Construction Management

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Launches New Digital Transformation Plan for Civil and Military Construction Management

zqureshi — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:48:24 +0000

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Launches New Digital Transformation Plan for Civil and Military Construction Management zqureshi March 19, 2025

The construction industry benefits every year from technological advancement that has proven to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance safety. Innovative software and adaptable devices also allow military teams to quickly collaborate on-site and adjust to complex project demands.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which oversees management of military construction and civil works, has struggled because government regulations have historically failed to keep pace with industry innovation. This has often kept the USACE using legacy methods and technology, despite being tasked with some of the country’s biggest and most important construction projects. To address this gap, they recently launched a modernization plan for better positioning at the forefront of innovative construction management.

A New Digital Plan for Technological Advancement in Construction Management

The USACE designs and builds projects that provide vital services to the nation, such as flood control, water resource management, navigation, and military construction. They also play a key role in disaster response, environmental protection, and civil works projects, such as the construction of dams, bridges, and transportation systems. This wide influence on public safety and infrastructure makes it crucial for USACE to stay current with, if not drive, industry best practices.

USACE’s new digital strategy aims to take the lead in three key areas:

Tools: USACE is leveraging new digital tools to make construction projects run more smoothly. Building Information Modeling (BIM) software will enable engineers, designers, and builders to work from the same 3D building model. Geographic Information Systems tools will help teams understand a project’s suitability and environmental impact. Mobile apps will provide real-time data on-site via phones or tablets, allowing for better communication and quicker problem-solving.
Training: New digital tools are only useful when project staff know how to use them. The plan includes time and resources for training on new tools and data analysis methods so teams can manage plans, identify challenges, and make more informed decisions.
Resources: The USACE strategy also focuses on building the digital infrastructure needed to support these tools. This includes creating digitized systems to share data, documents, and regulations and addressing cybersecurity concerns with a Mandatory Center of Expertise and standard operating procedures.

Implementing AI and Other Emerging Technologies into Construction Management

The USACE’s approach also aims to leverage emerging technologies that are already making a big impact on construction management practices. Artificial intelligence (AI) will help predict problems in construction projects before they happen. AI can also look at large amounts of data to help teams make informed decisions and keep projects on track. Drones can survey and capture high-quality images of construction sites, giving project managers a way to monitor progress without having to send people into potentially dangerous areas. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) help workers practice handling dangerous situations in a safe environment before facing them on real construction sites.

“This strategy is about making sure our staff is on the forefront of innovation and has the resources they need to implement it.” —Darrick Godfrey, USACE Construction Management Innovation Officer

Making Construction Safer and Smarter

One of the biggest goals of digital improvement strategy in construction is improving safety. More than 1,000 construction workers died in workplace accidents in 2023. Digital tools can help USACE anticipate and address safety concerns before they become serious hazards. For example, drones can monitor a site for risks, mobile apps enable near-immediate reports of emerging safety concerns, and wearable devices can analyze employee behaviors to identify unsafe practices.

Digitization also benefits business processes, research, and development. With project data stored in digital systems, teams can track progress, identify issues, and make quick adjustments, which helps keep projects on time and on budget. They can also collaborate on and prototype new ideas more quickly. All these actions can provide more measurable data prioritizing worker safety and project efficiency. The vital work of the USACE makes the need for proper resources and the embracing of technology to get the job done even more important.

Career Opportunities in Construction Management

The USACE’s modernization plan is a reflection of how construction projects benefit from innovation and digital transformation. At Capitol Technology University, our degree programs in Construction Management put you at the forefront of industrial knowledge and skills that will help you succeed in this dynamic field. Our programs teach students how technology and construction powerfully intersect for the development of safer, more effective projects and improved outcomes.

Explore what a degree from Capitol Tech can do for you! To learn more, contact our Admissions team or request more information.

Categories: Construction Management

Data Analysis and Predictive Analytics to Improve Construction Safety

emdecker — Thu, 09 May 2024 20:23:25 +0000

Data Analysis and Predictive Analytics to Improve Construction Safety emdecker May 9, 2024

Despite a dedicated effort towards improved safety regulations, the number of construction-related accidents and fatalities has risen over recent years. Construction employees risk their lives every day for the protection of our critical infrastructure, architecture, water supply, electricity, and more. However, many employees fall victim to preventable accidents – risks that could have been avoided through the use of data and technology. To improve employee safety, the construction industry is shifting its perspective towards technology, with a new focus on the massive amounts of data that can be collected on a worksite. Through data analysis and predictive analytics, construction management can better identify accident trends and patterns with improved accuracy for employee protection.

