In the construction industry, there are many types of jobs you can do at many pay levels. If you have been thinking about what a future in construction might look like, here is a list of the top paid jobs in construction today:
Top paid job in construction #1: Senior Project Manager
A senior project manager oversees all of the other activities going on at the job site. He or she is in charge from the beginning of work through to the end. The job involves advance planning as well as an ability to manage resources (budget). Additionally, the senior project manager is responsible for hiring crews, obtaining the proper licenses and permits, and liaising with inspectors.
If you were the senior project manager, you would be expected to:
Most senior project manager positions require a bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of five years’ experience in overseeing construction projects in some capacity.
Salary for a senior project manager in the USA is in the range of $100K - $140K
Top paid job in construction #2: Construction manager
The construction manager plans and coordinates a wide range of construction projects, from roads and bridges to residential or commercial buildings.
If you were the construction manager, your duties would be:
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or in construction management.
The estimated salary for a construction manager in the United States ranges from $76K to about $113K.
Top paid job in construction #3: Commercial manager
A commercial manager can be one of the highest paid jobs in the construction industry. They carry a huge amount of responsibility and require a solid engineering background.
If you were a commercial manager, you would be responsible for:
Holding a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering as well as a degree in finance management are the most sought-after skills for this position.
Estimated Salary in the United States for a commercial manager is in the range of $80K to $120K annually.
There are many other well-paid jobs in the construction industry and these are just a sample of what is possible.
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]]>While you might say that this type of wisdom comes from experience, the fact is that even the most experienced firefighters sometimes make unfortunate decisions in the heat of the moment. When this happens, it can affect everything and everyone on the scene.
With the help of the internet, firefighters can often access videos of fires online, allowing them to review and critique their response soon after the fact. However, these videos rarely show a fire from start to finish, so unless you were on the scene, you can’t possibly have enough information to be able to make an honest evaluation, or at least one that has some value for training purposes. If you weren’t there, there is no way for you to be aware of all the variables in how it was staffed, the command, response, strategy, and so on – and especially if you’re looking at a video of a fire that was not handled by your own department and battalion.
Still photographs don’t show the progression of the fire, though they will give you an idea of what happened in a general way. In videos, you simply can’t see enough to make an assumption about whether everything went off as planned, how the fire got started or the events leading up to the fire.
From a training perspective, this presents a problem because we are making assumptions about how the department operates, how many paid and volunteer firefighters were on the scene, and what their normal response times are. One thing is for sure, the numbers of personnel responding to the fire will have a huge impact on how the all-important first few minutes of the fire is handled. Without all the facts, you don’t really know how long the fire was burning before the team arrived on scene. It may be that it had already burned into the structure quite a bit prior to the call.
At the most basic level, more training, advance planning, and developing better proficiency with the equipment and personnel you have is key. Additionally, evaluations of task and duty assignments should be reviewed.
From an administrative standpoint, proper staffing, scheduling, and optimization of response are all important, as are making any changes or reforms to any mutual aid agreements that are in place.
As far as fire videos go, if you have still photos or video from fires that your department was involved in, use it within the department to examine your team’s actions and discuss how it could have been possible to improve as well as lessen the potential for loss – which is, after all, the ultimate goal.
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]]>Mobile apps can provide a way for you and your crew to work smarter and get more done. Here are some of our favorites:
TSheets is a mobile app that helps you track time, expenses, travel, and more. For the contractor, it is especially useful as it will help you keep tabs on multiple crews on the go. All data is stored in the cloud so it’s available for you to view anytime, anywhere. Available for both iPhone and Android platforms, it carries a per-user base cost of $4 per month (less if you purchase a yearly plan in advance) but if you want to add the scheduling module, add another dollar per month.
The value of RenoWorks is self-evident – it allows you to show your clients exactly what products will look like in their home, helping them to make purchasing decisions quickly and easily. You get the convenience of being able to share your entire inventory, and through the RenoWorks Visualizer, they can see what the end result will look like. Simply take a photo of the home under renovation and let your customer choose the doors, windows, trim, or other components that they like best. RenoWorksPro is designed for contractors and gives you more advanced options to help you close the deal.
If you already use Evernote, Penultimate is a great companion app that allows you to write or draw on your Evernote photos and docs – very helpful when taking notes during a client meeting, helping you avoid miscommunication and speed up your process. Made specifically for iPad.
Fieldwire is great for managing multiple vendors on a job, allowing you to collaborate on site and in real-time. Integrates with other popular construction apps, has a scheduling module, a task management module, and more. Try it for free before you buy. Available for iOS devices, Android and Windows phones.
Helping you stay compliant on the job site, Safety Meeting App keeps records and helps you manage workplace safety for 34 different trades. Includes all required safety forms, incident reporting, and more, helping you save time and money. They offer a 30-day trial to get you started and it’s available for iOS and Android devices.
The BuildCalc app is an advanced construction calculator and is indispensable for making accurate, precise calculations on the fly. The app is free and is available for iOS and Android.
HoverPro allows you to take a photo of your build and convert it to a 3D model to generate accurate measurements for materials and visualize the end result. Reduces human error, supports insurance claims and inspections, helps the homeowner decide on finishing options, and more. The basic service is free and provides you with a handful of useful options. Paid versions give you much more flexibility and a free trial is available. Available for iOS and Android devices.
