United Contractors Magazine July 2021 by United Contractors

J U LY 2 0 2 1 | I S S U E 7 / V O L U M E 2 2 7 W W W.U N I T E D C O N T R AC TO R S . O R G

Technology Advances Industry

What’s Inside: Up Front: UCON’s Technology Investments with Members in Mind ____________________________ Cybersecurity: What Contractors Need ___________________ Five Ways Digital Tech is Improving Industry

Everything You Need. Plus Equipment. From safety/operator training and equipment management technologies, to custom solutions engineered to meet specialized job requirements, United Rentals offers much more than just the world’s largest rental fleet. It takes a lot to get the job done right. We’re here to help. BAKERSFIELD 34 Bakers ield, CA 9331 (661) 631-5777

SALT LAKE CITY 1135 S. Pioneer Road Salt Lake City, UT 84104 (801) 886-0586

SAN LUIS OBISPO 635 Tank Farm Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 543-0113

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CONCORD 5151 Port Chicago Highway Concord, CA 94520

SAN JOSE 2150 O’Toole Street San Jose, CA 95131 (408) 224-1052

TURLOCK 2800 N. Golden State Blvd. Turlock, CA 95382 (209) 632-5084

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FRESNO 5704 S. Toyota Place Fresno, CA 93275 (559) 442-8989 HAYWARD 4125 Breakwater Avenue Hayward, CA 94545 (510) 786-9506 RENO 12905 Old Virginia Road Reno, NV 89521 (775) 348-0140 SACRAMENTO 8565 Elder Creek Road Sacramento, CA 95828 (916) 383-7475

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magazine

UNITED contents CONTRACTORS 2021 UNITED CONTRACTORS BOARD OFFICERS

President ...................Kurt Kniffin, Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. VP/President-Elect ....Joe Sostaric, The Conco Companies Secretary/Treasurer .......Kevin Hester, McGuire and Hester Sec/Treas-Elect....Christi Plum, P C & N Construction, Inc.

UNITED CONTRACTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Juan C. Arrequin, Bay Line Cutting & Coring, Inc.; Ron Bianchini, Preston Pipelines, Inc.; Dale R. Breen, Midstate Barrier, Inc.; Bryn Burke, Dees Burke Engineering; Steve Concannon, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.; Greg Goebel Jr., Goebel Construction, Inc.; Dave Jordan, Vulcan Materials Company; Tony Naranjo, J&M Concrete Contractors; Jeff Peel, Steve P. Rados, Inc.; Guy Smith, St. Francis Electric LLC; Keary Sullivan, F & M Bank; Charles Wall, Brosamer & Wall, Inc.

UCON LEADERS United Contractors Committee Chairs Associates: Dave Jordan (Associate Director), Vulcan Materials Company; Keary Sullivan (Associate Director-Elect), F & M Bank | Caltrans: Michael Ghilotti (Chairman), Ghilotti Bros., Inc. | Legislative: Rob Layne, O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc. | Political Action (PAC): Chris Young (Chairman), D.W. Young Construction Co., Inc. | Safety & Insurance: Robert Sabin, McGuire and Hester | Attorney Roundtable (ART): Facilitated by Mark Breslin | SF City Contractor Liaison: Mike Ghilotti (Chairman), Ghilotti Bros., Inc., Miguel Galarza (Chairman), Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction, Inc. | Scholarship: Trony Fuller, West Coast Sand & Gravel | Southern CA Steering Committee: Steve Concannon, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.

UNITED CONTRACTORS STAFF

Mark Breslin, Chief Executive Officer; Emily Cohen, Executive Vice President; Tejel Patel, Executive Assistant to CEO; Julie Hinge, Executive Assistant to EVP; Victor Sella, Director of Labor Relations; Ruby Varnadore, Labor Contracts Manager; Lucia Mixon, Senior Labor & Member Services Specialist; Ann Danen, Labor & Member Services Specialist; Lily Cervantes, Labor Relations Consultant; Dave Jenkins, Contractor Services, Southern California; Sue Weiler-Doke, Labor Relations Consultant; Melissa Gutwald, Director of Finance & Operations; Terese Pollock, Operations Analyst; Denise Ramirez, Online Services Manager; Emmy McConnell, Senior Accountant; Michelle Hannigan, Bookkeeper; Brendan Doherty, Communications Manager; Michelle Vejby, Publications Manager; Marlo Fregulia, Senior Member Relations Manager; Angelica Gouig, Education Manager; Eddie Bernacchi, Legislative Advocate; Christopher Lee, Safety Consultant; Tony Dorsa, CARB Consultant

United Contractors Magazine (ISSN: 2166-3777) is published monthly, except December, by United Contractors, 17 Crow Canyon Court, Suite 100, San Ramon, CA 94583. Editorial comments, letters, and article submissions are welcomed and encouraged. Correspondence should be directed to the United Contractors of ce at the above address, b phone at (925) 855-7900, or by e-mail at info@unitedcontractors.org. Reproduction of editorial material in this issue is permitted if accompanied by proper source credit. Periodicals postage paid at San amon, CA and other of ces. ostmaster Send address changes to: United Contractors Magazine, 17 Crow Canyon Court, Suite 100, San Ramon, CA 94583. © 2021 Published in the U.S.A.

U Y 2021

ISSUE 7, VOLUME 227

6 UP Front

UCON Delivering More Value Through Tech

By Mark Breslin, UCON CEO

8 LABOR

UCON’s abor Ser ices Team

ember ere to elp

By UCON Labor Relations & Member Services Team

12 INSIDE the Capitol

State ud et Surplus Golden Opportunit to n est in Transportation By Michael Quigley, Executive Director California Alliance for Jobs

16 C O N S T R U C T I O N

TECHNOLOGY Special Feature More Inside: 2 SAFETY CORNER 2 NE T U EDUCAT ON 34 NE T U EADERS S EA ER SER ES 36 NEXT UP - EVENTS E ARE UCON 0 N CASE YOU SSED T 2 AST CA

CONNECT WITH U N I T E D C O N T R ACTO R S :

unitedcontractors.org J U LY 2 0 2 1

front

By Mark Breslin, UCON CEO

UCON Delivering More Value Through Tech No matter where you fall on the tech spectrum of love vs. hate, rookie vs. expert, or early adopter vs. dragged kicking and screaming, our industry and people are now facing a rapid technology evolution. For many who are younger, it is very welcome. For those a bit older, it feels like too much too fast. But the low-hanging fruit of tech innovation has already been claimed in manufacturing, distribution, transportation, logistics, telecom, entertainment…and finally it has come to construction. Though we are still not far from the starting line, UCON is here to help push the industry forward. The pandemic pushed us in a lot of ways where technology had to fill in the gaps. We probably moved ahead in some ways five years (in actually just one) because we had no choice. But now that we regain some perspective, the question becomes, where to next? Here are four practical, actionable areas of a technology strategy that every UCON member organization has at their disposal starting now:

Save Your Team Time, Money and Hassle: The UCON Contractor Resources Library UCON’s new website contains the most significant tech investment we have ever made: Our Contractor Resources Library. A Member-only Benefit, the password-protected section of the site now has an extraordinary amount of labor, safety, financial, reporting, regulatory and other information available for your people 24/7. This remarkable searchable resource with intuitive filtering is the contractor go-to, used by 350 members (so far), boasting: • Over 4,000 total downloads (since launching in March) • 3-4 minutes—average time spent within the Library

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• •

85% of our Library has been accessed and utilized UCON’s new website overall, has had over 55,000 unique page views

UCON Helps on Contractor Security Every day, all day we are all hit with scams. Fake Social Security cell calls. Email phishing from our fake bank. Warranties we never bought. Nigerian dollars waiting to be transferred. These are pretty recognizable—but heads up on another level of industry concern. Several UCON members have been hit by ransomware. As in full data shut down, full stop. Another recent story was an intercepted six-ﬁgure electronic progress payment. UCON is stepping in to help. Our suggestion: •

Attend the UCON security tech program on July 8 to learn best practices and tools to protect your contracting and construction business from an attack (see page 2 for more information). To sign up, visit www. unitedcontractors.org/calendar (UCON members can access the webinar on-demand after July 8).

