In McCray v. United Electric, an injured electrician challenged his employer's panel of physicians, which sat on the back of a sheet inside a gang-box lid that was sometimes locked. Three lower rulings accepted the posting. The Georgia Court of Appeals reversed, holding that accessible and prominent are not the same thing, and sent the case back to the State Board to decide. Without a properly posted panel, an injured worker can choose any doctor at the employer's expense, For Construction Pros notes.
Why it matters: Until the Board rules, post the panel where crews will see it at every active jobsite, not only inside a toolbox or at the main office.
Two Suffolk executives told Construction Dive that the state deadline for hospital seismic upgrades is creating a crunch on healthcare builds, with long equipment lead times and pricing pressure among the problems.
Why it matters: Healthcare subs in California should expect compressed schedules and early procurement demands through the end of the decade.
A presidential proclamation removes plywood, some industrial machinery and certain packaging and paper materials from the 50% duty on Canadian imports, and adds carpets, air conditioners and cocoa powder, Construction Dive reports.
Why it matters: Sheathing costs may ease, while HVAC units and carpet sourced from Canada get pricier. Check which side of Oct. 30 your supplier quotes fall on.
A Jacobs survey covered by ENR finds capital is widely available for US energy infrastructure, but permitting, grid readiness and equipment constraints are slowing delivery.
Why it matters: For electrical and heavy civil contractors, schedule risk on energy work is coming from approvals and long-lead gear rather than financing.
In a Construction Dive op-ed, the co-founder of a therapy provider argues that moving superintendents and project managers into executive roles makes business sense but leaves many of them feeling they still have to prove themselves.
Why it matters: Succession plans in contracting firms tend to cover skills, not the change in role. Worth reading before promoting someone from the field.
ServiceTitan surveyed 1,020 commercial contractors: 75% expect material and equipment prices to keep rising over the next year, 96% wait at least 15 days to get paid and 30% wait more than a month. A third use AI in day-to-day work, but only 15% report a clear return, For Construction Pros reports.
Why it matters: The squeeze is cash flow as much as demand. Tightening payment terms may do more for margins than another price increase.