Leveraging Data Analysis

Data from incident reports, employee observations, worker wearables, and even weather information offers valuable insight into safety trends and patterns. By analyzing this data, construction management can uncover correlations such as which tasks pose higher risks, whether adverse weather conditions coincide with safety incidents, or if fatigue contributes to accidents at specific times of the day.

Data analytics goes beyond identifying trends, though – it provides real-time insights that can empower strategic decision-making and enhances efficiency while reducing risks. Data can identify the root causes of accidents, allowing for targeted solutions for prevention. This change offers a powerful shift – moving away from anecdotal evidence towards measurable data that empowers safety departments, fosters continuous improvement, and ultimately, creates safer workplaces.

Predicting the Future through Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics empowers a proactive safety approach. Instead of simply reacting to accidents, companies can identify and address potential risks before they happen. Using historical data and statistical models, companies can pinpoint specific safety concerns and focus interventions where they'll have the biggest impact. Data-driven decisions foster a safety culture built on evidence rather than assumptions or guesses.

Data for predictive analytics is fed through complex models that consider various factors and their historical impact on safety. The model learns from patterns and relationships within the data and once trained, can predict the likelihood of safety incidents happening in certain situations. This can be based on specific tasks like working at certain heights, weather conditions, worker fatigue, or combinations of these and similar factors.

On a construction site, for example, wearable technology can track worker vitals, location, and even posture. This data can be fed into predictive models to identify potential risks and unsafe work practices in real-time, allowing for immediate intervention. Predictive models might even analyze a worker's experience level or time on site to forecast their potential accident risk. This allows for better team building and resource allocation.

The Future of Safety

By determining high-risk scenarios, companies can take preventive measures. This might involve increased supervision, additional safety training for specific tasks, or even temporarily halting work until conditions improve. Safety is prioritized by focusing resources on areas with the highest risk of incidents. Preventing accidents not only protects workers but also saves companies money. Fewer accidents translate to lower costs associated with lawsuits, insurance claims, and lost productivity due to injuries. In fact, accidents and fatalities on the job cost the construction industry $13 billion in lost production, fines, and settlements in 2022 alone.

Maximizing Technology's Potential

Despite the impressive power of data and predictive analysis, the accuracy of these predictions relies heavily on the quality and completeness of the data used to train the models. If the data used is biased or incomplete, the model's predictions may prove unreliable. Because of this, predictive analytics can support, but not replace, common sense and established safety protocols.

The combined power of data analytics and predictive analytics has the potential to significantly decrease the number of accidents and injuries on construction sites. This translates to a safer work environment for everyone, lower costs for companies, and improved worker morale. By embracing these data-driven approaches, the construction industry can move towards a future where safety is no longer an afterthought, but a priority built on proactive risk management.

A Career in Construction Management

Capitol Technology University’s programs in Construction and Facilities put you at the forefront of industrial knowledge and skills that will help you succeed in this dynamic field. Within our programs, students learn how technology and construction intersect for the development of safer methods and improved outcomes. For more information on how to build your construction career, contact our Admissions team.

Categories: Construction Management

Predictive Analytics in Preventing Construction Disasters

emdecker — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:22:43 +0000

Predictive Analytics in Preventing Construction Disasters emdecker April 11, 2024

Seeing the future with absolute certainty is impossible, as disaster strikes in the most unexpected ways. However, predicting the future with incredible accuracy is becoming more possible due to the rise of machine learning and data analytics. This expanding area of computer science and artificial intelligence is allowing organizations to anticipate situations by analyzing a massive database of past behaviors and their associated outcomes.

This practice – known as predictive analysis – is becoming an important component of strategic project management across banking, healthcare, HR, marketing, and countless other industries. Organizations can more confidently predict everything from customer loyalty and stock prices to disease outbreaks and equipment failures. And emerging at the forefront of this analytical revolution is the construction industry, which is looking to its history of innovation to build a new era of efficiency, growth, and modernization.

Defining Predictive Analysis

Predictive analysis is a branch of advanced analytics that makes predictions about future outcome and trends based on previous scenarios. Closely associated with big data and data science, predictive models use historical data combined with statistical modeling, data mining techniques, and machine learning. Many models categorize data based on historical relationships or similarities between data points, while others use inputs at specific time intervals to assess seasonality, trends, and cyclical behavior to make predictions.