UCON’s Member-Only Contractor Resources Library features intuitive filtering to find what you need fast!

UCON Leverages Tech for Training & Professional Development UCON’s new member service initiative of providing training and development has increased member utilization by 300% in 2021. Leadership coaching; safety management; foreman training; PM upgrades, and more. Over 40 programs are now oﬀered at no additional cost for members due to technology leveraging geography, time, and instant availability. •

Visit on-demand training, professional development, and leadership seminars in the member section of our website:

www.unitedcontractors.org/members/uconeducation-library, for the library of on-demand professional development courses.

Getting Engaged & Involved in the Industry Now UCON’s many working groups, committees and liaison teams are available, and easier than ever before to participate. If you have thought about getting more engaged with UCON, you can do so from your own location or even your phone for valuable connections, important policy issues and up to date key topics for your companies. •

Get involved with our committees by stepping in and stepping up. Ongoing committee schedules are available at www.unitedcontractors.org/ calendar

No matter where you fall on the love vs. hate on technology, it’s a key business, management, and productivity tool at your disposal. ◆

All Work Done to Your Satisfaction and On Time Headquarters 501 Cesar Chavez Street, Suite #101B, San Francisco, CA 94124

Phone: 415/508-1800 www.BAYLINECUTTING.com CSLB #809660

Certifications: San Francisco Local Business Enterprise #CMD021914855 DBE #21117 SBE #22512 CPUC #99EN0023 DIR #1000003185 Gold Shovel Standard ISN #400-230640

J U LY 2 0 2 1

LABOR

By UCON’s Labor & Member Services Team

UCON’s Labor & Member Services Team: Here to Help United Contractors Labor & Member Services (LMS) team is a valuable resource for contractors statewide, assisting key management, administrative and ﬁeld staﬀ on a daily basis—Statewide. With over 100 years of combined construction labor relations experience, UCON’s Labor & Member Services team will help you navigate Labor, HR, Payroll, and much more. We handle thousands of member calls every year, and are committed to doing our best to respond the same day. If we don’t have the answer, we will find it. Meet our team of experts: AR

RES N

CEO mbreslin@unitedcontractors.org ( 25) 855-7 00

36 years with UCON; 36 years in labor relations RU Y ARNADORE R Labor Contracts Manager rvarnadore@unitedcontractors.org ( 25) 362-7310 17 years with UCON; 27 years in HR, 17 years in labor relations UC A

Senior Labor & Member Services Specialist lmixon@unitedcontractors.org ( 25) 362-7306

8 years with UCON; 8 years in labor relations; 25+ years in customer service ANN DANEN Labor & Member Services Specialist adanen@unitedcontractors.org ( 25) 67-2472 2 years with UCON; 22 years in operations and communications 8

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CTOR SE

Director of Labor Relations vsella@unitedcontractors.org (510) 362-6 5

5 years with UCON; 12 years in labor relations and HR Y CER ANTES

Labor Relations Consultant, Southern California lcervantes@unitedcontractors.org ( 16) 718-8862

12 years of labor relations experience SUE E ER DO E Labor Relations Consultant sweiler-doke@unitedcontractors.org ( 16) 71 -6073 2 years with UCON; 35 years in the construction industry; 26 years in labor relations DA E EN NS Contractor Services, Southern California djenkins@unitedcontractors.org (714) 501-5 67 16+ years involved in business development and the construction industry

Your UCON Labor Relations Team

8 + 113 10,000

UCON’s Statewide Labor Relations Team

by the

Numbers Member calls/emails/ issues resolved annually

200

130 50+ +

Trust fund audits/issues assisted annually

Critical member updates, bulletins & payroll alerts sent to members annually

Team UCON’s combined years of labor relations experience

Grievances and labor disputes resolved prior to hearing each year

Contracts UCON negotiates statewide

1,000+

Unique users of UCON’s Contractor Resources Library (as of July 2021)

SERVICES UCON’S LABOR RELATIONS TEAM PROVIDES STATEWIDE: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Negotiations with Major Construction Crafts Grievance/Dispute Hearings & Conflict Resolution Contract Interpretation of CBAs, Including Payroll Challenges Wage & Fringe Benefit Compliance & Questions Public Works/Prevailing Wage Labor Compliance Assistance Apprentice Manning Requirements Layoff/Termination Procedures Employment/Labor Law Questions Organizing Agreement Assistance Labor, HR, Legal & Payroll Bulletins Attorney Referrals Substance Abuse Testing Program

Contract Drafting, Review and Negotiation Trial and Arbitration Claims, Dispute Resolution and Mediation Bid Protests Collection

Tel: (650) 691-2888 Fax (650) 691-2889 www.lrconstructionlaw.com

Contact: A. Robert Rosin Janette G. Leonidou

Leonidou & Rosin 777 Cuesta Drive | Suite 200 Mountain View, California 94040

J U LY 2 0 2 1

The Capitol

INSIDE

By Michael Quigley, Executive Director, California Alliance for Jobs

In Opposition

Proposed Permit Process Bad for Contractors It has been over a decade since the State Water Resources Control Board last adopted a new construction general permit (CGP), the permit that governs the capture, testing and treatment of stormwater on all public and private infrastructure projects with a footprint greater than 1 acre. However, last month the board announced a new formal draft of the CGP and a process to take formal comments from stakeholders. A ﬁnal decision is expected before the end of 2021. Due to the far-reaching impacts across all types of projects, the draft Permit is of major concern for the construction industry. If the Board adopts the draft

Permit in its current form, the new requirements will signiﬁcantly impact thousands of infrastructure projects across the state including schools, transportation, water, utilities, housing, and the majority of local public works construction. The Alliance for Jobs and United Contractors are founding members of a growing coalition of associations, labor, agriculture, local government, and business groups opposed to this draft Permit.

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Chris Barr

Executive Vice President 530 906 3155

Member FDIC

Here’s why the draft Permit is a signiﬁcant problem for contractors:

Numeric Effluent Limits (NEL) are proposed as a means of compliance. To comply, projects will need to test runoﬀ samples and need costly active treatment systems to ensure stormwater runoﬀ does not exceed the particular pollutant level for that surface water body. The NEL requirements would add hundreds of millions of dollars in compliance costs statewide. For example, a Caltrans analysis found that complying with this mandate would increase compliance costs four-fold.

The draft Permit allows frivolous lawsuits.

Any individual with an attorney can ﬁle a lawsuit under the Clean Water Act alleging project owners and/ or contractors are violating the Permit. These types of lawsuits are similar to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Prop 65 lawsuits where unscrupulous lawyers know that the mere threat of litigation will shut down scores of projects throughout the state or extract a settlement even for baseless claims.