Safety Workwear is your one-stop superstore for flame-resistant apparel, hi-viz apparel and a wide selection of safety apparel and accessories. Check this space often for more handy workplace tips and advice.
]]>Hydrogen gas is invisible, tasteless, odorless, and best of all, it is non-toxic. Up until 2009, it was not even realized that hydrogen was being produced naturally in many places around the world.
Since it vents and then dissipates over large areas it was not thought to be useful, although flames attributed to hydrogen vents have been known to exist for millennia. One such flame was thought to be the basis of the original Olympic flame!
In the last decade, a group was formed of world-renowned engineers, geologists, and chemists to study the phenomenon. Called Natural Hydrogen Energy Ltd, they set out to locate hydrogen vents. Many were discovered in the United States, with some sources producing voluminous amounts of the stuff on a daily basis. Some of these locations include the Atlantic coast, but there seems to be a multitude of locations that look promising.
While the primary use for hydrogen gas is to fuel our vehicles, there are also industrial and agricultural applications like fertilizer. However, to make it viable there needs to be sustainable methods developed to produce it.
Currently, the process uses a great deal of natural gas, which results in the production of CO2 – which is not ideal. Additionally, it uses a lot of natural gas to produce, amounting to five percent of our domestic supply. Even though the fuel itself has great potential, until we engineer a better, cleaner, less expensive way to produce it, we may not be able to access all of its benefits.
Hydrogen isn’t a fossil fuel. It produces no CO2 when burned and is non-toxic to people, animals, and the earth. It is completely sustainable and if we can discover a better way to produce it, it may help us reduce the world’s carbon output.
After identifying some promising sites with high hydrogen emissions, NH2E is planning to drill into these sites and is expecting to extract good quantities of the gas, much like a well.
To advance their cause, NH2E is in search of companies or investors who are interested in joining them in developing an entirely new market around hydrogen gas production. They already have obtained permits to drill.
Speaking for NH2E, Charles Odendhal surmises that there must be countless active hydrogen vents all over the world. As such, with the proper processing techniques in place, we stand to be able to reduce or eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels completely.
If the Olympic flame is any indication, this could be an industry that will serve us for the next millennia and onwards.
Safety Workwear is your safety, hi-vis and flame-resistant apparel superstore. For safety tips and more articles of interest to your industry, check this space often.
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Here are our top tips for winterizing your home:
If your gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, water will not drain from them. This will cause them to freeze in winter temperatures and potentially cause a backup of melting snow and ice on your roof – which can cause much more serious consequences down the road. Be sure to clean all gutters and downspouts to ensure they can handle the melt in the springtime.
If you have hired somebody to clean your gutters, that would be an optimum time to have them also take a close look at your roof for damage, broken or missing shingles or roof tiles. Pay special attention to roof projections as these are prime areas for leaks.
Weather stripping is an easy and affordable way to enhance your home’s insulating ability. It will keep cold drafts out and keep you and your family snug and warm inside. It may even help you save a lot of money on utility bills!
Take down your screen windows and screen doors and replace them with storms. This will help to block cold air and weather from getting through and will enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
During the summer months, lots of debris and even critters can take up residence in your chimney. If you light a fire in your fireplace without tending to these issues you may have a bigger problem on your hands as the flue may be blocked, causing a chimney fire. A professional chimney service can also check for cracks and damage, which can affect efficiency.
Your furnace is essential for winter comfort. To make sure it is working when you need it most, have an HVAC technician give it the once over.
This is something you can do yourself, but if you have a technician over to inspect your ducts and furnace they can probably do this for you as well. It’s important to replace your furnace filter as recommended by the manufacturer. This is often suggested to be done every six months. A clogged or dirty filter will have a negative impact on your inside air quality and could harm your health.
A burst pipe is just about the worst thing that can happen. Repairs are costly and you could stand to lose or ruin many valuable items. If your pipes have a tendency to freeze, open your faucets to allow a constant drip. This will ensure that the water inside keeps moving and does not freeze. Protect your pipes from cold air around them by insulating them or sealing up any holes to the outside. If you are a snowbird, make sure you leave your thermostat set above freezing so that your home’s innards stay safe.
Don’t get caught scrambling for winter snow-clearing essentials like shovels, bags of salt, and ice scrapers for your vehicle. If you have snow removal equipment like a snowblower, be sure to have it serviced before you turn it on. That way, it will be ready to rock when you need it most.
Being prepared for harsh winter conditions (even if they don’t happen) gives you an edge when it comes to home safety and energy efficiency – not to mention the stress you can let go of, knowing that you are ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
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Take Energy Star, for example, or LEED. Both of these programs were instituted at times when the industry was in need of a change. Both helped to take the building market in a positive new direction that smart contractors were eager to take advantage of.
But what’s next? As we continue to strive for green practices in an effort to reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption, and associated costs, these new efficiencies are becoming more affordable and accessible. Being green is no longer a luxury – it’s a mandate that can provide benefits at every level. From the builder who can provide the certified product to the homeowner who reaps the rewards in cost savings, we all stand to gain.
Enhancing and supporting this new reality is the concept of smart buildings. Architects, builders, and manufacturers are looking ahead to a connected future, one fueled by the Internet of Things (IoT). Many IoT products already exist to help building owners enhance their energy efficiency and comfort, prevent downtime and improve maintenance, so it stands to reason that modern building practices should consider IoT integration as part of the overall scheme. A smart building certification could be just around the corner.