Predictive modeling is a powerful tool to help organizations find patterns in data and identify risks and opportunities, but it also carries significant pitfalls. Models trained on biased or incomplete data will output similarly biased or unreliable results. Predictive models that aren’t thoroughly trained and validated can lead to poor generalizations about future events. And an overreliance on predictive outputs that does not also consider domain knowledge can impact accuracy and reliability.

Predictive Analysis in Construction

In construction, predictive analytics can offer valuable insights and help project managers anticipate challenges, optimize resources, and mitigate risks effectively, ultimately improving decision-making and solving business problems. With a variety of moving and interrelated parts – subcontractors, material availability, change orders, weather – predictive analytics can potentially provide a level of predictability in an often-unpredictable environment, as is seen in tragedies like the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse. In fact, experts state that “this disaster reveals how exposed America’s critical infrastructure is to sudden and devastating accidents as well as intentional destruction,” sparking a new call to action for more timely repairs to our nation’s aging buildings, bridges, and other important structures – and predictive analytics may be one viable solution.

Here are a few ways predictive analytics can be applied to construction projects:

Cost Estimation: Predictive analytics enable construction teams to create more accurate, and realistic budgets by accounting for most, if not all, possible factors that could impact project costs. This includes regional labor costs, material expenses, and other variables, ensuring that budgets are comprehensive and accurate from the outset.
Procurement Optimization: By analyzing historical data on supplier performance, construction companies can identify suppliers with the highest performance, positioning them to negotiate better terms.
Scheduling: Using data from similar projects in specific areas allows predictive analytics to better estimate and optimize project timelines. Project managers can then allocate resources effectively and plan for contingencies, ultimately ensuring projects finish on time and within budget.
Risk Identification: A construction company using predictive analytics can better identify potential risks and delays in complex projects. Analysis of weather patterns, labor productivity, and material availability data can inform companies of issues before they escalate, thus minimizing disruptions and maximizing efficiency.
Worksite Optimization: Predictive models can help optimize worksite layouts and resource allocation. By predicting resource needs and potential bottlenecks, construction companies can streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Improving Outcomes: Despite project variability, predictive analytics can help project teams assess market conditions, portfolio composition, and individual project performance to strengthen their business proposition.

Predictive analytics is becoming increasingly indispensable to construction companies looking to enhance project outcomes, manage logistics, and mitigate risks. Predictive analytics tools are essential to improving the quality, productivity, and financial outlook by enhancing strategic decision-making, driving business growth, and improving competitiveness.

Building Your Degree in Construction Management

Capitol Technology offers several degree programs in Construction and Critical Infrastructure management, including our Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Construction Information Technology and Cybersecurity. As a student, you have access to resources tailored for your success such as our Center of Excellence in Construction Management (CECM) that prepare you to be a part of the predictive analytics solution and its critical applications in the industry. For more information, visit our website or contact our Admissions team.

Categories: Construction Management

Combatting Cyber Threats in the Construction Industry

bcook — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 21:13:13 +0000

Combatting Cyber Threats in the Construction Industry bcook February 28, 2024

The construction industry, a cornerstone of global infrastructure development, faces an increasingly pressing challenge in cybersecurity. Traditionally focused on physical safety and logistical concerns, construction firms are now confronting a new frontier of threats emanating from the digital realm. From data breaches compromising sensitive project information to sophisticated ransomware attacks disrupting operations, the industry finds itself at the intersection of technological innovation and cybersecurity vulnerability.

One of the distinctive aspects of cybersecurity threats in construction lies in the industry's intricate web of stakeholders and operations. Unlike sectors with primarily digital outputs, construction projects involve diverse players, including architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers, each contributing to the intricate tapestry of a project's lifecycle. However, this complexity also presents numerous entry points for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities within interconnected systems. As digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices become more prevalent in construction practices, the industry grapples with ensuring the security of its physical assets and its digital infrastructure.

Common Cybersecurity Threats in the Construction Industry

The construction industry faces several unique cybersecurity threats due to its characteristics. Here are common cybersecurity threats in the construction industry:

Data Breaches

Construction companies handle vast amounts of sensitive data, including financial information, intellectual property, project designs, and client details. Data breaches can occur through hacking, malware, or social engineering attacks, leading to significant financial losses and reputation damage.

Supply Chain Attacks

Construction projects involve numerous stakeholders, including architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers. Each entity represents a potential entry point for cybercriminals to infiltrate the network, compromise sensitive information, or disrupt operations.