There is a better way. Our coalition is working to encourage the Board to adopt a permit that improves water quality by relying on a Best Management Practices (BMP) approach building oﬀ what our industry is currently successfully doing to improve water quality and numeric action levels. These BMPs would require permittees to address problems that arise without fear of incurring ﬁnes, penalties, and increased legal exposure.

Concrete When You Need It!

Get involved! The Permit process is still in the

early stages but will be opening for public comment this fall. There is a CGP technical working group that will be assembled this summer to help provide written comment on behalf of our industry and after that public comment where individual contractors can provide their own voice to the process. Stay tuned to UCON for more ways you can urge the State Water Resources Control Board to adopt a more reasonable Permit that both protects the environment while still allowing projects to move forward. ◆

The California Alliance for Jobs represents more than 2,000 heavy construction companies and 80,000 union construction workers from Kern County to the Oregon border. The Alliance advocates responsible investment in public infrastructure projects to help build a secure future for all California, and is a UCON strategic partner.

Servicing MArin County and San Francisco

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J U LY 2 0 2 1

CONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY Special Feature

By Dan Burke, Senior Vice President, National Cyber Practice Leader, Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.

Cyber Security Controls Now critical for your cyber insurance renewal

In the last few years, a common question for cyber insurance buyers has been “If I implement this cyber security control, will I get a discount on my cyber insurance premium?” In the past, the typical answer was “no.” However, these days, the answer has changed to “no, you won’t get a premium discount. But if you don’t implement that security control, you might not even get insurance.”

Security Controls: A Hard Turn for the Cyber Market

This increased scrutiny of speciﬁc cyber security controls is just one element of the hardening cyber insurance market. Pricing is up, terms are being restricted, and traditional hard-market components of insurance programs—such as co-insurance—are being implemented across the cyber insurance landscape. AIG announced a revamped approach to the cyber market, introducing a sub-limit at 50% of the limit for any cyber event in which a ransom is demanded. They’ve also introduced co-insurance to the cyber market, requiring their clients to contribute 50% to any ransomware loss. Other carriers have followed with similar approaches: adding ransomware sub-limits, co-insurance, or exclusions around the recent SolarWinds security breach, or limiting their appetite to small business only. What’s the main culprit for all of these changes? It’s ransomware. 12

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Increasing Frequency and Severity of Losses

Ransomware might seem like the only type of security incident you hear about these days, but that’s for good reason. The impact on companies of every industry and size has been profound. According to Coveware, a ransomware negotiation and response firm, the average ransom payment increased from an average of $84,116 in the fourth quarter of 2019 to an average of $154,108 in Q4 2020—an 83% jump in just one year. Insurance carriers have seen similar trends, with cyber insurance leader Beazley reporting that the total cost of ransom payments doubled from the first half of 201 to the first half of 2020. When you look at the specifics of cyber insurance coverage, it’s easy to see how the tactics of modernday cyber criminals are influencing these loss trends. The primary insuring agreement that responds to a ransomware event will be the cyber extortion coverage (as detailed in our Cyber 101 blog post). This insuring agreement covers the actual ransom payment to an attacker and can also include any related computer forensics and legal expenses incurred by the victim company.

But today’s cyber criminals are unsatisfied with just encrypting a victim’s network and demanding a ransom payment. Coveware reports that in the fourth quarter of 2020, 70% of ransomware cases included an element of data exfiltration. For many companies, this data exfiltration can include personally identifiable information of consumers, triggering another element of a cyber insurance policy—the data breach insuring agreement. The costs associated with a ransom demand and potential data breach haven’t even touched on the most expensive part of a ransomware event—the business downtime while network access is encrypted. Coveware’s fourth quarter report shows an average downtime of 21 days—a shocking aspect of ransomware for many victims. This downtime can engage the business interruption elements of a cyber insurance

policy, replacing lost proﬁts and continuing operating expenses such as payroll during the downtime. When you factor in all three of these cyber insurance coverage elements aﬀected by a single security event such as ransomware, it becomes clear why insurance carriers are taking such drastic steps to curb their exposure to ransomware losses.

Cyber Security Controls in the Crosshairs

The changes happening in the cyber insurance market are not limited to price increases and coverage restrictions, however. Cyber insurance carriers are now asking much more pointed questions regarding what speciﬁc cyber security controls prospective customers have in place. Nearly all cyber insurance carriers now require a supplemental application that includes questions on security and process controls which would prevent or at least minimize the impact and cost of a ransomware attack. Continued on next page CA Lic. #569352

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CONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY Special Feature Cyber Security (cont.) In analyzing these supplemental ransomware applications, some key characteristics emerge. Many of the processes and security tools implemented by clients ﬁt into three categories: minimum required controls, baseline controls, and best practices. Many carriers will now decline to oﬀer terms for companies that do not meet the minimum or sometimes even the baseline protection highlighted in the chart on the next page. Additionally, underwriters are focused on strong answers to multi-factor

authentication (MFA) controls, end-point detection and response tools, and segregation of backups. Furthermore, the carriers are no longer simply taking your word for having some of the technical controls in place. Most cyber insurance carriers now perform external scans of a prospective customer’s network both to confirm you have specific controls in place and to identify any known vulnerabilities present on your network.

Plan to be More Involved

With the drastic changes in the cyber insurance marketplace at the start of this year, the best course of action for a company to take is to plan for more engagement in advance of their cyber insurance renewal. Companies need to be prepared to share a large amount of data on their exposures, such as revenues or PII data volumes, as well as the controls they have in place to prevent or mitigate a cyber event.

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And for the best results, be ready to start the renewal process early. Work with your broker to prepare comprehensive submission materials, highlighting your investments in cybersecurity and how you improved your processes from the prior year. Just like having baseline protections in place through cyber security controls, this advance planning may be the only way to ensure you can qualify for insurance at all. ◆ As National Cyber Practice Leader, Dan Burke drives the strategy to grow our cyber business, such as developing tools to help clients and prospects understand and quantify their cyber exposures, as well as thought leadership. He frequently speaks at industry conferences and has been quoted in various trade magazines and newsletters, including The Wall Street Journal. u a rea h a at urke ruﬀsa er ruﬀ Sawyer & Co. is a UCON member since 1994.

Minimum Protection

Baseline Protection

Best Protection

Email Security • Email Tagging • Email Content and Delivery— Sender policy framework (SPF) checks • Office 365 add-ons and configuration

Back-up and Recovery Policies • Regular testing of back-ups • Disconnect back-ups from organizations network • Separately stored, unique back-up credentials

Back-up and Recovery Policies • Encrypted back-ups

Back-up and Recovery Policies • Back-up key systems and databases Internal Security • Deploy and maintain a well configured and centrally managed anti-virus solution • Macros—limit use of • Patching Cadence • Well-defined and rehearsed incident response process • Educate your users (phishing training, etc.)

Internal Security • Establish a secure baseline configuration • Filter web browsing traffic • Use of protective DNS • Manage access effectively (i.e. MFA, privileged access)

Internal Security • End-point detection and response (EDR) tools • Comprehensive centralized log monitoring • Subscription to external threat intelligence services • Network segregation (i.e. via access control or wellconfigured firewall

The level of sophistication required to qualify for insurance is increasing.