In the EU, there is already a study underway that is looking at the feasibility of a “Smart Readiness Indicator” (SRI) for new buildings. The primary purpose of this marque would be to support the integration of renewable energy systems and provide an incentive for the incorporation of information and communications technology (ICT) solutions. The result would be, ideally, healthier, more energy-efficient and comfortable buildings.
As the study will continue into July of 2018, there is no way to predict which way the pendulum will swing. If the LEED process is any indication, the next hurdle will be defining what a “smart building” really is. Market acceptance will have to follow, but it may not be an easy progression. A similar initiative was attempted several years ago but it did not go beyond the initial stages.
However, much has changed since then. Technology has become more accessible from a financial standpoint. Efficiency, viability, and dependability are improving on a daily basis. Underscoring all of this is the fact that reducing carbon emissions is still a challenge that needs a solution. As all of these factors continue to present themselves, a future that includes a smart building certification (or SRI) seems more likely.
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]]>Most warehouses keep ladders of varying styles and sizes on hand, as each can be used for a range of specific purposes. Because of this, having a comprehensive selection of warehouse ladders is an absolute necessity.
Warehouse ladders are more evenly distributed at the base, lending extra support and stability to help avoid accidents.
Many warehouse ladder models have handrails and a deeper set of stairs, making them more secure when carrying heavy tools or equipment. Because it is designed like a flight of stairs, it helps those who are unaccustomed to conventional ladders to adjust to the task safely.
Industrial warehouse ladders have wheels on the bottom, making them easier to move from place to place. This can serve to improve productivity and safety, as goods or tools can be placed on the ladder and moved easily to the next location. Wheels also make the ladder easier to store as it can be relocated quickly when needed.
Warehouses generally use machinery like forklifts, which require a special permit and safety training to use. Warehouse ladders, on the other hand, can simply be pushed to the location it is needed. Most ladders have a foot brake that stabilizes the ladder at the base – unlike standard ladders, which require a second person at the base to keep it steady while the other person climbs.
There are many options to choose from in terms of warehouse ladders. Some even feature work platforms for convenience. They are easy to move, to stow, and to clean, making it a simple task to keep them well-maintained.
As an alternative to powered warehouse vehicles, warehouse ladders are a preferred option. Since they don’t use any electricity or fuel, you can potentially save a lot of money on utilities.
When choosing a warehouse ladder, you should take these points into consideration:
Your warehouse ladder is an investment in safety and productivity. Choose wisely and your ladder will never let you down.
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One way to do this is to ensure that your home is properly insulated and ventilated. Adequate insulation will help your home retain heat in the winter and stay cool in the summer, giving your thermostat a break and lessening your consumption of fuel and electricity.
Since heat rises, this means that if your attic is not well-insulated you stand to lose the heat you are counting on for your family’s comfort. To minimize your potential heat loss and save money on heating bills, you should consider upgrading your attic insulation.
Insulating your attic is the best way to insulate your home – at least, it’s a great place to start. If you are confused as to what type of insulation you should use, consider what your attic space looks like, what size it is, and how accessible it is. What type of insulation you use and where you are going to put it can vary significantly from home to home.
For unfinished attics, the most common way to insulate is to blow in fiberglass insulation to lay between the ceiling joists. The space between the rafters would be left unfinished, ensuring maximum airflow through the space while insulating your living space below.
If blown-in fiberglass seems a little labor-intensive for a DIY insulation job, you might want to go with bat insulation instead. It’s a lot easier to lay down and you don’t need any special equipment or know-how.
According to Energy Star, the recommended rating for insulation (R-Value) for most attics is R-38, which gives you about 10-14” of insulation, depending on what type you choose.
If your attic is finished but your ceiling is not insulated, you will need to insulate between the rafters. Keep in mind that airflow is just as important as the insulation itself. If your insulation is placed too tightly against your roof it may create more problems than it solves. In this case, it’s a good idea to install baffles in order to maintain some airspace. Then, when the air in the baffles heats up it will travel up to the peak of the roof and vent outside.
Even if your attic is already finished, you still have some options to consider if you need to insulate. If you are replacing the roof, you can add insulation beneath the roof decking, giving you an added layer of insulation between the roof and the living space beneath it.
If you have a metal roof especially, you will want to insulate to prevent the living space from becoming uncomfortably hot (or cold). The most common way of addressing this is to build up the roof with a couple of inches of Styrofoam overtop of the roof decking, followed by another roof deck on top. This method is the best way to improve the R-Value of your home and make it more comfortable in the process.
Do you live in an older home? Consider getting an energy audit to see how much heat you are losing through the roof. Based on the results, you might want to consider an insulation upgrade.
To help you organize and optimize your workflow, we’ve put together a few handy spray foam equipment maintenance tips to get you started:
Much of the equipment you use for commercial spray foam insulation uses electricity and/or compressed air. Because of this, it is essential to have access to enough power to generate the air pressure you require to run your equipment. It is suggested to check your power supply daily with an amp clamp meter to avoid issues that could result from unreliable power. Make sure the voltage that is going to the spray foam machine matches the voltage required by the equipment manufacturer. If it doesn’t, there is a possibility you may be causing harm to the motor if the voltage is too low. This can result in overheating and costly damage. Most professional spray foam equipment has indicator lights to tell you if the power is correct.
If you are using a generator, ensure you have enough fuel to complete the job. Before and after the job starts, do a check of all your coils, plugs, and switches to ensure that you don’t have any loose connections.
