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2026 AGC Outstanding Student Chapter Award Applications Are Open!
AGC of America News·Jul 15, 2026

2026 AGC Outstanding Student Chapter Award Applications Are Open!

The Associated General Contractors of America is accepting applications for its 2026 Outstanding Student Chapter Award, recognizing excellence in student construction organizations. Student chapters can submit applications highlighting their achievements, community involvement, and contributions to the construction industry.

Workforce
Construction productivity starts with better information: Inside USA TODAY's Innovation Leaders
Fieldwire Blog·Jul 15, 2026

Construction productivity starts with better information: Inside USA TODAY's Innovation Leaders

Better access to real-time job site data and information systems directly improves construction productivity and project outcomes. Construction companies that prioritize information management see measurable gains in efficiency, cost control, and decision-making on their projects.

Workforce
WEEKLY DISPATCH
CLRC Report Shows Union Construction Pay Increases Continue to Climb in 2026
AGC of America News·Jul 15, 2026

CLRC Report Shows Union Construction Pay Increases Continue to Climb in 2026

Union construction wages are continuing their upward trajectory into 2026 according to the latest CLRC report, reflecting ongoing labor market pressures in the sector. The sustained pay increases highlight the competitive demand for skilled union workers across construction projects.

Workforce
Robotics Business Review·Jul 14, 2026

Key to Humanoid Progress: Managing the Power Behind the Robots

Humanoid robots require sophisticated power management systems to convert battery energy and distribute it efficiently to actuators and other onboard components. Murata Power Solutions' expertise in power conversion and control is becoming critical as the robotics industry advances toward practical construction applications.

RoboticsElectrification
The Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Program Is Now Accepting Applications!
AGC of America News·Jul 15, 2026

The Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Program Is Now Accepting Applications!

The Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Program is now open for applications, offering opportunities for participants to gain hands-on experience in the construction industry. This residency program provides training and mentorship to develop the next generation of construction professionals.

Workforce
NVIDIA shares how to evaluate general-purpose robot policies for real-world deployment
Robotics Business Review·Jul 14, 2026

NVIDIA shares how to evaluate general-purpose robot policies for real-world deployment

NVIDIA has released Isaac Lab-Arena, an open-source simulation framework designed to test and evaluate robot policies before deploying them on real construction sites. The platform enables large-scale testing of general-purpose robots to ensure they perform reliably in actual job conditions.

RoboticsAI & ML
Entries Now Open for the 2027 Allhands Essay Competition
AGC of America News·Jul 15, 2026

Entries Now Open for the 2027 Allhands Essay Competition

The 2027 Allhands Essay Competition is now accepting entries from construction professionals and industry stakeholders. The competition invites submissions on topics relevant to the construction technology sector.

Workforce
Presence of impairing drugs among fatally injured pilots on the rise, NTSB finds
Safety+Health Magazine·Jul 14, 2026

Presence of impairing drugs among fatally injured pilots on the rise, NTSB finds

The National Transportation Safety Board found that nearly 30% of fatally injured civil aviation pilots tested positive for potentially impairing drugs over a five-year period. The study highlights a growing concern about drug use among certified commercial pilots and its role in aviation accidents.

Safety
AGC Education & Research Foundation Awards $512,500 in Scholarship Commitments
AGC of America News·Jul 15, 2026

AGC Education & Research Foundation Awards $512,500 in Scholarship Commitments

The AGC Education & Research Foundation has committed $512,500 in scholarships to support construction workforce development. The funding aims to help students pursue careers in the construction industry and address skilled labor shortages.

Workforce
Most nurses have recently experienced workplace violence, survey shows
Safety+Health Magazine·Jul 14, 2026

Most nurses have recently experienced workplace violence, survey shows

A survey of nearly 1,300 nurses reveals that the majority have experienced workplace violence in the past year, with over a third reporting increased incidents in their units. The findings highlight a serious safety concern in healthcare work environments that demands attention to worker protection measures.

WorkforceSafety
WEEKLY DISPATCH
Construction Input Costs Remain Sharply Higher Than A Year Ago Despite June Decline As Aluminum, Copper And Steel Prices Continue To Climb
AGC of America News·Jul 15, 2026

Construction Input Costs Remain Sharply Higher Than A Year Ago Despite June Decline As Aluminum, Copper And Steel Prices Continue To Climb

Construction input costs remain significantly elevated compared to last year, despite a slight dip in June as aluminum, copper, and steel prices continue their upward trajectory. Contractors should expect sustained pressure on project budgets from persistent commodity price increases.

Materials
Pennsylvania lawmakers lead push for heat illness protection bill
Safety+Health Magazine·Jul 14, 2026

Pennsylvania lawmakers lead push for heat illness protection bill

Pennsylvania lawmakers and labor leaders are pushing for passage of a state bill designed to protect workers from heat-related injuries and illnesses on job sites. The legislation was introduced by Representatives Elizabeth Fiedler and Jim Haddock to address occupational heat safety concerns.