Internet of Things (IoT) Vulnerabilities

The increasing adoption of IoT devices in construction, such as connected sensors, drones, and wearable technology, introduces new cybersecurity risks. These devices often lack robust security measures and can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to networks or manipulate data.

Ransomware

Ransomware attacks have become a significant concern for the construction industry. Cybercriminals use malicious software to encrypt critical files and demand payment for their release, disrupting project timelines and causing financial harm.

Physical Security Risks

Construction sites are often physically exposed and vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. Cyber-physical attacks targeting equipment or building systems, such as HVAC or access control systems, can disrupt operations and compromise safety.

Effective Cybersecurity Measures to Combat Cyberthreats in the Construction Industry

To combat these threats, construction professionals are implementing various cybersecurity measures:

Employee Training and Awareness

Training programs are essential to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and understanding the importance of data protection.

Network Security

Construction companies are deploying robust network security solutions, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols, to safeguard their digital infrastructure from unauthorized access and malware attacks.

Vendor and Supply Chain Management

Implementing stringent cybersecurity requirements for vendors and subcontractors can help mitigate the risk of supply chain attacks. Contracts should include clauses addressing data protection and cybersecurity standards.

Secure IoT Deployment

Construction firms increasingly focus on securing IoT devices by implementing network segmentation, regularly updating firmware, and monitoring device activity for signs of compromise.

Data Backup and Recovery

Regular data backups are critical to mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks. Construction companies invest in robust backup and recovery solutions to restore essential data during a cyber incident.

Physical Security Measures

Physical security measures such as surveillance cameras, access controls, and perimeter fencing can help deter unauthorized access to construction sites and protect valuable equipment and materials.

Regulatory Compliance

Adhering to industry-specific cybersecurity regulations and standards, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or GDPR, can help construction companies establish comprehensive cybersecurity policies and practices.

Prepare to Defend the Construction Industry at Capitol Tech

The construction industry is undergoing a digital transformation, embracing technologies like BIM and IoT devices. However, this progress comes with increased cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Data breaches, supply chain attacks, and ransomware pose significant threats. To combat these challenges, construction companies must prioritize employee training, implement robust network security, manage vendors and supply chains effectively, and secure their digital and physical infrastructure. By adopting a multi-layered approach and adhering to best practices, the construction industry can build resilience against cyberattacks and ensure the successful completion of projects.

Want to step up your cybersecurity game? Capitol Technology offers various award-winning degree programs in Cyber and Information Security. For more information and to get started, contact our Admissions team at admissions@captechu.edu.

Categories: Construction Management

How Tech Can Bridge the Construction Talent Gap and Housing Shortfall

bcook — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 14:59:35 +0000

How Tech Can Bridge the Construction Talent Gap and Housing Shortfall bcook December 5, 2023

The construction industry in the United States is facing a significant challenge: a talent shortage and a housing shortage. These two issues are interrelated, and they are making homeownership increasingly elusive for many. With a variety of industrial and economic factors affecting the severity of these challenges, they are having a major impact on the construction industry and the economy. However, the construction industry is on the brink of a technological revolution, with hope that innovative solutions will be able to address both the talent and housing shortages.

Fewer Homes, Fewer Home Builders

With recent reports estimating that there are currently more than 650,000 unfilled construction jobs, the U.S. construction industry is facing a severe talent shortage, and experts expect the trend to worsen in the coming years.

An aging workforce, lack of training opportunities, and perceptions of physically demanding positions are all contributing to the issue. Combine that with the increasing demand for construction services — driven in part by population growth, evolving infrastructure needs, and the growing popularity of home renovations — and it’s created a considerable storm for the industry.

This talent shortage is leading to increased costs, longer project timelines, and a decline in the quality of construction work. It’s also making it difficult for construction companies to keep up with demand, which is leading to lost opportunities and a decline in profitability. It’s a circular problem, where conditions feed into each other to make the problem worse.

Much like the talent shortage in the construction industry, the U.S. is also facing a major housing shortage. The National Association of Realtors estimates that there is a deficit of roughly 6 to 7 million housing units.

As the U.S. population grows, the number of homes being built and coming onto market is not keeping pace with the number of people who want to buy. The problem has been exacerbated by the volume of houses that have yet to return to the market after they were foreclosed during the Great Recession.

