The Great Equalizer Needs a Shot of Efficiency

When we consider the skilled labor shortage in construction, we should also consider the other related problem—productivity. By not producing more with what we’ve got, the labor shortage is exacerbated. Stats vary, but a common citation is that construction remains flat or even decreasing in productivity, where all other industries have seen productivity gains.

A 2017 report by McKinsey & Company states: “Globally, construction sector labor-productivity growth averaged 1 percent a year over the past two decades, compared with 2.8 percent for the total world economy, and 3.6 percent for manufacturing.”

So, what’s the solution? “There is a strong correlation between digitalization and productivity,” said Erik Mikysa, Senior VP of Marketing at Hilti North America. “For construction, that doesn’t just mean adopting technology in the field with automation, drones, virtual reality and Internet of Things (IoT) devices—although that is part of it. It also means implementing software and project management tools in order to improve communication.”

See “Going Digital Makes Steel Erecting Safer,” page 14 of this issue. In that article, author Erin Mitchell cites a 2019 Deloitte report that advises the construction industry to “Think big. Start small. And scale fast” when it comes to digitalization. The team at Hilti agrees that a lack of software integration is hurting construction’s productivity.

Serious about efficiency

Hilti generously hosted SEAA’s July Board of Directors meeting at its Irving, Texas Tool Service Center. We learned about the company’s ON!Track tool tracking and asset management system using unique inventory IDs, Bluetooth tags, and Barcodes. This service also stores data on up to 10 tools, providing tool owners with the ability to locate tools, know how they are being used, manage maintenance, and more. In 2021, the company entered into an agreement to acquire Fieldwire, a construction technology company. Obviously, integrating technology to help contractors be more productive is a priority for the construction products company.

According to an August 2023 article from Hilti, “It is estimated that only a third of a worker’s day is spent performing their craft, with the other part of their day filled with non-productive tasks, such as locating equipment and material, reviewing plans and assigning tasks, and dealing with fabrication and logistics.”

Likewise, NCCER cites a Construction Industry Institute Report in a March 2023 article, “Frontline supervisors should spend 60% of their time supervising craft professionals, but RT-370 found they actually only spend 37% of their time doing so. Instead, they are involved in a dis-proportionate amount of administration, planning and other tasks.”

The bright side

While the state of productivity in construction sounds dismal, the bright side is that small gains could mean big wins for contractors in more ways that just the bottom line. Members of Gen Z (people born between 1995 and 2010) and who make up the youngest workers entering construction are considered true digital natives. They are comfortable with a virtual, digital, connected world—and could help to drive the integrations so needed in construction.

We need to tap this generation for more than just being a warm body on a jobsite. They have the potential to help construction harness the possibilities of greater digitalization.

In a recent webinar hosted by NCCCO Foundation on engaging and recruiting youth into the crane industry, speaker Hannah Bullard, Senior Partnership Manager for Tallo, shared insights into Gen Z. Tallo, which is a digital platform to connect students with internships, apprenticeships, and jobs, conducted research for NCCCO Foundation to analyze young people’s perceptions of the crane industry. They had just over 1,100 responses to their survey.

According to Bullard, Gen Z wants to learn about career options and are open minded to new industries. While construction isn’t at the top of their list, they would consider it. They also are looking for return on their investment when it comes to education, so construction employers that offer paid apprenticeships are positioned to attract this group of future employees. There is a shift among this generation to go directly into the workforce rather than obtaining a degree due in part to the high cost of tuition. In addition, 51% plan to stay at their first employer 3+ years.

As Mike McGowan, CEO of Hilti North America so eloquently put it: “The construction industry is the great equalizer” in terms of career opportunities and personal wealth. Let’s make sure Gen Z knows that. •

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Fall Board of Directors Meeting

Raleigh, N.C.

October 12, 2023

Meet & Greet Reception

Raleigh, N.C.

October 12, 2023

Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament

Raleigh, N.C.

