Qualified Remodeler Magazine

MAY 2017

Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.

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he U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a delay in en- forcement of the crystalline silica standard that applies to the construction industry to conduct additional outreach and provide educational materials and guidance for employers. e agency has determined that additional guidance is necessary due to the unique nature of the requirements in the construction standard. Originally scheduled to begin June 23, 2017, enforcement will now begin Sept. 23, 2017. OSHA expects employers in the construction industry to con- tinue to take steps either to come into compliance with the new permissible exposure limit or to implement specific dust controls for certain operations as provided in Table 1: Specified Exposure Control Methods When Working with Materials Containing Crystalline Silica. Construction employers should also continue to prepare to implement the standard's other requirements, including exposure assessment, medical surveillance and employee training. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit osha.gov. OSHA Delays Enforcing Crystalline Silica Standard REGULATIONS NEWS Florida governor breaks ground with NewSouth Window Solutions Florida Gov. Rick Scott showed his support for the growth of window manufac- turer and installer, NewSouth Window Solutions, No. 29 on the Top 500, at the site of its new manufacturing facility and headquarters on April 20. NewSouth Window's expansion to the new 234,500-square-foot building is a signal that local manufacturing is bringing jobs to Tampa and to the state of Florida. Standing with the group of NewSouth Window employees, Gov. Scott spoke of job creation and strategies to attract people to the state to continue to build the economy. He acknowledged co-founders Dan Ochstein, CEO, and Earl Rahn, presi- dent, as he addressed the crowd. Ochstein and Rahn received the gov- ernor's Business Ambassador Award to recognize their accomplishment and job creation for the state. Cissy Proctor, exec- utive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, and Sandra Murman, Hillsborough County commis- sioner, addressed the crowd in support of NewSouth Window and job creation. NewSouth is planning on moving into the new facility in January 2018. Softwood lumber, OSB push building materials prices higher Originally posted at eyeonhousing.org by David Logan, economist for the National Association of Home Builders : For the second consecutive month, prices of softwood lumber, gypsum, ready-mix concrete and OSB all increased, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The increases were led by soft- wood lumber and OSB. The price of softwood lumber increased 2.3 percent in March after rising 4.8 percent in February. Softwood lumber prices have increased 7.2 percent over the first three months of 2017 and are up 12.9 percent since March 2016. These increases have been largely, if not completely, due to the ongoing softwood lumber trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada. The prices of many softwood products have increased by more than 25 percent since the begin- ning of this year, and the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Index has risen 16 percent during the same period. OSB prices posted a 2.7 percent increase in March and have increased nearly 25 per- cent since March 2016. The price index for OSB stands at its highest level since June T NewSouth Window Solutions officially broke ground at the site of its new manufacturing facility and headquarters with Florida Gov. Rick Scott on hand. (Photo: NewSouth Window Solutions) 8 May 2017 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com IN BRIEF

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