Numerous innovations in technology are fast-advancing the world of construction materials, bringing new products to market that could make a big difference to our built environment. Here, we take a look at three particularly impressive developments.
The emergence of construction technology has sparked an overdue industry-wide revolution. As technology companies attempt to capitalize on the unspoiled market, the industry is becoming infiltrated with a slew of enticing new options. Innovative project management and scheduling software, BIM, Lean tools, VSM, and 3D printing, among others are flooding the market. These solutions present enormous efficiency opportunities to an industry that has suffered a productivity decline of 19 percent over the last half century. Realizing the full potential of industry digitalization, however, requires companies to go beyond the nuts and bolts of operations. Long-term success demands the marriage of technology and strategy; it entails an innovative approach to one of the oldest industries on earth.
Read more.
The future looks “smart” for underground infrastructure after a first-of-its-kind experiment conducted June 6 at the Cornell Geotechnical Lifelines Large-Scale Testing Facility.
Like many of today’s household devices, modern infrastructure is gaining the ability to collect and exchange valuable data using wireless devices that monitor the health of buildings and bridges, for example, in real time. But wireless systems for underground infrastructure, such as utility pipelines, are much more difficult to test in the field, especially during rare and extreme events such as earthquakes.
The construction industry has, historically, not been one to rapidly adopt new technologies. However, shifts in employee demographics, combined with a cutthroat competitive market, means the construction industry is poised for massive disruption.
The CCA became involved after it was approached by national law firm Torys LLP about an appeal of a B.C. Court of Appeal decision in Schrenk v. British Columbia (Human Rights Tribunal) to the Supreme Court of Canada. The case involves whether provincial human rights legislation applies to a construction (multi-employer) site where alleged discrimination is occurring between employees of different companies/employers.
The Government of Canada is committed to growing the economy, strengthening the middle class and helping those working hard to join it. Our government understands that too many workers in the construction industry face financial hardship because of payment delays.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) today announced that it will publicly disclose payments to prime contractors so that construction subcontractors know when they can expect payment.
Worker safety should be everyone’s top priority. However, there are some companies and individuals who repeatedly ignore or break safety laws, putting workers at risk of serious injury.
On June 12, 2017, amendments to the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act will come into effect to:
Click HERE to read the summary of the four amendments.
The province is inviting applications from quali ed Nova Scotians who are interested in serving as members on the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council provides strategic advice to the Minister and the Department of Labour and Advanced Education on issues affecting occupational health and safety (OHS) in Nova Scotia.
Individuals interested in this opportunity should be:
If you would like more information about this opportunity, please contact the department’s Appointment Coordinator, Shawn Mosher, at 902-424-6654 or Shawn.Mosher@novascotia.ca.
You can find information about how to apply to serve on the Committee at: www.novascotia.ca/abc
Please submit completed applications to the Executive Council Office by email, fax or mail:
One Government Place 5th Floor
1700 Granville Street P.O. Box 2125
Halifax, NS B3J 3B7
Fax: 902-424-0667
Email: executive.council@novascotia.ca
Applications are due by: July 12, 2017
Construction Productivity Expert Series Webcasts:
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Defence Construction Canada (DCC) announced June 8, 2017 that they will both begin publicly disclosing payments to prime contractors on their construction contracts valued at over $100,000.
PSPC news release
See payments on PSPC’s website
See payments on DCC’s website