October 13, 2023

■ SEAA Honors Two Individuals for Their Positive Impact on the Steel Construction Industry

During the annual convention in April 2023 in St. Augustine, Florida, Geoff Kress, President of Gardner-Watson Decking, Oldsmar, Florida, and Bryan McClure, Partner in Trivent Safety Consulting, Westminster, Colorado, received two of SEAA’s most prestigious recognitions. Kress received the William Davis Service Award, and McClure was named Person of the Year.

The William Davis Service Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a life-long commitment to service in the steel construction industry. The award is the association’s highest honor, and is not issued annually. Recipients of the Person of the Year award have dedicated many hours supporting the association and providing their expertise.

Committee in order to draw on more knowledge and advice, implemented frequent leadership meetings, and restructured committees to get more people involved. “He reinvigorated the leadership and positioned the association for a new era of growth,” said Heron.

2023 Person of the Year

Kress joined SEAA just 23 years ago as a vendor representing G&G Distributors, a supplier of pneumatic tools for fastening deck. But within five years, he made the leap to open his own decking construction company in addition to the tool supply company. Seeking advice and knowledge from others, he started sitting in on board meetings, eventually being voted in as a Director and Officer. He served as Treasurer for seven years. In 2011 he was named Person of the Year.

Kress served as President (2020-2022) during one of the more pivotal transitions in the association’s history: through the global pandemic and during the absence of a full time Executive Director. Rather than allow these challenges to hinder SEAA initiatives, Kress took advantage of the bylaws to name a larger Executive

One of the initiatives that the association had been kicking around for many years finally got legs under the tenure of Bryan McClure as Chairman of the Safety & Education Committee—completion of 80+ Ironworker Training Videos. The videos align with specific learning modules in the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Custom Curriculum, and can be used to prepare employees for achieving Ironworker Level 1, 2 or 3, Rigger, Signalperson, or Crane Operator certifications. Access to the videos are free to member companies through the newly launched SteelPros Training Portal.

“This project required someone with the subject matter expertise to manage it. From selecting locations for shooting, to overseeing scripting accuracy, and proofing videos—this was a huge endeavor,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director. “He always has a smile on his face and frequently pitches in when needed, but this video project was a mammoth task that will impact members for years to come,” said Gum.

McClure has served as a SEAA Director since 2017 and led the Safety & Education Committee as Chairman from 2019 to 2022. He is currently serving as Secretary of the Board.

SEAA is pleased to announce Garrison Wynn as the Keynote Speaker for its 2024 Convention and Trade Show in Glendale, AZ, April 2-5. Wynn is an established Fortune 500 leader, professional stand-up comedian, and an Amazon #1 best selling author.

In his teens, Wynn helped debut the world’s first video console gaming system, Odyssey, and went on to become the youngest department head in a Fortune 500 company’s history. There he researched and designed processes for 38 company locations nationwide, and developed and marketed products still being sold in 30 countries.

Wynn’s presentation, “Winning the Talent War,” will help guide business owners, leaders, and managers how to adapt their organization into a company that people want to work for and give insight on how to create a culture that will make them want to stay.

Wynn's keynote will kick off convention on April 3 and he will attend the Welcome Reception and Trade Show later that evening. Learn more about SEAA’s annual convention and trade show at SEAA.net/ seaa-convention—tradeshow.com.

SEAA has opened the submission forms for 2024 Project of the Year, Safety Excellence, and Craft Training Excellence awards. There is no cost for SEAA members to submit an application. The application deadline for Project of the Year is December 31, 2023, and the deadline for Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence awards is January 31, 2024. Winning companies in each category are featured in an in-depth profile article in Connector® magazine, the official publication of SEAA, and receive other promotional benefits.