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CONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY Special Feature

By Mike Merrill, COO, WorkMax, AboutTime Technologies

Five Ways Digital Transformation Is Optimizing the Construction Industry The construction industry has a reputation for resisting technology adoption, but decision makers are quickly realizing that it is inevitable. As construction requires so many moving parts and partners, more and more companies are embracing digital transformation to coordinate their people and streamline business operations, which means pushing analog systems to the side for good. i i al ra sforma io is defi ed as e pro ess of integrating digital technology into all facets of a business’s operations. For construction, that means implementing digital tools and technology that harness the power of data to make operations more e ie prod i e a d safe Digital tools and solutions are often placed right in the hands of field employees, foremen and project supervisors with smartphone apps to manage everyday tasks such as time tracking, job costing and equipment management to filing purchase orders, safety and hazard incidents and field report forms. There is a downside. Digital transformation isn’t an immediate, one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, it’s an ongoing process of shifting to digital technologies. And while implementing and launching new technologies might cause some in the construction industry to pump the brakes, there’s one big reason digital transformation is the only way forward: ROI. Digital transformation is a smart, cost-saving investment. It’s also ushering in a new era of construction with optimized productivity and communications across the industry. 16

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THE BIG PICTURE BENEFITS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Forward-thinking construction executives are selecting technology partners with solutions that utilize automation, enable real-time communication and improve collaboration, e ciency and safety to keep projects on track and on budget. These digital tools, however, are just one piece of the digital transformation puzzle and among the process’ many beneﬁts. Here are ﬁve ways digital transformation is optimizing the construction industry:

1. Employee Productivity

Traditional, analog methods are often rife with human error. They slow down processes, providing no decent way of collecting and/or analyzing data, and are costly to store. These systems also tend to overwork management and put unnecessary administrative burdens on employees in both the ﬁeld and o ce. Construction forms and processes that remain in the physical world also increase the likelihood of miscommunication. In the end, many companies end up being unable to truly scale their operations because they are bogged down in paperwork and are managing disorganized, ineﬀective processes that no longer work for their businesses. By adopting digital tools, companies can yield gains by decreasing human error and streamlining their business processes. The right tech solutions can boost productivity by eliminating unnecessary work and enhancing a company’s communication and reporting.

Photo courtesy Robert A. Bothman Construction

2. Increased Agility

While the world came to a screeching halt last spring, the construction industry pivoted in the midst of the COVID-1 pandemic to protect workers and keep essential projects moving forward. This was made possible through digital transformation. Digital tools in the hands of field workers, project management, and administrative staff meant companies could take certain operations online and collect data right from the field. Workers could ...while implementing and launching new technologies might cause clock in via their smartphones and some in the construction industry to pump the brakes, there’s one answer digital safety surveys, stream big reason digital transformation is the only way forward: ROI. safety videos, report safety and hazard issues as well as track their day’s work without ever coming into contact with another worker. companies can make critical decisions on the go. If data shows one project is falling behind, staff and Digital tools that both collect and produce live field equipment can be moved from one project to another to data will remain essential to driving decisions. With keep all projects on schedule. this information at the ready thanks to digital tools, Continued on next page

Oscar De La Torre Northern California District Council of Laborers (925) 469-6800 www.ncdc-laborers.org

Jon P. Preciado Southern California District Council of Laborers (626) 350-6900 www.scdcl.org

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CONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY Special Feature 3. Long-Term Cost Reductions

Some contractors remain leery of the costs associated with digitally transforming businesses. Not implementing technology remains far more costly, however. One Texas-based commercial specialty contractor implemented a digital transformation strategy after a tripling the number of employees, leaving the contractor’s paper time card and data collection systems unmanageable. The company adopted a mobile workforce management solution that synced its time tracking, field reports and job costing. The company saved more than 1 million in the first 12 months from regular hours and overtime hours alone. A concrete company integrated a mobile workforce platform into its digital transformation mix to eliminate paper forms for material requests for purchase orders. By using digital forms, the company’s o ce staff received purchase orders faster and negotiated better pricing with more accurate information, saving the company 154,000 on materials. The company also switched to an advanced real-time digital time tracking solution with GPS and face recognition to save 72 ,000 in the first 12 months of utilizing these additional verification tools. Without embracing technology and digital transformation, the companies wouldn’t have seen these savings in one year’s time. As each company expands their digital transformation, they will continue to see further cost reductions.

4. Consolidated Data

Construction teams often work in silos. By embracing digital transformation and eﬀectively utilizing the digital tools available to them, construction companies can connect their independent teams and consolidate labor, safety, purchase, change orders, progress and equipment management in one place. This means actionable data can be placed in the hands of those who aﬀect change. With data consolidated and synced 18

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Photo courtesy Autodesk Construction Cloud

across departments and teams, companies can align their operations and make better decisions.

5. Marketplace Competitiveness

Developers and owners are now looking to a contractor’s tech stack when evaluating bids. Clients want to work with companies that will complete a project on time and within budget. They are increasingly selecting contractors who leverage technology to ensure that happens, even if said contractor’s proposal isn’t the lowest quote received. For clients, technology translates to better visibility into projects. Reporting and billing delays are no longer acceptable. And they shouldn’t be. Today’s technology allows companies to collect time, job costs and track project progress in one place. This data often collected right in the ﬁeld and integrated with an ERP system means project managers, and therefore clients, get accurate pictures of labor and production costs in real-time. Digital transformation is a continual process that allows companies to streamline operations, cut costs and achieve goals. Realizing digital transformation is achieved by taking steps. They don’t have to be big. Any steps toward making business operations more digital is a step toward digital transformation and capitalizing on savings in time, and costs, for years to come. ◆ r tte ke err u er rk a by AboutTime Technologies; Mike@abouttimetech.com. Mike Merrill spent 22 years as an entrepreneur and business owner in the construction and technology industry. He is the host of The Mobile Workforce Podcast. Mike is a member of the Construction a a a a e e t ss at a stru t e ta ar s a e

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CONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY Special Feature

Contributed by BigRentz, Inc.

Construction Technology to Watch this 2021 Year Innovative construction technology enables massive improvements in the safety, e ciency and productivity of large-scale construction projects. After a long construction boom, the past year amidst the pandemic was di cult for the construction industry as it strived to protect its workers and keep job sites open. The industry always responds to di cult periods with an increased focus on innovation, so this year is likely to see further development of automation and technologies that are reshaping construction as we know it. Below, we’ve outlined 10 of the most important technologies to watch in 2021.

1. AUGMENTED REALITY Augmented reality (AR) is a digital layer of information that enhances a view of the real world. By using a mobile device with AR capabilities, construction professionals can look at a job site with additional information laid directly on top of the real world. Augmented reality has huge implications for construction because it provides additional information exactly where it’s needed. Here are a few other uses for augmented reality: • Automate measurements: By measuring a physical space in real-time, AR technology can help construction workers accurately following building plans. • Visualize modifications: By layering potential project modiﬁcations directly onto the job site, contractors can visualize potential changes before committing to them. • Provide safety information: By recognizing hazards in the environment, augmented reality devices can display real-time safety information to workers. 20

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While augmented reality can be used on a tablet or other portable computer, the future of augmented reality will likely rely on AR glasses, which would enable hands-free access to crucial information at all times.

2. CONSTRUCTION WEARABLES Construction wearables offer numerous benefits for productivity, but they may succeed in rapid adoption especially because of their upside for safety. Even before the pandemic, construction was one of the riskiest industries to work in. Wearable technology offers the possibility of added safety for workers, potentially preventing injuries and deaths. Here are a few construction wearables that are already available today: • Smart boots: Powered by walking, smart boots can detect workers at risk of a collision with nearby construction vehicles equipped with sensors. • Smart hard hat: By sensing brainwaves, smart hard hats can detect “microsleeps,” which put workers at risk of injury. • Power gloves: When worn on a workers’ hands, power gloves increase dexterity and strength, helping reduce overuse injuries.