Your proportioning pump regulates pressure and ratio, aspects that are all-important in commercial spray foam applications. Spray foam has to run at the correct temperature and pressure in order to deliver the best possible yield. To keep your proportioning pump working properly, check your Y-strainers regularly, especially if you are using new materials. Check the filter often to prevent blockage or overheating and be sure to change the oil as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Your spray foam gun is probably the most important piece of equipment you use. It requires an exact, consistent pressure, ratio, and temperature in order to work efficiently. Be sure to lube your spray foam gun with lithium grease regularly.
Chances are your spray foam gun has an “air purge” feature. This means that there is a stream of air emitting from the nozzle when there is no foam being sprayed. Be sure to keep the air purge “on” when you’re using the gun and check often for condensation.
Clean spray gun filters daily or if you find that the pressure is unbalanced. To keep your spray foam gun free of mold and buildup, treat the outside with a silicon mold releaser. It will make your cleanup fast and easy and it will maximize the life and efficiency of your spray foam gun.
Of all your commercial spray foam equipment, heated hoses probably take the biggest beating, getting dragged through small spaces and from place to place on the job site. To ensure your heated hoses are in good shape before your job begins, take the hoses down off their racks prior to turning on the heat. Failing to do so may cause damage to the hose and to the frame that supports it.
Keeping your commercial spray foam equipment clean and in good working order will not only help you get the job done right, but it will send a message to your customers that you are conscientious and committed to providing superior service.
Check back often for great job site and safety tips from Safety Workwear, your safety, high-vis and flame-resistant apparel superstore.
]]>To get the right finish, the job needs to be well thought-out and prepared in advance. Using the right paintbrush for the job is an important part of that equation.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right brush for the job every time:
Choosing the right brush width is important, as if the brush is too big you lose precision. If the brush is too small, you’ll be working too hard and will end up with streaks. Paintbrushes are sized in 1/2” increments and are generally up to 4” in width. Flat-bristle brushes are best for larger, flat surface areas. They also leave fewer bristle marks. Angle-bristle brushes are best for fine detail work and cutting.
A paintbrush that has a comfortable handle will help you avoid hand cramps. You need to be able to grip the brush comfortably to maintain an even stroke – the hallmark of a great finish. Unfinished handles may offer a better grip as they are rougher in texture. If you are painting with oil-based paint, use cheaper brushes with plastic handles as the paint is harder to clean and you will likely throw the brushes away after use.
Brushes made with natural bristles tend to swell with water-based paints and will become useless very quickly. For this type of paint, you need a synthetic bristle, ideally a nylon and polyester blend. If the brush is all-nylon, the bristles will be too flexible. If it is all-poly, they will be too stiff. The brush should be flexible enough to get into challenging spaces but should always return to its original shape. Tipped brushes are excellent for spreading paint on a surface.
The ferrule is the metal piece that connects the handle to the bristles. Inside the ferrule, there is a plug (possibly more than one) made of wood or cardboard that divides the bristles into sections. The plug serves the purpose of holding the paint on the brush and enabling a smooth flow of paint all the way to the tips of the bristles. The shape of the brush is determined by the ferrule design. Square-cornered ferrules hold less paint than rounded-cornered ferrules and are better for small surfaces that don’t need excessive amounts of paint. Oval ferrules are best for large volumes of paint and should be used when painting large surfaces or when no precision is needed.
When you’ve chosen your brush, and are ready to paint, dip the brush up to 2/3 into the paint tin and gently tap on the side of the can. Resist the urge to wipe the brush on the side of the can as it will just put most of the paint back into the can.
Extend the life of your paintbrushes by cleaning them properly after each use. Caring for your brushes means that you are extending their life and won’t have to keep purchasing them over and over. Don’t ever let the paint dry on your brush. Think about buying a brush magnet. A brush magnet attaches to the side of the can and allows you to leave the brush suspended in the paint if you have to stop to take a break.
When you’re done, remove as much paint from the brush as possible. Fill a bucket with clean water and press the bristles into the bottom. Then squeeze the brushes out to remove the paint, rinse and repeat until all paint is removed. When you are done, shake the excess water from the brush and place it someplace where it can dry out. Ensure that the bristles are completely dry before using it again.
All paint and cleaning solutions should be disposed of safely. Never dispose of paint on the job site, into sewers or drains, or anywhere they can get into septic tanks. Contact your local municipality to find out where you can drop off or dispose of hazardous waste safely and ethically.
Check back often for more great job site tips from Safety Workwear, your safety, hi-viz and flame-resistant apparel superstore.
]]>Outdoors
Getting off work at 5:30 pm means you’re probably coming home in the dark. If you start work early and have a long commute, you may be leaving home in the dark as well. Light up your driveway and outdoor walkways with solar outdoor lighting so you can see to get inside. They are easy to install and affordable, plus, they don’t require batteries or a switch to work. Powered by the sun, they come on when the light fades, ensuring your way is always lit.
Indoors
In the kitchen:
Coming home to a dark house is not the happiest of homecomings. By installing timers on your lights, you can pre-program when they turn on and off. Smart light bulbs and switches also help. Using connected switches and bulbs, you can turn your lights on before you get home or program an on-off schedule that you can control from your smartphone. Being able to control your lighting remotely also makes your home safer, alerting thieves to the fact that there may be somebody home.