The housing shortage is causing home prices to rise, making it difficult for many people to afford to buy a home, especially when amplified by skyrocketing interest rates. And with fewer homes available for people seeking a place to live, more people are looking for rental properties, which is causing rents to rise.

New technologies in construction

Emerging technologies are quickly revolutionizing the construction industry, which are helping address the shortages in both construction talent and housing the United States. Many are already in use, and some are quickly gaining widespread adoption. Even though realizing their full potential will take considerable time and won’t immediately fix the shortages, these technologies and innovative approaches can decrease the gaps and lessen the impact of these issues.

Here are some specific examples of how these technologies are being used in the construction industry:

3D Printing: By creating tangible objects from a digital file, 3D printing has the potential to automate many of the tasks currently performed by construction workers, such as framing, bricklaying, and pouring concrete. They also could make houses more affordable and unique, while being less susceptible to typical problems like fires and termites.

AI-powered tools: While technology alone can’t build skyscrapers (yet), emerging technology and AI-powered tools can be used to improve efficiency and productivity in nearly all aspects of the construction process. For example, AI can be used to design and optimize construction plans, manage supply chains, and monitor jobsite safety. This could help to reduce costs, shorten project timelines, and improve the quality of construction work.
Robotics: Robots are already being used to perform a variety of dangerous and repetitive tasks on construction sites, such as demolishing buildings, lifting heavy materials, and welding steel. This could help to improve worker safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
Prefabricating materials: Prefabrication is the process of manufacturing building components off-site and then assembling them on-site, often more quickly and with fewer resources. And because nearly 25% of on-site materials wind up as waste, this can significantly reduce the time and cost of construction projects.
Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM is a digital process for creating and managing building data. This technology can be used to improve communication and collaboration between the various groups involved in a construction project. For example, BIM can be used to create a virtual model of a building, which can then be used by architects, engineers, and contractors to coordinate their work.
Virtual and augmented reality: Virtual and augmented reality offer incredible potential to visualize new projects through digital renderings, helping to fine tune details and enabling better input from clients. VR/AR can also be used to train workers and support tasks like marking locations and installing equipment.
Drones: Drones can inspect construction sites, survey land, and deliver materials, in part by accessing hard to reach places more quickly and safely than humans. Gathering this critical data can inform planning and contingency efforts, while also providing better data and real-time progress views.

Building Your Future at Capitol Tech

The creation and adoption of new technologies have the potential to minimize the talent deficit in the construction industry and make it more efficient, productive, and safe. Capitol Technology University’s programs in Engineering Technologies and Construction and Facilities can put you on the path to revolutionize the construction industry by creating and implement these new technologies in innovative ways.

For more information, contact our Admissions team at admissions@captechu.edu.

Categories: Construction Management

Launching Your Project Management Career in the U.S. Construction Industry With a Degree in Construction Management

bcook — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 19:16:12 +0000

Launching Your Project Management Career in the U.S. Construction Industry With a Degree in Construction Management bcook July 19, 2023

The U.S. construction industry is booming, and it presents an excellent career choice for those who are ready to seize opportunities. With a constant influx of new projects and a growing demand for skilled professionals, it's an industry that promises not only job security but also substantial career progression. One of the best ways to jumpstart a career in this sector is to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management, particularly from reputable institutions like Capitol Technology University.

A Myriad of Opportunities in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is a major contributor to the U.S. economy. With over 680,000 employers and 7 million employees, it's clear that the industry has a substantial job market. But what makes the construction sector particularly enticing?

Firstly, there is a high demand for skilled professionals. The need for construction managers is projected to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of construction managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This demand arises from the need to improve our infrastructure, the increased complexity of construction processes, and the retirement of existing professionals.

Secondly, construction jobs offer great earning potential. The median annual wage for construction managers was $95,260 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $164,790. The industry offers competitive salaries that often exceed the national average, providing a significant incentive for potential employees.

Finally, the construction industry is rewarding and diverse. Professionals in the field have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from residential buildings to large infrastructural developments. The industry is dynamic, offering an ever-changing landscape of challenges and achievements.

Why a Degree in Construction Management?

While you can start a career in construction with a high school diploma and significant work experience, obtaining a degree in Construction Management opens up a world of opportunities. It's particularly useful for those aiming to become project managers and take on leadership roles in the industry.

Studying Construction Management equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the construction process. It combines education in construction science, business management, and advanced technologies, giving you a holistic view of the industry. You'll gain knowledge in areas like project control and management, design, construction methods and materials, contract administration, cost estimation, and safety.

