in May, and overall business sentiment and outlooks were negative, TBOS respondents indicated. With high interest rates and tighter credit conditions, risks to the outlook are to the downside. Learn more. | | | | |