SafetyWorkforce
Contractor Wins $11.3M Judgment in Milwaukee Timber Tower Lawsuit
ENR Construction Technology·Jul 14, 2026

Contractor Wins $11.3M Judgment in Milwaukee Timber Tower Lawsuit

C.D. Smith Construction won an $11.3 million judgment against the developer of The Edison, a planned mass timber tower project in Milwaukee that would have been North America's tallest. The lawsuit involved disputes over construction costs and project delivery between the contractor and developer.

Materials
What Is an Invitation to Bid in Construction? A GC's Guide to Better Bid Coverage
ConstructConnect·Jul 14, 2026

What Is an Invitation to Bid in Construction? A GC's Guide to Better Bid Coverage

An invitation to bid (IB) is a formal request from project owners to general contractors asking them to submit price quotes for construction work. Understanding how to respond effectively to IBs helps GCs expand their project pipeline and improve their bidding strategy.

Workforce
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Slips, Contractors Remain Confident in June
Construction Executive·Jul 14, 2026

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Slips, Contractors Remain Confident in June

ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator declined in June, signaling a slight pullback in contractor optimism. Despite the dip, confidence levels remain stronger than they were in the latter half of 2025, suggesting the industry outlook has not substantially deteriorated.

Workforce
Nominate an Educator Today for the 2026 AGC Outstanding Educator Award!
AGC of America News·Jul 14, 2026

Nominate an Educator Today for the 2026 AGC Outstanding Educator Award!

The AGC is accepting nominations for the 2026 Outstanding Educator Award, recognizing instructors who make significant contributions to construction education. This annual award honors educators who prepare the next generation of construction professionals.

Workforce
Construction Scheduling vs. Planning: The Industry’s Most Costly Confusion
Construction Executive·Jul 14, 2026

Construction Scheduling vs. Planning: The Industry’s Most Costly Confusion

Following a construction schedule is not the same as having an actual plan, a distinction that costs the industry significantly in inefficiency and missed deadlines. Companies need to understand the difference between scheduling (what happens when) and planning (how to make it happen) to improve project outcomes.

Workforce
Dept. of Labor Releases its 2026/2027 Regulatory Priorities for Safety
AGC of America News·Jul 14, 2026

Dept. of Labor Releases its 2026/2027 Regulatory Priorities for Safety

The Department of Labor has announced its regulatory priorities for 2026 and 2027, with a focus on workplace safety standards and enforcement. Construction companies should expect new or updated safety regulations that will likely impact job site operations and compliance requirements.

Workforce
Ondas acquires DZYNE for $875.8M, expanding its defense capabilities
Robotics Business Review·Jul 13, 2026

Ondas acquires DZYNE for $875.8M, expanding its defense capabilities

Ondas Holdings acquired DZYNE Technologies for $875.8 million to strengthen its defense sector offerings. DZYNE brings specialized expertise in autonomous aircraft, counter-drone systems, and autonomous effects to Ondas' portfolio.

AutonomyRobotics
Recap of May 19 Meeting of OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health
AGC of America News·Jul 14, 2026

Recap of May 19 Meeting of OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health

OSHA's Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health met on May 19 to discuss current workplace hazards and safety recommendations for the construction industry. The committee reviewed emerging safety challenges and provided guidance to help protect workers on job sites.

Workforce
Yaskawa America gets information security certification
Robotics Business Review·Jul 13, 2026

Yaskawa America gets information security certification

Yaskawa America has achieved independent ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, demonstrating its commitment to information security and protecting customer data. The certification validates the company's information security management systems and practices across its operations.

Robotics
Watchdog group to California governor: Don’t cut Cal/OSHA’s budget
Safety+Health Magazine·Jul 13, 2026

Watchdog group to California governor: Don’t cut Cal/OSHA’s budget

Public Citizen is urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to reject a proposed $725,000 budget cut to Cal/OSHA's enforcement division for fiscal year 2026-2027, arguing the reduction is not fiscally necessary. The watchdog group's position highlights concerns about maintaining workplace safety oversight in the state.

SafetyWorkforce
Worker well-being declines as financial stress rises, survey finds
Safety+Health Magazine·Jul 13, 2026

Worker well-being declines as financial stress rises, survey finds

A recent survey of nearly 3,900 full-time U.S. workers shows that fewer employees are thriving compared to two years ago, with financial stress cited as a primary factor in declining well-being. Employers are being urged to develop better support systems to address worker wellness and financial health concerns.

Workforce
DOL says it will strengthen oversight of black lung disability benefits
Safety+Health Magazine·Jul 13, 2026

DOL says it will strengthen oversight of black lung disability benefits

The Department of Labor is strengthening oversight of its Black Lung Benefits Program following a Government Accountability Office report highlighting problems coal miners encounter when applying for federal disability benefits. The agency plans to improve data collection and monitoring systems to address the identified challenges in the program's administration.

Workforce