Why Choose Capitol Technology University?

Capitol Technology University, known for its quality education and strong emphasis on practical skills, offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management that's designed to prepare students for the realities of the industry.

Their program is known for its focus on technology and innovation, aligning with the industry's increasing adoption of advanced technologies such as a variety of software used in the industry and the use of drones.

Moreover, Capitol Technology University boasts a network of industry partnerships, providing students with real-world exposure and potential employment opportunities. The university also offers cooperative education programs that enable students to gain hands-on experience while studying.

Furthermore, their curriculum emphasizes leadership and communication skills, crucial for project management roles. The program's interdisciplinary approach ensures students are well-rounded professionals ready to navigate the challenges of the construction industry.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. construction industry offers a world of opportunities for ambitious professionals. A degree in Construction Management from Capitol Technology University can provide you with the necessary technical knowledge, practical skills, and industry connections to jumpstart your career as a project manager. Embrace the opportunity and make your mark on the landscape of America's future.

Visit Capitol Tech's website to learn more about its construction, safety, facilities, and unmanned systems degrees and also visit the Center of Excellence in Construction Management (CECM) to watch for upcoming events.

Categories: Construction Management

OSHA Launches Nationwide Program to Tackle Workplace Falls and Save Lives

bcook — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:02:16 +0000

OSHA Launches Nationwide Program to Tackle Workplace Falls and Save Lives bcook June 12, 2023

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced the launch of a National Emphasis Program aimed at combating “one of the most preventable and significant causes of workplace fatalities”: falls by employees working at heights in construction and other industries.

Falls from elevation are responsible for 680 out of 5,190 fatal workplace accidents in 2021 across all industries – the highest rate of any cause. OSHA also reports that falls are the most common workplace violation reported.

The new National Emphasis Program aims to increase enforcement and outreach activities to address these fatalities and serious injuries. OSHA is developing a comprehensive fall protection awareness outreach program before initiating inspections for potential violations. Once the program is established, OSHA will focus inspections mainly on construction sites – where most fatal falls occur – but its efforts will extend to all industries.

A critical aspect of the program is that compliance and safety officers are now allowed to initiate inspections when they observe workers working at heights, even without an imminent danger present. If an inspection is deemed unnecessary, officers will instead provide educational materials or other outreach activities. These materials provide guidance for identifying and inspecting potential hazards that may lead to falls, such as faulty safety equipment and unclear pathways.

OSHA requirements state that employers must set up fall protection for employees working as little as four feet above the ground, as well as those working over machinery at any height. This includes protecting floor holes that an employee may accidentally walk into, providing guide rails and toe boards around elevated platforms, and providing additional protection like safety nets and harnesses.

While implementing physical safety measures is critical, the program will focus heavily on educating employers and workers on regulations and best practices to prevent falls.

The announcement of the new program coincided with the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction and Safety Week (May 1-5), which emphasizes the importance of fall protection and safety on construction sites.

Industry stakeholders, such as the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), generally support the program. It is being viewed as a positive step toward protecting workers and preventing fatalities. The program's national scope is expected to address areas that were previously overlooked, providing employers with a unified expectation regarding compliance and inspections.

OSHA's launch of a nationwide program to address workplace falls marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers across industries. The program's emphasis on prevention, enforcement, and outreach activities is a critical response to a preventable and significant cause of injuries and deaths. By increasing awareness, enhancing inspections, and promoting comprehensive fall protection measures, OSHA aims to create a unified expectation for employers and empower compliance officers to take proactive measures in preventing falls.

Capitol Technology University’s programs in Occupational Health and Safety can prepare you to address workplace safety and protect against workplace falls and other accidents. For more information, visit the Capitol website or contact our Admissions team at admissions@captechu.edu. 

Categories: Construction Management

The Fulfilling and High-Paying Journey of a Construction Project Manager

bcook — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:38:56 +0000

The Fulfilling and High-Paying Journey of a Construction Project Manager bcook June 2, 2023

As the construction industry continues to thrive, the role of a project manager has emerged as a rewarding and lucrative career choice. Responsible for overseeing projects from inception to completion, construction project managers are the linchpins holding together various teams and tasks. Read on to discover the key reasons that a career as a project manager in the construction industry can be both fulfilling and lucrative.