Hallways:
Your inside and outside stairways could all benefit from motion-detection lighting, reducing the potential for a slip and fall accident and helping you avoid injury for yourself and your family as well as safeguarding your guests – remember, the holidays are coming! Rope lighting can also be installed on your outdoor handrails to light the way on stairs, or it can be run along your baseboards to gently light the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Bathroom:
The shock of a bright light in the bathroom can be blinding in the middle of the night. Consider instead a motion-detection night light that can gently light the area when you enter. Amber-colored lights are less jarring to the senses and won’t disrupt your sleep patterns as much if you have to get up in the middle of the night.
Bedroom:
Perhaps the most difficult aspect of being on standard time is finding the energy to get going in the dark of the early morning. If this resonates with you, consider a light-therapy alarm clock. Their purpose is to gently wake you as if it was the rising sun. Called sunrise alarm clocks, they are thought to reduce stress and help with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Do you have any great tips for coping with the time and light changes during the winter? We’d love to hear them. Post comments here and come back often for more great safety tips from Safety Workwear, your flame-resistant and safety apparel experts.
It’s no secret that when employees are happy, they tend to work harder for you and stick around a lot longer. Here are a few great ways to motivate your team to encourage their satisfaction on the job:
We are all (for the most part) money-motivated, especially those who are in sales, management or supervisory positions. Paying your team on the higher side of the average pay scale is often a good reason for these people to stay in their position. Incentives, quarterly bonuses, and commissions on sales are great ways to thank them for a job done well.
The long-range vision you have for your business is what keeps you going. Your employees also need to be able to buy into that vision and make it their own. If you have not yet articulated it or put it into writing, there’s never a bad time to do so. Once you have fleshed it out, share it with your employees so that they can better understand where the company is headed and climb on board.
Most problems in the workplace can be put down to breakdowns in communication. While you may have thought that everybody heard you the first time, if you have something important to say, don’t leave it to chance. Call a meeting, circulate a memo or post a notice where everybody can read it. reinforce your message by checking in to make sure the message got across to the right people.
When all of your employees understand how their job fits into the bigger picture it makes their job more meaningful. Ensure that each member of your workforce gets how what they do enables others to do what they do. Each job is as important as the next and when that message is delivered clearly it sets the stage for great things to happen.
People everywhere, no matter what kind of work they do, want to be heard and understood. Your managers and supervisors should always be able to take the time to listen when a team member has something to say. Though it may not be important to you, or even an issue you think you can solve, it is important enough to this person that he or she is broaching the subject to you. Take the time to hear them out. To encourage discussion, make sure everybody knows your door is always open.
Every once in a while, break the monotony of the routine by doing something unexpected. Bring in breakfast one day, or after a particularly tough job, schedule a team dinner or give them all gift cards so they can take their spouses out on you.
Some people may value time off more than extra money on their paychecks. They may be in high-stress positions and have little time to themselves, so a surprise day or afternoon off would be greatly appreciated once in a while.
If you can, offer your employees the option of working from home once in a while. Or, offer flexible schedules so that they can avoid a brutal rush-hour commute. For some, this could be the difference between a job they endure and one they love. For you, it could be the difference between eventually losing a good employee or having them on board for the duration. The ability to offer a flexible work schedule can also help you to attract high-value personnel who would not otherwise be able to accommodate a standard work schedule.
Safety Workwear is your headquarters for a wide range of flame-resistant, hi-viz, and other safety apparel. For more workplace tips and on-the-job safety advice, visit this space often.
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Risks include barrier-less roof edges and steeply cambered roofs. Adding in the potential for high winds, wet surfaces, and the risk of unsafe behavior from coworkers, an uncontrolled work environment could present a deadly situation.
Roofing companies need to be diligent in protecting their workers, assessing risks and putting contingencies in place to prevent injury.
The OSHA is the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and according to their guidelines, falls can be prevented by implementing three steps: Plan, Provide, and Train.
It all starts with wearing the right protective equipment. Personal protective roofing safety equipment can minimize harm from a range of perils, focusing on protecting the feet, head, ears, eyes, and hands with steel-toed boots, earplugs, safety eyewear, gloves, and respirators. All of these items are recommended and often required in this line of work, as are high-vis safety vests and flame-resistant apparel.
If you are working six feet or more above ground level you may be at risk for a fall injury. Companies are required to provide fall protection and appropriate fall prevention gear for workers on every roofing job.
This equipment can include:
Temporary guard railings are often installed prior to the start of each roofing job. These rails provide fall protection as long as workers manage to stay on the right side of the temporary railing.
Airborne risks are also a concern, in other words, dangerous substances you are at risk of breathing into your lungs, such as asbestos or silica. The risk of silicosis is so great, in fact, that the OSHA now requires any worker who is working around respirable silica must complete training on the proper use of silica masks. The OSHA approved device for silica safety is a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator. Employers are responsible for ensuring that all affected employees receive this training and use the appropriate respirators as directed.
If you are interested in learning more about safety requirements on the job, check this space often for tips and advice.
]]>Make a list of every tool you will use on a daily basis. Keep the list handy so you and your crew can make sure you always have the essentials on hand when you need them. Research every type of job you intend to do and make time to speak with some of your peers to find out what tools they value the most and what brands they prefer. Getting an endorsement from somebody you trust is always a good way to outfit yourself, especially if you’re just starting out.
