The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced that it has cited and fined three companies more than $100,000 for safety violations in connection with the fatal collapse of a tower crane that was being dismantled in Seattle April 27, 2019.

L&I's nearly 6-month investigation determined that the crane collapse was caused by the companies not following the manufacturer's procedures for dismantling the structure, including prematurely removing nearly all of the pins and sleeves that helped hold the crane together. With the pins removed, the tower was significantly weakened, making it susceptible to the 45-plus mph wind gust that toppled it. When the pins are in place, tower cranes can withstand much stronger gusts. Details here. 

Caltrans has released its SB 1 Annual Efficiencies Report for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the California Transportation Commission, noting that its efficiency measures saved nearly $233 million—more than double the statutory goal of $100 million per year—which will be reinvested to maintain and rehabilitate state highways. Details here.

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation has released the October 2019 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI-EFI). Overall, confidence in the equipment finance market is 51.4, a decrease from the September index of 54.7.  Details here. 

With a focus on empowering people to build their future, Build Your Future Arizona (BYF Arizona) was established through a private-sector, industry-driven campaign of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation in partnership with the national Build Your Future (BYF) initiative. BYF Arizona showcases the incredible opportunities available for people to find fulfilling, high-paying careers in the construction professions—careers that can be started right out of high school, with minimum training, and allow for earning money while you learn. Details here. 

Restoration Builders Inc. announced the company has completed the asset purchase of Elbert Construction LLC. The company projects that their consolidated companies together will achieve approximately $100 million in revenue for 2019. Details here.