First and foremost, construction project managers enjoy competitive salaries. According to recent studies, the average annual salary of a project manager in the construction industry is significantly higher than the national average. This high pay is a reflection of the critical role they play in managing complex projects and ensuring their timely and successful completion. Additionally, experienced project managers have the potential to earn even more as they advance in their careers.

The opportunity for personal and professional growth is another factor that makes this career choice rewarding. Construction project managers work closely with various teams, including architects, engineers, and subcontractors. This exposure to diverse skill sets and perspectives allows project managers to broaden their knowledge and develop valuable interpersonal skills. As a result, they can advance their careers and become experts in their fields.

In addition to competitive pay and personal growth, the construction project manager role offers the satisfaction of seeing tangible results. Unlike some professions, where outcomes can be abstract or intangible, construction project managers witness the physical transformation of their projects. Watching a structure rise from the ground up can be incredibly fulfilling, providing a deep sense of accomplishment and pride in one's work.

Moreover, construction project managers play a vital role in shaping the built environments. By overseeing the construction of various types of infrastructure, such as housing, offices, and public spaces, project managers contribute to the betterment of communities and the quality of life for many individuals. This impact on society can provide a sense of purpose and motivation for those in the profession.

The construction industry is an ever-evolving sector that is increasingly incorporating innovative technologies and sustainable practices. This continuous evolution presents exciting challenges for project managers, as they must adapt and stay up to date with the latest advancements. This dynamic work environment keeps the job fresh and engaging, preventing stagnation and fostering ongoing professional development.

A career as a project manager in the construction industry offers a unique combination of high pay, personal growth, tangible results, societal impact, and the excitement of working in a constantly evolving field. If you're seeking a rewarding career that provides both financial stability and a sense of fulfillment, consider pursuing a role as a construction project manager. Capitol Technology University can get you there with construction degrees at the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels. Our Center of Excellence in Construction Management (CECM) led by three former industry managers who now manage all the construction programs are there to ensure that the Capitol Tech degrees meet the needs of the construction industry today.

Visit Capitol Tech today www.CapTechU.edu or its Center of Excellence in Construction Management (CECM) to start your journey to become a construction project manager.

Categories: Construction Management

The many career prospects of a construction management graduate

bcook — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 20:22:30 +0000

The many career prospects of a construction management graduate bcook September 19, 2022

Few degrees offer the income, flexibility, and career satisfaction of the Construction Management diploma. Which pathway will you take? Which opportunities most appeal?

One attractive feature of this field is that it offers the option to work on site with the professionals who actually construct buildings, or to work in an office in front of a computer in an area like sustainability. A sustainability consultant focuses on environmental issues and their relationship to building practices. Their work may include an analysis of a building’s energy consumption and that energy source’s environmental impact. They also identify practices within an organization that can be optimized to achieve sustainability. By advising clients on the most optimal choices, they focus environmental activism in a practical direction.

Construction superintendents, on the other hand, are all about the actual build. They are responsible for a project’s daily operations, and function as the construction manager. Usually working on-site, they schedule the various stages of construction and monitor each for quality and safety, which requires a familiarity with local regulations. Job functions also include hiring and creating work schedules for each person on the crew along with cost estimates for managers. Their responsibilities are broad, and they often negotiate subcontractor prices as well.

The construction manager often coordinates with a project manager, who monitors progress of the entire venture from a distance. This is a high stress job that involves making on-the-fly decisions as problems arise during the construction, yet hewing to deadlines. Project managers are also responsible for personnel safety in an inherently hazardous undertaking. This is one of the higher paying job titles available to construction management graduates, averaging over $110,000 annually.

If you have strong communication skills and enjoy problem-solving, marrying those strengths with a construction management degree can land you work as a construction field engineer. In this role, you will plan and develop projects within a construction project. Specializations include foundation analysis, structural inspection, and surveying. Many field engineers are self-employed — giving you an opportunity to build your own company if so inclined.

What else can you do with a construction management degree from Capitol Tech? For those with an accounting bent, starting as a cost estimator can lead to a position such as cost engineer or project controls specialist. Employed in these roles, you would develop and implement cost controls on a specific project.

A site engineer is active from the inception of a construction project, as they work collaboratively with the land surveyors and other professionals who choose site locations and designs suitable for them.

But you are not limited to construction management per se, once you have the diploma. Allied industries also welcome the skills and knowledge represented by a degree in this field. Architectural agencies, specialty contractors and civil engineering firms may employ you to assist in their planning and design processes. Insurance companies and legal teams may profit from your knowledge and experience as they practice in their respective fields. And any firm that produces a product or markets to construction professionals may want to include an individual with a construction management background on their sales team.