Purchasing in bulk will help you avoid having to buy retail when you need something now. Leaving your buys to the last minute can be costly and stressful, and you won’t always have the best selection for your needs. Keep a par list on hand to ensure that you and your crew know what and how many of each item should be in stock. If supply is getting low, place your orders with enough time to spare so that the next job isn’t compromised.
Quality is always number one when you’re on the clock – same goes for safety and productivity. You want to make sure you’ve got the best tools for the job and that they’re not going to break when the going gets tough. When purchasing any equipment, including spray foam equipment, check reviews and ratings and see what other roofing professionals have to say. Bottom line, a reliable brand and a quality product will provide access to customer reviews as well as a comprehensive FAQ section on their website. They will also provide resources such as manuals, chat support or phone support to ensure your satisfaction. Make sure you take advantage of all of these features. Always demand transparency – especially if you have questions about a product.
During the autumn months, there are lots of things we can do to stay safe. Here are a few of our top tips to help you safely navigate your way into winter, both at home and on the job site:
Fall Safety Tips for Your Home:
The drastically changing weather we see throughout the fall is a harbinger of flu season. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that every individual six months or older should be vaccinated.
When the air starts to crisp and the winter jackets come out, many of us tend to huddle up indoors, using our fireplaces, furnaces, and space heaters to keep us warm and toasty. Before the mercury drops down too far, have your furnace, chimneys, and heating ductwork serviced by a professional. Replace all furnace filters and make sure everything is in proper working order before use.
Fall Safety Tips for You
Falling leaves, fog, rain, and condensation inside your car can cause poor visibility while driving. Be cautious about things like these that can limit your visibility. Always drive for the weather. Engage your four-way hazard lights and slow down or pull over if you are unable to see the road.
If you live in a region that gets a lot of snow during the winter, be sure to make an appointment to have your winter tires put on before the weather gets bad. Being well-prepared reduces your chances of having an accident.
In the fall, kids just love to play in big piles of leaves, so be sure to exercise extra caution when you see leaves piled along the curb. School buses will be on the roads more often too, so make sure to stop in both directions when their lights are flashing to allow children safe passage.
With autumn comes the rain, and if the roads are wet they can be extra slippery. Be sure to keep a safe distance from the car ahead as it may take longer than usual to stop.
In the fall, the sun comes up later and sets a little earlier. This can create challenges for drivers who might be on the road during their commute. Keep a pair of sunglasses handy so you are not driving into blinding bright sunlight.
As nighttime temperatures drop, you may find that you will need to spend time removing ice and frost from your car windows before heading out. Be sure to give yourself lots of extra time to warm up your car. Drive slowly when icy conditions are present, as black ice can cause you to lose control of your car and endanger your precious cargo.
Check this space often for more safety tips from the experts at Safety Workwear.
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Most electrical injuries are a result of arc-flash or flash fire, which can stem from any number of root causes. Injuries can occur as a result of the electrical worker not wearing flame-resistant clothing; if they are wearing non-flame-resistant apparel made of cotton or poly-cotton, their clothing could easily ignite and burn, causing severe burn injuries that are painful, disfiguring, and can result in loss of life. Flame-resistant workwear helps to protect electrical workers from these and other perils.
Some of the causes of arc-flash or flash fire include:
Equipment should always be de-energized before repair work is performed on it – unless it has been deemed that it is infeasible to do so based on the design of the equipment, or when working de-energized may increase risk. For example, when performing electrical work in a hospital, it may be infeasible to de-energize because it would put patients at risk.
Energized work may be completely unnecessary in situations where the worker is ill-prepared, inexperienced, in a hurry, or if it will inconvenience operations – such as if it would halt production in a factory, for instance. In this case, it may cost the owner money to de-energize, but it may result in grievous injury from an electrical arc-flash.
An electrical explosion can happen when working around electricity in industrial environments, or when working on electrical panels. This can happen because of dust, corrosion, wires being accidentally crossed, poorly installed wiring, poorly maintained electrical equipment, or for any number of reasons.
Wearing flame-resistant clothing is meant to protect the electrical worker in any situation, and can help to save lives, even when the worker is put in harm’s way through no fault of their own.
Electrical workers come in contact with these hazards every single day, but even the most safety-conscious of them will sometimes fail to protect themselves adequately. Properly worn, flame-resistant workwear can protect against arc-flash, flash fire, and all of the various open-flame perils that might otherwise stop them in their tracks.
Although there are legally-mandated safety standards for workers who are exposed to electrical hazards, many electrical workers still make these common mistakes:
Flame-resistant clothing comes in all weights and a number of styles to suit just about any body type and protect from any hazardous work situation. Remember – burn injuries are among the most painful and expensive to recover from, and if you’re not properly clothed it may cost you your livelihood, or worse, your life.
Arc-flash and flash fires are often unexpected and can cause serious, sustained injury if the electrical worker is unprotected. Wearing flame-resistant clothing can help them to perform their jobs safely and comfortably, allowing them to focus on the task at hand. Browse our selection of flame-resistant workwear, and check this space often for more safety tips and information.
]]>It’s not that workers don’t care about protecting their eyes. Eye safety is generally given high priority, however, there are several common reasons why employees may avoid wearing the appropriate protective gear. These include:
Not being able to see the work is a common complaint. This is largely due to the use of inferior quality safety eyewear, the prevalence of which is driven by lower costs that price higher-tech, quality safety eyewear out of the market.
Eye fatigue is a common complaint among those who should be wearing safety glasses. Lower quality lenses lack the superior optical clarity and distortion-free vision that higher quality safety lenses can deliver.