Photo courtesy Autodesk Construction Cloud

Other wearables, like smartwatches, monitors and goggles, improve lone worker safety, check for fatigue and enable contact tracing. We’re at the beginning of a revolution in construction that will help improve the e ciency and safety of each individual worker. That said, the technological beneﬁts for workers don’t stop with small, portable wearables, but also include larger personal devices like construction exoskeletons.

3. CONSTRUCTION EXOSKELETONS Construction exoskeletons, or exosuits, are wearable machines with motorized joints that provide extra support and power during repetitive movements like bending, lifting and grabbing.

There are also full-body construction exoskeletons, which enhance strength and reduce fatigue for di cult lifting jobs.

4. CONSTRUCTION ROBOTS Construction robots are still a ways oﬀ from completely taking over the industry, but a number of designs and proposals are on the table as the industry considers ways to deal with a labor shortage as well as the ability to o oad certain risky and di cult tasks to machines. Three main types of robots seem poisoned to help reshape labor in the construction industry: • Factory robots: Factory robots are able to perfectly and repeatedly perform a single job, like simple manufacturing tasks. • Collaborative robots: Collaborative robots can be used on a job site to ease the burden on a human companion, for example by carrying tools or equipment. • Fully autonomous robots: Similar to the robots Continued on next page

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While exoskeletons originated in rehabilitation programs, they are gaining attention as a tool to reduce injuries and increase e ciency for construction workers. Some exoskeletons are powered by electricity and others simply redistribute weight throughout the body, but all of them have advantages for workers performing tough jobs. Here are a few examples of exoskeletons being used on construction sites: • Back support exosuits: A powered suit that ﬁts around the shoulders, back, and waist reduces strain during lifting. • Crouch support exosuits: Attached to the legs, a crouch support exoskeleton acts as a “chair” even when no chair is present, making it easier to crouch for long periods of time. • Shoulder support exosuits: By redistributing weight from the shoulders, exoskeletons can prevent fatigue when performing overhead tasks such as lifting.

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CONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY Special Feature Technology to Watch (cont.) of science ﬁction, fully autonomous robots (which already exist in some form today) can scan the environment and perform complex tasks with tools independently. While robots like this have not yet been widely adopted in construction, other formerly futuristic technology is already widespread, like Drones.

5. DRONES Drones have already made an impressive contribution to construction, and their influence is set to grow in the coming year. Small, camera-mounted, flying drones are able to reduce the costs of processes that used to be extraordinarily expensive. Here are just a few of the ways that drones are making a difference on job sites: • Topographic maps: Mapping is vital prior to construction. Aerial drones survey large amounts of land quickly, reducing mapping costs by as much as 5%. • Equipment tracking: Purchased or rented equipment can quickly get misplaced on a vast job site, but drones can automatically keep track of all equipment on site. • Security Surveillance: Job sites are vulnerable to theft of materials and equipment when no one is working, but drones can monitor a site even when no humans are around. Drones also have implications for progress reports, personnel safety and building inspections. One of the ways that drones—and other types of construction technology—will continue to improve is by increased use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. 22

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6. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING Artificial intelligence is the ability for technology to make decisions independent of human input, while machine learning is the ability for technology to “learn” from past experiences. Both of these technologies have massive implications for construction, where e cient and intelligent decision-making has notable effects on productivity and safety. Take a look at some of the ways AI and machine learning are already re-shaping construction: • Improved safety: For example, by using machine learning processes, software can analyze job site photos and identify risks and safety violations. • Decreased costs: By analyzing past projects, machine learning software can identify ine ciencies and propose more effective timelines. • Better design: Because machine learning software can learn over time, it can improve building design aspects by exploring hundreds of variations. Machine learning and artificial intelligence will soon affect every aspect of a construction project, from planning all the way through post-construction. Additionally, AI and machine learning are improving novel methods of building, like modular construction, which is a growing part of the construction sector.

7. MODULAR CONSTRUCTION Modular construction is an alternative building method in which structures are constructed oﬀ-site, delivered in pieces, and then assembled by cranes. Continued on page 24

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CONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY Special Feature Technology to Watch (cont.) Because construction of the building happens at the same time the site is prepared, modular construction can be up to twice as fast as traditional projects. Other benefits of modular construction include: • Decreased construction waste: Since many buildings are constructed simultaneously in one factory, excess materials from one project can easily be used on another. • Lower emissions: By reducing total deliveries as well as total time spent on-site, modular construction decreases carbon emissions. ine ciencies and propose more effective timelines. • Optimized by machine learning: In the factory, building processes are optimized over time through software enhancements, further reducing waste and increasing e ciency. While modular construction currently represents a small fraction of the overall industry, two-thirds of contractors believe that it will experience increased demand in the coming years. A related technology that benefits modular construction as well as traditional construction is 3D printing.

8. 3D PRINTING 3D printing involves layer-by-layer creations using machines. Like traditional printers, 3D printers take a digital design and render it in the physical world. Unlike traditional printers, however, 3D printers are not limited to a ﬂat document, but can instead use a variety of materials to create objects or even entire structures. Though 3D printing is still in its infancy with respect to large-scale construction projects, entire houses have already been printed using this technology. Here are some of the ways that 3D printing is likely to inﬂuence construction: 24

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•

• •

Efficient materials usage: A growing ﬁeld is invested in printing building materials (like cinder blocks) or entire structures (like bridges) out of concrete, reducing waste as opposed to traditional methods. Increased speed: Compared to traditional building, a 3D printed structure can emerge in its entirety within a few days. Eliminating errors: Once a 3D printer receives a design, it renders it perfectly in the physical world, eliminating costly errors.

Though 3D printing is likely to have a huge impact on construction in the coming years, the technology is still relatively new and untested. In the meantime, another 3D technology has emerged to increase e ciency on job sites: building information modeling.

9. BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING Building information modeling (BIM) is the process of creating a digital representation of a structure (a “model”) prior to building it. An accurate representation of the building enables everyone involved in the construction to anticipate di culties, eliminate risk, determine logistics and increase e ciency. Building information modeling is useful for all stages of construction: • Before construction: BIM helps reduce the need for future change orders by anticipating challenges. • During construction: BIM improves communication and e ciency by oﬀering a central hub for up-to-date and accurate reference documentationine ciencies and propose more eﬀective timelines. • After construction: BIM creates the possibility for building management for the structure’s entire

lifecycle by providing owners with valuable information about every detail of the building. Building information modeling may currently be one of the most important developments in construction because it aﬀects and improves every aspect of the construction process. That said, an emergent new technology may ever further revolutionize construction with its innovative approach to information: blockchain.