In short, a degree in this expanding field offers, at a minimum, an above-average professional salary, and a wide variety of career paths. You’ve already made a wise choice at the inception of your career by choosing this occupation—now you only have to pick and choose your favorite opportunity!

Works cited:

10 best jobs for Construction Management Majors in 2022 - zippia. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.zippia.com/construction-management-major/

8 construction management career paths (with average salaries and duties). Indeed Career Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/construction-management-career-paths

Construction superintendent vs. project manager. LSU Online. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://online.lsu.edu/newsroom/articles/construction-superintendent-vs-project-manager/#:~:text=A%20construction%20superintendent%20supervises%20a,handling%20problems%20and%20making%20decisions.

Field/Project Engineer. Field/Project Engineer | Careers in Construction. (2022, September 13). Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/fieldproject-engineer

Stress Management for Project Managers. Mechanical Services Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://www.metromech.com/blog/2016/01/stress-management-for-project-managers/#:~:text=Being%20a%20project%20manager%20in,of%20other%20negative%20side%20effects.

Categories: Construction Management

Exoskeletons: A promising development for construction site safety

bcook — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 21:16:42 +0000

Exoskeletons: A promising development for construction site safety bcook August 8, 2022

The construction industry has consistently ranked as one of the most hazardous career fields, with its heavy lifting and reliance on large machinery creating heightened risk for sometimes permanently debilitating accidents. However, construction engineers and occupational safety and health experts are working to mitigate risks and reduce on-the-job incidents by developing and improving a promising workplace safety device: the exoskeleton.

What is an exoskeleton?

The exoskeleton, sometimes called an exosuit, is a wearable suit with motorized joints designed to give the average construction worker enhanced strength and protection, equipping their arms, legs and back with a reinforced external shell that saves their limbs from strain, shields their body, and helps to improve posture. Workers wear the suit while performing strenuous tasks in order to add an increased level of protection and productivity to their jobs. While this device may sound impractical and look like something out of a Transformers film, it has gained traction in recent years and is already a staple at many construction sites.

Increased popularity of exoskeletons

An article from constructionplacements.com reports that, “Exoskeletons are devices that are worn on the user’s body and operate as enhancers, enhancing, reinforcing, or reconstructing human performance. Exoskeletons, which were originally created for military use and patient mobility and rehabilitation, are increasingly showing up on construction sites.”

Though this tech is hardly commonplace, the more it is used on various construction projects, the more companies see its value and want to employee it for their own staff. “Live testing on construction sites in the past year produced results that appear to be driving the development and use of exoskeletons in the construction sector in the coming years,” states the article.

Functions and features of exoskeletons

While exoskeletons meant for their original use, in the military and for medical rehabilitation, tend to be fairly broad in their abilities, construction exoskeletons are highly specialized. Jean Thilmany of constructible.trimble.com lists several functionalities commonly seen with construction exoskeletons:

The mounted arm exosuit is a “Tool-holding exoskeleton composed of a spring-loaded arm that holds a heavy tool on one end and is connected to a lower-body exoskeleton and a counterweight… The exoskeleton helps workers use heavy hand-tools quickly so they can complete jobs faster, with less fatigue, and better workmanship.”
An overhead exosuit “[offers] arm, neck, and shoulder support [to] aid workers as they perform overhead installation work such as installing ductwork or sprinklers. They reduce the load on the arm and neck muscles while cutting down on repetitive-stress injuries.”
Crouching and standing support suits are known as “Chairless chairs [or] lightweight exoskeletons that lock in place and support users as they crouch or stand in the same position for long periods of time… [reducing] the pressure on the knee and the rest of the leg.”

These exoskeletons, along with several other designs with varying functionalities, are helping to revolutionize the construction safety industry. As this technology continues to evolve, construction firms will be able to boast far fewer incident numbers and improved worker morale and efficiency.

Learn more about Construction Safety with a Capitol Tech degree

Capitol Tech offers numerous degrees in construction and facilities, as well as degrees in occupational safety and health, where students can develop and implement new technology like exoskeletons to cut down on workplace hazards. To learn more about these programs, visit captechu.edu and check out the various courses and degrees offered. Many courses are available both on campus and online. For more information, contact admissions@captechu.edu, for Undergraduate, gradadmit@captechu.edu for Master's programs, and doctorate@captechu.edu for Doctoral programs.

Categories: Construction Management