Fogging lenses are caused by moisture build-up inside the eyewear. Though there is no specific safety mandate to prevent moisture from fogging the lenses, high-quality safety lenses are fog- resistant and include technology that decreases the amount of moisture buildup inside the eyewear.
Heard most often when wearing sealed safety eyewear is indicated, poor fitting, bulky or weighty safety glasses are common reasons why workers may choose not to put them on. In order to provide maximum comfort for long-term use, sealed safety eyewear should be fitted with contoured foam around the edges, inserts that can preferably be removed and replaced if needed. For sealed glasses, anti-fog technology is even more important.
Though it may be tempting to opt for inferior quality safety eyewear, outfitting yourself or your workforce with good-quality safety glasses is not much more expensive than purchasing safety eyewear of lesser quality. Simply put, if the glasses fit and perform as they should, your workers won’t have a problem wearing them – and that can only be a good thing.
The many benefits of quality safety eyewear include:
Risk reduction: if your workers actually wear the safety glasses, you will reduce your liability by a significant amount, not to mention the incidence of eye injury will also be greatly reduced.
Save money: quality safety eyewear is only slightly more expensive than the cheap safety glasses, and the money you’ll save on worker’s compensation and time lost due to injury will deliver value back to your bottom line.
Better compliance: if the glasses fit, don’t fog up, are lightweight and provide clear, unobstructed vision, you can likely look forward to greater compliance across the board.
Each and every day, more than 2,000 eye injuries happen on the job. 40% of these happen in the manufacturing, construction or mining sectors. These injuries cost employers upwards of $300M every single year, and many could have been prevented by wearing eye protection.
Proper safety eyewear can prevent 9 out of 10 workplace eye injuries, and save employers the expense of providing medical treatment, compensation, and the negative impact of lost work hours.
If you would like to find out more about safety eyewear for yourself or for your crew, drop us a line today, and check this space often for more on-the-job safety tips.
]]>Add to that the fact that workers are more likely to injure their hands than any other part of the body, including wrists, arms, and shoulders. Breaking it down further, cuts or punctures are the most common hand injury, representing 40% of all reported hand injuries on the job. This is followed by sprains and fractures, and then burns or chemical burns.
The top reasons cited for hand injury include the absence of hand protection and lack of adequate training, but the biggest takeaway from these numbers is the fact that the vast majority of these injuries could have been avoided if the worker was wearing proper hand protection.
If they are properly trained on the task at hand (pun intended), workers know that wearing safety gloves will help protect them from injury. However, up to 75% likely do not wear gloves unless they are engaged in a particularly dangerous job. This concern is backed up by more stats that show although workplace injury is largely on the decline, hand injury itself is not.
And when you consider that wearing safety gloves can potentially reduce the instance of hand injury by 70%, it is concerning that workers – and employers – are not taking a hard line on glove safety.
Dexterity and comfort are common issues surrounding the decision to wear or not wear safety gloves. The common thought may be that it may take longer to complete a task while wearing safety gloves, or that the gloves may be too hot, too uncomfortable, or don’t have enough grip. If this is the case, employers are not choosing good-quality safety gloves of the type that are on the market today.
Today’s high-performance safety gloves are made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). They are lightweight, comfortable, and breathable without scrimping on grip or comfort. Ironclad safety gloves provide cut and puncture protection while delivering a comfortable fit and high performance. Depending on the model, they can be waterproof, windproof, and rated for extremely high or low temperatures, assuring your hand safety no matter what the job – from welding to construction and more.
If you would like to find out more about safety work gloves for yourself or for your crew, drop us a line today, and check this space often for more on-the-job safety tips.
]]>Many companies will choose to purchase less expensive garments that are not fully flame resistant, simply to save a few dollars. However, in the unfortunate incidence of an open-flame injury, they may actually make the problem worse. Instead of being protected and coming out of the situation unscathed, the individual may be subject to severe burns and other serious injuries, loss of work, and even loss of life.
The cost of a burn injury often amounts to much more than just a trip to the doctor and a few days off work. In fact, in many cases, one single burn injury can amount to several times more than your entire flame-resistant clothing program multiplied many times over! The ensuing financial burden can include:
In terms of cost, there is really no comparison to the cost of a burn injury.
Without proper flame-resistant clothing, there is a real possibility that an open-flame injury would be a disastrous event, not just to the injured worker, but to the entire organization.
Polyester and poly-cotton will melt under high heat, and can bond to the skin, requiring painful surgery to remove. Cotton may ignite if exposed to open flame or high heat, which puts your workers in danger. Cotton also takes significantly longer to dry, which may contribute to heat stress on the body, and will affect the time it takes to rehab after a flame-related injury.
Flame-resistant workwear lasts significantly longer than cotton, so will save money over time by negating the need to re-purchase. On average, flame-resistant clothing lasts 2-3 times longer than cotton or poly-cotton. For example, a cotton or poly-cotton uniform may only last 1-2 years, while flame-resistant garments will last 3-4 years. This effectively reduces the cost of uniform purchase by more than half.
Flame-resistant workwear also shrinks less and will retain its appearance over time. Your employees will not only be safe in their flame-resistant clothing, but they’ll look good too. This does wonders for public perception of your workers, and contributes to employee morale as well.