10. BLOCKCHAIN Blockchain technology, first used for the online cryptocurrency “Bitcoin,” is a way of recording information that has broad applications for construction project management. Though di cult to understand at first, the importance of blockchain is that it is an intuitive way to increase project e ciency. A few aspects of blockchain make it particularly appealing for the construction industry: • Secure: All data related to the project is encrypted, so proprietary information stays protected. • Decentralized: Project information is not stored in a single location, and it is accessible from anywhere. • Scalable: Since it doesn’t require a massive data warehouse, blockchain can be scaled to very large projects. In the coming years, blockchain is likely to influence many aspects of construction management, from contracts and asset management to payments and materials procurement. Blockchain is helpful for the entire length of a project, and it helps store information that is accessible even after a project is completed. Technology is moving rapidly in the construction industry, which is currently looking for ways to innovate and improve processes. Today, technological innovations in construction affect every aspect of the industry, including project planning and safety for workers. With the right equipment and technology, the construction industry is ready for its next leap forward. ◆ BigRentz.com is an online construction equipment rental marketplace with 4,000+ rental partners and 10,000+ partner locations. Big Rentz, Inc. is a new 2021 UCON member. This article appeared on their blog, www.bigrentz.com/blog.

J U LY 2 0 2 1

corner

SAFETY

By Christopher Lee, UCON Safety Consultant

UCON SAFETY ALERT: Heat Illness Advisory

As California had experienced a US Weather Service high heat advisory in mid-June with temperatures 100F+ degrees, now is a good time to make sure you have your Heat Illness Prevention Plan in place in order to protect yourself and your employees. Here are some basic precautions required by Cal/OSHA: 1. Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention. 2. Provide enough fresh water so that each employee can drink at least 1 quart per hour, or four 8-ounce glasses of water per hour, and encourage them to do so. During the current COVID-19 environment Cal/OSHA “discourages the sharing of food and water. Provide single use bottles rather than using shared water stations or dispensers.” 3. Provide access to shade and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least 5 minutes. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down. Shade structures must be in place upon request or when temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 4. Closely observe all employees during a heat wave and any employee newly assigned to a high heat area. Lighter work, frequent breaks or shorter hours will help employees who have not been working in high temperatures adapt to the new conditions. 5. Develop and implement written procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA heat illness prevention standard, including plans on how to handle medical emergencies and steps to take if someone shows signs or symptoms of heat illness When temperatures reach or exceed 95 F degrees, employers must invoke the high heat procedures found in the standard under Section 3395 (e) as outlined on the Cal/OSHA website. During the COVID-19 pandemic, workers (vaccinated or unvaccinated) may wish to voluntarily wear a face covering while working outdoors. If so, contractors 26

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should be aware that face coverings can make it more di cult to breathe and harder for a worker to cool oﬀ during periods of high heat, so additional breaks may be needed to prevent overheating. Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention eTool: https:// www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08-006/index.htm

Visit the UCON Contractor Resources Library to customize the Heat Illness Prevention plan for your company: unitedcontractors.org.

UCON’S SAFETY & INSURANCE COMMITTEE:

UCON’s Safety and Insurance committee focuses on occupational safety and health in our industry, and serves as a resource for UCON members on questions, emerging issues and methods of compliance. There is no cost to attend, and there will be ample time to raise issues/questions during the open discussion portion of the agenda. Meetings are currently held via Zoom so you can join from anywhere! Get involved: attend the upcoming meeting: Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Place: Via Zoom RSVP: Julie Hinge, (925) 855-7900, jhinge@unitedcontractors.org

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By Karen Colligan, Peoplethink.biz

Keep Your People! Make Development a Priority Working with leaders, teams and organizations to improve their effectiveness, it’s apparent that for many, learning and development has taken a back seat to, well, just getting the job done. Getting the product out… acquiring new customers…all while working lean and OVER-working everyone. This is short-sighted and a sure-fire way to encourage top talent out the door. If you want to keep that talent and grow your business you’ve got to provide opportunities for your people to learn and grow. The best way to do that is by creating and implementing effective employee development plans. Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

•

Create career path outlines. People want to know what’s next for them, what skills and experience they will need to get there, and the opportunities available for them to learn and develop those skills. People will be more engaged and loyal if they can see a future for themselves in the organization.

Develop for future needs. Development plans should take into consideration organizational goals and the skills and behaviors employees will need to contribute to achieving those goals. According to a report from the World Economic Forum, the top 10 skills will be: 1. Complex problem solving 2. Critical thinking 3. Creativity 4. People management 5. Coordinating with others 6. Emotional intelligence 7. Judgment and decision making 8. Service orientation 9. Negotiation 10. Cognitive ﬂexibility

•

Consider employee goals and interests. It’s

Incorporate development into Performance Management. According to a recent Gallup poll, 48% of employees say that they are reviewed just once a year. And only 14% say that the performance reviews they receive inspire them to improve. That’s no surprise. The annual performance review —dreaded by managers, hated by employees— typically focuses on weaknesses, and rarely includes a development component. How inspiring is that? Eﬀective performance management is a continuous process (not an event) and includes a development component that both builds on strengths and develops areas that are not a strength.

Creating, implementing and supporting development plans for your employees will not only help keep them loyal and engaged, it will ensure that your organization is ready for the challenges and opportunities of the future. ◆

Ensure job descriptions are current and well-defined. Roles often morph over time as

responsibilities expand or business needs change. This can be frustrating to the individual in the role—and detrimental to the team/organization —if training around new skill requirements and responsibilities isn’t included with the change.

•

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also essential that individual employee career goals and personal interests be taken into account in development plans. All too often employees have skills and talents that are under-utilized. Take the time to identify, develop and leverage those hidden talents and unspoken interests. Employees want to use their strengths and feel that they’re contributing to the organization in a meaningful way.

UCON Can Help with Your Talent Development Goals! Take advantage of UCON’s Professional Development Programs, specially curated for our members: • 45+ classes: Leadership, Continuing Education, and Industry Specific courses. • FREE TO MEMBERS IN 2021! • Inspiring Leadership Speaker Series rated 4.8/5 (in 2020), see page 34 for more information. • Over 1,900 individuals from over 160 companies have registered already–don’t miss out on this opportunity! We have highlighted the July Leadership, Continuing Education, and Industry-Specific classes on the following pages. See UCON’s full class schedule, and register at: UNITEDCONTRACTORS.ORG/ CALENDAR For any questions regarding UCON’s programs, contact Angelica Gouig, UCON’s Education Manager, at agouig@unitedcontractors.org, (925) 362-7309.

Professional Development July 2021 Classes LEADERSHIP: JULY 27

No BS Leadership

Tuesday, July 27; 2:30pm-4:30pm Instructor: Mark Breslin, United Contractors Class Style: Webinar | Class Limit: Unlimited This class will teach you how to be an effective leader with a no BS approach as you; take a hard look at your own performance and behaviors; assess what strengths you can lead from and what issues you need to address now; focus on how to be a changeleader to advance your career and organization; obtain resources and ideas on taking ownership of your own development and advancement. • • • •

Define performance criteria for yourself and others Embrace a real-life self-assessment reality check Examine the defining characteristics of outstanding leaders and companies Develop strategies to improve your company’s market position

Who Should Attend: Project Engineers, Project Managers, Superintendents, Contract Administrators. All Management Career Advancement Candidates.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: JULY 8

Cybersecurity and Insurance

Thursday, July 8; 1:00pm-2:00pm Instructors: Dan Burke, Woodruff-Sawyer & Co., and Nicole Laurence, Graniterock Class Style: Webinar | Class Limit: Unlimited Every company faces increased cyber risk in today’s modern world—and contractors are no exception. The rise of ransomware and social engineering attacks has led many contractors to face crippling financial losses throughout the past few years. Join UCON to learn from cybersecurity and cyber liability insurance experts on best practices required to protect your company and how cyber insurance can support your business when an attack occurs. • Understand the cyber risks facing contractor companies of all sizes • Discover the best practice security controls to protect your organization • Learn the nuances of cyber liability insurance and how it can support you before, during, and after a cyber attack Who Should Attend: UCON members.

