Construction job growth FTW

Good morning from The Level! Thank you for being part of our community of 20,000 construction industry leaders who get their weekly rundown from us. Let's get things started.

Despite the U.S. economy only adding 12k jobs in October (a number complicated by strikes and hurricanes), things are looking up for the construction industry. Trade association Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) says that construction industry employment has grown 2.3% year over year, based on new numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus: A look at what led to this $6.6 million payout from a construction injury lawsuit. 

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Here's a peek at what's in today's issue:

// Get ready for winter weather safety and security
// Make sure you know your state's workers comp rules
// Check out NAHB's thoughts on the election
// Consider a new company Thanksgiving

>> Who we're following:  Kate Campbell on Instagram (@katebuilds). A licensed contractor and HGTV personality, Campbell is also a powerful advocate for women in the trades.

>> What we're listening to:  This recent episode of the Bridging the Gap podcast, with special guest Mat Gates, president of Erickson-Hall Construction Co. Find out his advice for training your workforce for the future of construction.

>> What we're watching: Stewart Hicks's takes on buildings and cities. This professor of architecture explores the connection between the built environment and the people who live and work there. 

>> What's happening soon: Greenbuild International Conference. There's still time to register for this conference covering all things green and sustainable happening Nov. 12-15 in Philadelphia.

>> Just for fun: Bubble Wrap Party. Use your mouse, finger or stylus to "pop" the bubbles.

Site Safety: Winter weather cautions

Even though it's still technically hurricane season (which officially ends Nov. 30), many parts of the country are already experiencing wintry weather. Follow this advice from OSHA to keep your site workers safe during cold weather:

• Dress in three layers of loose-fitting clothing and wear insulated gloves and hats
• Wear footwear with good traction, insulation and waterproofing
• Clear walking surfaces and scaffolding of snow and ice
• Make sure ladders are secure when removing snow from rooftops and elevated surfaces
• Review the signs of cold stress

Get more tips from the OSHA Winter Weather page.

Why it matters: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, certain population groups face higher risks of cold-related illness or death, including construction workers, and electricity and pipeline utility workers.

>> CRE is still looking for the market's nadir

>> Continental plans 3,517 apartment community despite uncertainty

>> Chicago leads the Midwest in industrial development and sales

>> Map: $1.7B 'mega' infrastructure project locations

>> Will lower interest rates boost construction activity?

Holiday How-To: A new way to observe Thanksgiving

Many companies host food-centered events for Thanksgiving. A catered meal is always welcomed, but this holiday isn't just about the grub. You can also show your gratitude to employees by giving them a gift card with a personalized note highlighting one of their biggest accomplishments, according to a blog post from employment site Indeed.

"Creating personalized notes may take longer, but they’re much more sincere than sending a form letter to everyone on the team. To save time, you could have each employee’s immediate supervisor send these notes. Team leaders have closer relationships with their team members, so they’re also more likely to know the right achievements to highlight to make each person feel appreciated."

Why it matters: According to Indeed, "Giving your employees some time to connect with each other, participate in games or contests and show their gratitude for one another is worth a temporary loss in productivity. Businesses that choose to ignore holidays such as Thanksgiving may regret it due to poor employee retention." (Indeed)

Insurance Insights: Do you know your state's workers' comp rules?

Workers' comp insurance rules vary widely from state to state and industry to industry. The Hartford has the information you need in an easy-to-use state-by-state resource.

Why it matters: Failing to meet your state's specific requirements can result in expensive fines and costly legal action.

• Start with WHY  Develop your leadership capacity with this best-selling book by Simon Sinek that looks at how leaders think, communicate and behave.  
• Finance for Non-Finance Professionals  Improve your financial management skills with this online course from Emory University
• Construction Stormwater Certification or Recertification Check out these courses from the Stormwater Training Center to improve your projects' stormwater management planning and execution.

Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at thelevel@mynewsletter.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

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The Level is curated and written by Margot Lester and edited by Katie Parsons.