The Project of the Year Award features categories for contracts of all sizes in both

Structural Steel and Miscellaneous Metals categories. Submissions are evaluated by an independent panel of judges. based solely on information presented with each submission. The Safety Excellence Award acknowledges SEAA members that have pro-active safety programs and have achieved improved or excellent safety records. The Craft Training Excellence Award compare companies based on number of ironworkers employed that are playing a critical role in skills development. Winners are selected in blind presentation by SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. Submission guidelines and forms can be found at seaa.net under Events & Awards. •

■ Monitor Welding Data with Deltaweld

New Deltaweld Systems from Miller Electric now include Insight Centerpoint, which measures productivity, captures and reports welder activities, and helps optimize part production via a real-time operator interface. This includes everything from weld quality and productivity to rising costs or a lack of skilled welders. Utilizing this data can help fabricators uncover problems and track trends so operations can make improvements.

■ Crosby Launches Cloud-Based Load Monitoring

The Crosby Group, Tulsa, O.K., announces the launch of the Crosby Straightpoint LoadConnect cloud-based software, which can monitor loads from any distance and from anywhere around the world to improve safety and efficiency at work sites. When connected to a wireless base station, load cell data is transmitted to the unique cloud software solution, LoadConnect. An online dashboard provides users with fast, real-time load data, monitors errors and status, and has a map pinpointing exact product location. It also provides an overview of productivity and utilization.

■ New Compact Crawler Boom Lift

JLG Industries, Inc., McConnellsburg, PA, has introduced its first straight-jib (SJ) compact crawler boom lift, the X660SJ. The compact crawler boom lift features 65 ft. 7 in. of platform height, 500 lbs. of capacity for up to two workers, 39 ft. of horizontal reach, and indoor/outdoor versatility. The X660SJ has 40 percent gradeability, and its 2 ft. 11 in. profile and less than 7,400-lbs weight allow operators to go more places around the job site, such as through gates and standard doorways to work in yards and public buildings.

■ Upgraded Features for Comfort Maxx Steel Harness

The Comfort Maxx Steel Harness from Malta Dynamics has an upgraded D-Ring configuration, pre-installed trauma relief straps, and sewn-in belt. The harness features improved padding that is strategically positioned to deliver optimal comfort even during extended wear and a custom, standing D-Ring with dual lifeline connection. With the integration of sewn-in lumbar support designed to accommodate heavy tool bags, workers can carry their tools without compromising their comfort and stability.

■ Studson Announces Full Brim Type II Rated Safety Helmet

Studson, has unveiled its new ANSI Z89.1 Type II-Rated Full Brim Safety Helmet. The Studson SHK-1 full-brim safety helmet is designed to prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), featuring technologies to absorb impacts from fall-related injuries on any jobsite. It is a full-brim safety helmet that complies with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1 Type I and II safety standards, meaning it is designed to reduce force as a result of impacts to the front, back, sides and the top of the head.

■ AISC Releases 16th Edition of Steel Construction Manual

The American Institute of Steel Construction, AISC, has announced that the 16th edition of its Steel Construction Manual is now available. The Manual is the authoritative reference for professionals who design, fabricate, and build with structural steel. The 16th edition features new 50 ksi design tables, properties and dimensions for 210 new HSS shapes, revised and expanded discussion of prying action, new and revamped tables for design of double-angle connections, single-plate connections, single-angle connections, and shear end-plate connections, and more. A digital edition will be available this fall.

■ B2W Software Connects Workflow

New features from B2W Software improves workflow efficiency. Contractors use B2W applications to manage estimating, resource scheduling and dispatching, performance tracking and equipment maintenance as well as e-forms and reporting. Enhancements include faster, more accurate recording of employee hours and equipment meter readings, including clock-in-clockout functionality and GPS confirmation of location in the B2W mobile app. Expanded connectivity between B2W Schedule and B2W Track applications increases opportunities to populate field logs with information from the schedule and to communicate personnel, equipment and material needs from the field tracking application to the scheduling and dispatching application. •

By Erin Mitchell

Geoff Kress of Gardner-Watson Decking (second from left) was named 2023 William Davis Service Award recipient.

Geoff Kress of Gardner-Watson Decking (second from left) was named 2023 William Davis Service Award recipient.