Continued on next page

J U LY 2 0 2 1

Professional Development July 2021

INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC SERIES: JULY 13

WIP It! Upgrading the WIP Schedule to a Management Tool Tuesday, July 13; 1:00pm-2:00pm UCON Instructor: Matthew Hennagin, Petrinovich QUARTER PAGE Pugh & Company, LLP Class Style: Webinar | Class Limit:xUnlimited SIZE: 3.625” 4.75”

2021 ISSUE the work-inThe class takes a JULY deep dive in preparing process schedule and how these schedules can be used ART DUE: 6-4-21 to provide value to many segments of the Contractor’s business—creating a tool that expands further than just financial reporting to include forecasting and cash management procedures. Who Should Attend: Project Managers, Estimators, Management, and Accounting.

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JULY 22

CARB Regulation Overview

Thursday, July 22; 2:30pm-4:30pm Instructors: Beth White and Johanna Levine, California Air Resources Board (CARB) Class Style: Webinar | Class Limit: Unlimited CARB staff will give an overview of the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation (Off-Road Regulation), which applies to all self-propelled offroad diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater used in California and most twoengine vehicles (except on-road two-engine sweepers). An overview of the Solid Waste Collection Vehicle (SWCV) regulation, which was amended in 2019 to include Heavy Cranes, and the Truck and Bus regulation, will also be provided. These on-road vehicle overviews will include frequently asked questions, TRUCRS reporting, the impact of Senate Bill 1, and funding/loan opportunities. • •

• • •

Review of current requirements and deadlines for Off-Road equipment and On-Road Trucks and Buses, including Heavy Cranes Provide an overview of reporting using the on-line reporting tools – DOORS (Off-Road) – TRUCRS (On-Road) Provide resources for compliance and funding assistance Ensure there are no delays with DMV registration CARB regulatory staff will answer questions

Who Should Attend: Any company that hires/contracts with a company that owns and operates this equipment. landscape construction landscape maintenance landscape architecture erosion control design build

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UNITEDCONTRACTORS.ORG/CALENDAR See UCON’s full class schedule for 2021, and register to attend!

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RDOVermeer.com Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing or distribution at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications. Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Equipped to Do More are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2021 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved. J U LY 2 0 2 1 31

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Leadership Speaker Series 2021 Mastering the Art of Feedback

UCON’s 2021 INSPIRING LEADERSHIP SERIES UCON’s popular series returns! This high-impact program inspires your leaders—whether they are working in the field or the office, answering phones, managing a project, running a department, or the overall business, everyone will gain new insights— uplifting themselves and their organizations. UCON’s Inspiring Leadership Series gathers nationally recognized experts who provide actionable strategies and inspire leadership. THIS SERIES IS FREE to both Contractor and Associate members, as well as industry professionals, and is sponsored by UCON’s 2021 Annual Sponsors.

Registration is now open! Visit unitedcontractors.org/calendar

Speaker: Julie Zhuo, Former VP of Product Design, Facebook WEDNESDAY, JULY 21; 2:30pm-3:30pm Feedback makes all the difference. Engagement. Retention. Performance. But for many leaders, managers and employees, one of the most stressful situations can be the giving and receiving of feedback. When done well, feedback can help people improve and thrive in a position. When done poorly, feedback can create a culture of tension or defensiveness. Using stories from her experience in Senior Leadership at Facebook, she provides actionable takeaways that can improve the experience for both parties. ______________________________________________________________

UPCOMING...

From Battlefield to Boardroom

Speaker: Lieutenant General Ronald L. Bailey, USMC; First African American to Command the 1st Marine Division WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18; 2:30pm-3:30pm

Countdown to Teamwork: Guarding Against a “Normalization of Deviance” Speaker: Mike Mullane, Astronaut

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15; 2:30pm-3:30pm

Redefine Impossible

Speaker: James Lawrence (The Iron Cowboy) WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10; 2:30pm-3:30pm

ON-DEMAND (UCON Members Only)

The Power of ONE: How One Attitude, One Action and One Person Can Change the World Speaker: John O’Leary, Burn Victim Survivor Rated 4.8/5; Don’t miss it—available on-demand through July 18, 2021 (Log-in to access recording).

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“He was engaging the entire hour, very talented speaker. Safetybased is always important.” — Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc. “Extremely motivating reminder for living one day at a time.” — Monterey Mechanical Co. “Always great content.” — Robert A. Bothman Construction

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Landscape Development J U LY 2 0 2 1

SAVE THE DATES: REGISTER NOW FOR THE UCON BBQ: THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021! The UCON BBQ is back! Register now and “Meet Us at the Midway” on August 5, 2021 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. The BBQ will include great food, fun, games, and amusements. We can’t wait to see you at the Greatest BBQ on Earth! Sponsorships available; see Last Call, page 42 for more information.

UCON 2021 BBQ

Thursday, August 5, 2021 Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton

Sal Rubino Golf Classic

Friday, September 24, 2021 Location: Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course, Seaside

UCON 2022 Crab Feed

Thursday, February 17, 2022 Location: San Ramon Marriott, San Ramon

UCON Scholarship ThrowDown for Education Cornhole Tournament Thursday, May 5, 2022 Location: Wente Vineyards, Livermore

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UCON

Photo courtesy Ranger Pipelines, Inc.

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

United Contractors would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the following companies who are celebrating their anniversary of membership with our organization in July:

47 YEARS – 1974

26 YEARS – 1995

28 YEARS – 1993

25 YEARS – 1996

Contractor Member: Silva’s Pipeline, Inc. Jim Silva

Contractor Members: C.F. Archibald Paving, Inc. Curtis Archibald Esquivel Grading & Paving, Inc. Simar Esquivel Evans Brothers, Inc. Wil Evans Gallagher & Burk, Inc. David DeSilva Ghilotti Construction Co. Richard Ghilotti Stevens Creek Quarry, Inc. Mark Mallin

27 YEARS – 1994

Contractor Member: Navajo Pipelines, Inc. Karen Silva Associate Member: Woodruff-Sawyer & Co. Bret Lawrence

Associate Member: Graniterock Keith Severson

Contractor Members: Appian Engineering, Inc. Bob Alvey

21 YEARS – 2000

Contractor Member: Silverado Contractors, Inc. Joe Capriola

18 YEARS – 2003

Associate Member: Trench & Traffic Supply, Inc. Michelle Townsend

14 YEARS – 2007 Contractor Member: Florez Paving Sam Florez

Associate Member: Eighteen Trucking, Inc. Martha DeLeon

12 YEARS – 2009

Associate Member: EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants Jeﬀ Parkhurst

11 YEARS – 2010 Contractor Member: MK Pipelines, Inc. Sean Brennan

10 YEARS – 2011

7 YEARS – 2014

Veteran Pipeline Construction Michael Robirds

Associate Members: RGW Equipment Sales Dane Lowry

Associate Member: Stevenson Supply Kent Stevenson

West Coast Sand & Gravel James Slater

9 YEARS – 2012

6 YEAR – 2015

Marques General Engineering, Inc. Jason Anderson

5 YEARS – 2016

Contractor Members: J. Mack Enterprises, Inc. Jesse McElree

Contractor Members: Compass Engineering Contractors, Inc. Mike Moore

Associate Members: Cal-Sierra Pipe, LLC Dan Hobbs Chubb Surety Robert Walsh McSherry & Hudson Chuck Griswold

