U.S. Department of Labor Announces Availability of $11.5 Million In Worker Safety and Health Training Grants

U.S. Department of Labor Announces Availability of $11.5 Million In Worker Safety and Health Training Grants

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced the availability of $11.5 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants for nonprofit organizations, including community and faith-based organizations, employer associations, labor unions, joint labor/management associations, Indian tribes, and colleges and universities. The Harwood Training Grant program supports in-person, hands-on training for workers and employers…

Which face coverings are best for preventing jobsite coronavirus spread?

Which face coverings are best for preventing jobsite coronavirus spread?

While any face covering will help contain the usual droplets that come from coughing, sneezing and even speaking, there are things to look for in a face covering to maximize jobsite safety from the coronavirus.  Researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, using flow visualization testing in a laboratory equipped with…

The Top Ten Mistakes Contractors Often Make When Submitting Online for Permit

The past few months have thrown many Contractors into a frenzy figuring out how to submit plan electronically.  While some contractors plowed on through and wasted time figuring out how to submit, others attempted to go the jurisdiction only to be told to submit online, and then, there were those contractors so frustrated, they proceeded…

REDUCING NATURAL GAS FLARING

REDUCING NATURAL GAS FLARING

At a recent meeting of the Texas Railroad Commission, the Texas Methane Flaring Coalition laid out a series of best-practice recommendations for industry and regulators to consider as we all move toward a goal of zero routine flaring in the Permian Basin. We’re proud to add our voice to this diverse group calling for action – everyone from…

Texas Methane & Flaring Coalition Launches New Online Education Resources

Texas Methane & Flaring Coalition Launches New Online Education Resources

The Texas Methane & Flaring Coalition (the Coalition), an alliance of Texas oil and natural gas trade associations and nearly 40 Texas energy companies, today announced they have launched new educational tools and resources for stakeholders, legislators and regulators, and the general public who are seeking to gain a better understanding of issues related to…

Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan finalized

Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan finalized

The Railroad Commission of Texas has released its latest strategic priorities in regulating the state’s oil and gas industry. The RRC’s Fiscal Year 2021 priorities are outlined in the Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan which can be found on the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/58340/og-s-plan-fy-2021.pdf Texas’ oil and gas industry is vital to the state’s budget and…

9.1% Doesn’t Equal Economic Justice: What the Harris County Commissioners Court Disparity Study Reveals

9.1% Doesn’t Equal Economic Justice: What the Harris County Commissioners Court Disparity Study Reveals

Ensuring that minorities, women, and other disadvantaged groups have fair access to economic opportunity is a top priority for the Harris County Commissioners Court. Minority and women-owned businesses play a vital role in the local economy and are driving the growth of new business and jobs in Harris County. Advancing fair and inclusive economic policies to bolster their long-term success will…

The 5 Best Tech Opportunities for Construction Companies

The 5 Best Tech Opportunities for Construction Companies

Construction has been one of the slowest industries to adopt technology. That’s partly cultural—folks in the industry like to solve problems with their own ingenuity. Many firms are still family owned, and there’s still a lot reverence for tradition. Plus, this is an industry with thin margins, where the first funding priorities are equipment and personnel….

Contractors pledge to combat racial inequality

Contractors pledge to combat racial inequality

Construction firms across the country are responding to recent protests against police brutality and racial injustice with statements calling for an end to inequity and with programs to attract and retain diverse team members. Turner Construction has posted messages of support on its websites and on social media. “Recent events are a stark and painful reminder of…

Port Houston Achieves Security Management System ISO 28000 Recertification Continuing Long Commitment to Security

Port Houston Achieves Security Management System ISO 28000 Recertification Continuing Long Commitment to Security

Port Houston, the largest port on the U.S. Gulf Coast, recently obtained its ISO 28000 recertification for its Security Management System (SMS) for the fifth time. This exceptional achievement was accomplished without any non-conformances. Port Houston in 2008 became the first port authority in the world to receive this international security designation, which outlines stringent…

Layle McKelvey joins Manhattan’s Houston office as Director of Industry Relations

Layle McKelvey joins Manhattan’s Houston office as Director of Industry Relations

Manhattan Construction Company, a top nationally-ranked construction firm, has appointed Layle McKelvey as director of community relations and inclusion in Houston. McKelvey will foster key relationships within city, county, and state government, lead Manhattan’s diversity and inclusion efforts, and drive engagement with local partners to enrich Manhattan’s overall benefit to our clients and community. While…

Greater Houston Partnership Cautions on Reopening of Office Spaces

Greater Houston Partnership Cautions on Reopening of Office Spaces

The Greater Houston Partnership today released a statement on behalf of its president and CEO, Bob Harvey regarding confusion surrounding Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Texas Executive Order GA-18 and whether it calls for the return of office workers to the workplace. “We are suggesting to Houston companies that they delay the return of office workers to the…

11 TIPS TO PREPARE TO PULL A BUILDING PERMIT DURING HURRICANE SEASON

11 TIPS TO PREPARE TO PULL A BUILDING PERMIT DURING HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane season officially kicked off along the Texas Gulf Coast area on June 1,2020 and runs through November 2020.  And while this region has experienced many thunderstorms, major floods and hurricanes over the years that wreaked havoc, Hurricane Harvey, and its aftermath in 2017, was a wake-up call still fresh in our memory that created…

Railroad Commission Launches Drone Program to Enhance Emergency Response

Railroad Commission Launches Drone Program to Enhance Emergency Response

Taking advantage of 21st century technology, the Railroad Commission of Texas launched a statewide drone inspection team last month. Drones will help inspectors to quickly respond and inspect sites that are unsafe or inaccessible during emergencies such as fires, flooding and other natural disasters. Drones can also assist in situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic,…