8 YEARS – 2013

Contractor Members: Underground Construction Co., Inc. Chris Ronco

www.theabdteam.com

38 W W W . U N I T E D C O N T R A C T O R S . O R G

Valverde Construction, Inc. Marcus Gomez

Contractor Member: Ferma Corporation Marc Ferrari

Contractor Member: Underwater Resources, Inc. Tom Belcher Contractor Members: JDB & Sons Construction, Inc. James Burke Sinclair General Engineering Construction, Inc. Sean Sinclair Associate Members: Security Shoring & Steel Plate Kimberly Liston-Rivera

4 YEARS – 2017

Contractor Member: Minerva Construction, Inc. Noel Kearney Associate Member: Construct Your Image Cole Adams

43650 Osgood Road, Fremont, CA 94539

B R AT I N

40 years

0-202

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION GENERAL SITEWORK

BAUMAN

T: (510) 656-2840 • www.Chrispco.com

Specializing in Historic Renovation and New Construction; Parks, Streetscapes & Playgrounds and Redi-Mix Supply San Francisco HRC LBE/SBE Certified License #372478 A, C-27 San Francisco PH: 415-447-4800

J U LY 2 0 2 1

NEWS

IN CASE

UCON NEWS: KEEPING MEMBERS UP-TO-DATE From our June Monthly Wrap-Up, here’s what you may have missed—relevant updates for members. For more information on any of these topics, or the complete wrap-up, visit our website at www.unitedcontractors.org or contact us at memberinfo@unitedcontractors.org

•

SAFETY & REGULATORY: •

•

Cal/OSHA Standards Board Revises Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) Requirements. On Thursday, June 17, Cal/OSHA approved revisions to the ETS that allow for vaccinated workers to (finally) go maskless when working indoors, in addition to a number of other revisions. But the ETS remain in effect. Early Summer Heat Waves Prompt UCON Heat Illness Advisories. As summer heat continues, UCON reminds companies to have your HIPP in place to protect workers on hot days (see page 26). UCON Helps Members Prepare for Wildfire Season. UCON has developed a Tailgate Topic resource to help contractors ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA’s safety requirements around wildfire smoke. It’s available in the Contractor Resources Library (CRL).

LABOR RELATIONS: •

2021 SoCal Union Rate Updates Now Available. UCON has issued 2021 rate sheets for Laborers (SoCal), OE12, Carpenters (SoCal), Cement Masons (SoCal), Iron Workers. We will post any additional rates immediately upon receipt. As a reminder, the newest rate sheets are available anytime in the UCON Contractor Resources Library (CRL).

40 W W W . U N I T E D C O N T R A C T O R S . O R G

•

YOU MISSED IT 2021 NorCal Union Rate Updates Now Available. UCON has issued 2021 rate sheets for Laborers (NorCal), OE3, Carpenters (NorCal), Cement Masons (NorCal), and Iron Workers. View all rate sheets available in the UCON Contractor Resources Library (CRL).

2020-2024 Ironworkers Master Agreement Executed. The California Ironworker Employers Council reached a Settlement Agreement with the District Council of Iron Workers for a successor Master Agreement, retroactive to July 1, 2020.

AGENCY RELATIONS: Join UCON’s Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Liaison Meetings. UCON encourages contractors who work for MWD (Southern California) to join our upcoming liaison meetings taking place on July 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM (via Zoom). Contact Dave Jenkins, at djenkins@unitedcontractors.org.

UCON IS GROWING: UCON Membership Growth. UCON has welcomed a record 22 new contractor members so far in 2021! In the month of June, UCON welcomed Contractor members: Foundation Soil Stabilization, Inc., Machado & Sons Construction and Associate members Big Rentz, Inc. Are you receiving UCON’s “Monthly Wrap-Up?” If not, log-in to your UCON member account, and from your member home page, navigate to “My Profile and Email Subscriptions” to select any of the options available; you will then be added to the Monthly Wrap-Up email. Thank you!

J U LY 2 0 2 0

UCON Events Are Back!!

every

E N O T I M ATDHURSDAY 5th T AUGUS

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU! In 1980 a handful of Contractors and Associates got together to BBQ for each other, their office teams, and family members. Today the UCON BBQ remains true to the values that it was created from —Every member matters, no matter how big or small. After a challenging past year, we are thrilled to return to our BBQ tradition, and we hope you can join us at the Greatest BBQ on Earth!

LIMITED SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: • • •

Meet us at the Midway on August 5, 2021 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds for a good time, entertainment, and amazing food.

•

Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. Registration is required by Friday, July 31st.

•

$10,000 Registration Sponsor— EXCLUSIVE, limited to 1 sponsor $7,500 Bar Sponsor (2 available) $5,000 Water Sponsor—EXCLUSIVE, limited to 1 sponsor $5,000 Bag Sponsor—EXCLUSIVE; limited to 1 sponsor $2,500 Photo Booth Sponsor— EXCLUSIVE, limited to 1 sponsor $1,000 Midway Prize Sponsor—Limited to 5 sponsors (See page 36 for more events!)

A CALL FOR HELP... ANSWERED. When an emergency hits and your customers are counting on you… you can count on Ferguson Waterworks. Our Bay Area professionals are dedicated to providing service and solutions to customers in urgent situations. We can help you resolve critical challenges with our vast inventory of waterworks products and knowledgeable associates. No matter where you are in the Bay Area, Ferguson Waterworks is there to help you with what you need, when you need it. Hayward (510) 786-3333 (510) 566-6536 – 24hr Emergency

Salinas (831) 424-3330 (831) 214-7730 – 24hr Emergency

San Jose (408) 920-7314 (408) 221-4320 – 24 hr Emergency

Find the closest waterworks location near you by visiting FERGUSON.COM/WATERWORKS

J U LY 2 0 2 1 43 1016 301168

Big Savings are here,

OPERATORS GET 0% FOR 60 MONTHS on new Cat® compact machines + Cat CVA* Call the experts at Peterson Cat today. We’ll help you find the right Cat compact machine for your business… And your budget.

Flexible payment options + Cat CVA + First-in-class service and support = The right time to call 844-349-4353, or visit us online at petersoncat.com/bcpoffer *Offer valid from February 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021 on new small and compact Cat® machines sold by Peterson Cat. Purchase must occur during offer period. Offer subject to machine availability and credit approval by Cat Financial. Not all customers will qualify. Payments based on 60-month loan. The offered Cat Customer Value Agreement (CVA) includes 3 maintenance parts kits (exception: small wheel loader includes 6 kits); TA1 equipment inspection; Product LinkTM; and a 3-year/3,000-hour Powertrain, Hydraulics and Technology Equipment Protection Plan (EPP); and final drive oil only for compact track loaders and mini excavators. The maintenance parts cover the first 1,500 hours^ (estimated 3 years, ^3,000 hours for small wheel loader) of machine utilization. The kit contains one set of parts for regular planned maintenance under normal operating conditions. In some severe applications where maintenance parts need to be replaced more frequently, additional parts will be at customer’s expense. Offer excludes additional maintenance parts, dealer labor, wear parts, S·O·SSM and fluids. Payments do not include taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, document fees, inspections, additional options or attachments. Offer may change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. Additional terms and conditions may apply. P233_0121 ©2021 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.