Many industries require their employees to wear NFPA and OSHA approved garments in order to remain compliant. The cost of non-compliance could be astronomical, especially if you factor a burn injury into the equation. Keep your workforce safe, and protect your business continuity with NFPA approved flame-resistant workwear.
For the best quality and selection in flame-resistant workwear, look no further than Safety Workwear. Browse our extensive selection of flame-resistant garments, or give us a call to find out more.
]]>Here are our top five reasons why you should wear flame-resistant and hi-visibility apparel:
Even if you don’t work in construction or in proximity to electrical or open flame hazards, some job site perils are not immediately evident. However, if you work outdoors, being seen is always a good thing. High visibility clothing helps you to be seen by passing motorists, large machinery operators and if you are working in forestry, by hunters who might otherwise mistake you for an animal. In any case, high-visibility clothing can keep you safe, helping you avoid a potentially disastrous collision or other accident.
If you are burned on the job and you are not wearing flame-resistant apparel, you run the risk of a serious injury from severe burns from open flame or arc flash. A burn injury can be made worse by spontaneous ignition of certain fabrics, as they will continue to burn and bond to the skin. Flame-resistant clothing extinguishes itself, it does not melt to the skin, provides insulation from high heat environments, and increases your chance of survival.
Depending on your job, you may be legally required to wear the appropriate protective and safety apparel. Your employer is responsible for ensuring that you are properly outfitted for the job you are doing. If you are unsure about the need for protective apparel in your current job, check current OHSA guidelines to make sure your job site is in compliance. Wearing the proper safety gear will not only protect you, it will help protect your job and your livelihood.
Lack of proper safety gear such as high-vis clothing or flame-resistant clothing can result in serious injury to employees, which has a domino effect right down to the consumer level. The more workplace injuries, the higher the ultimate cost of the job. Job site and employer insurance may also rise, the cost of which will be passed on to the end consumer. Staying safe keeps our goods and services priced reasonably.
Endangering your own life or that of others in the workplace is simply wrong. We all have a right to a full, healthy, productive life, and that is supported by personal job site safety. If you love your life, your family, your parents, your spouse, your kids, and your friends, you owe it to yourself to wear the proper safety gear. High-visibility and flame-resistant apparel is always a good idea on the job and will support your ability to work and your quality of life well into the future.
Safety Workwear: your high-vis and flame-resistant apparel headquarters
Browse our wide selection of safety apparel today, and for more safety tips, check this space often.
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If you work in any industrial capacity, it is likely that safety footwear is mandated by state or federal safety regulations, but just because you don’t work in this type of job doesn’t mean you can’t get hurt.
There are many ways that safety shoes protect you at work, no matter what you do, and choosing to wear them could easily save you from a painful injury.
Here are 5 ways that safety shoes protect you on the job:
Nails or sharp objects could potentially puncture the sole of your shoe if stepped upon. Sharp objects falling from above could also be a hazard, such as in the case of a falling knife in a commercial kitchen. Reinforced soles and thick upper materials will protect your feet from punctures.
Safety shoes that are made of non-conductive materials such as rubber or leather can save you from static electricity sparks and other electrical shock hazards. Insulated safety footwear can also protect against all kinds of burns, whether from fire, caustic chemicals, molten metal, or other hot objects.
Slippery or slick surfaces can cause severe injury from slip and fall. Non-slip footwear helps you navigate potentially hazardous situations, and also give you more traction in dry conditions.
Items falling from a height onto your feet can potentially cause crippling injury, broken bones, or worse. Steel-toed shoes or boots, or safety shoes with reinforced uppers are excellent at cushioning impact.
If you are on your feet for long hours, wearing safety shoes can minimize fatigue and provide comfortable support all day long. This kind of support also helps to prevent low back pain and foot pain, both common complaints among those who spend most of their time at work standing.
Safety Workwear has one of the most diverse selections of safety shoes for men and women. In fact, they are so stylish and attractive you’re not going to believe they are safety shoes at all. From motorcycle-style boots to lace-up or slip-on skate-style shoes, dress shoes, and more, we’ve got a shoe to suit your unique style. Who says you’ve got to give up style to be safe on the job? Browse our selection of Mellow Walk safety shoes and boots today, and check this space often for more workplace safety tips.
]]>High visibility clothing is an important component of work safety for many jobs: transportation or construction workers, road maintenance crews, tow truck drivers, railway workers, accident site inspectors, first responders, warehouse or factory workers – virtually any who works in proximity to vehicles or machinery that move under their own power.
High visibility safety apparel (HVSA) can include coveralls, vests, jackets, pants, gloves and even headwear. It makes you readily visible to drivers and operators of machinery you are working in proximity to, increasing your safety in the workplace.
HVSA uses fluorescent colors: orange-red, red, or yellow-green, and colors for the work environment are chosen to contrast with the color of the work environment. For instance, yellow-green may not be appropriate for rural areas with a lot of greenery or trees, and red may not be the best choice for a construction site as it would potentially blend in too much with the surroundings and equipment.
Fluorescent materials depend on bright light for maximum visibility, and only functions properly when there is a source of sunlight. Fluorescent HVSA is indicated for use in bright light conditions.
Retroreflective returns light back to the source of light that is shining on it and works best in low-light conditions. While the reflective nature of the material is still visible under bright light, there is little contrast, making it largely ineffective for work in bright, sunny conditions.
Many HVSA garments combine fluorescent and retroreflective properties for maximum versatility and visibility. However, not all fluorescent garments are retroreflective, and not all retroreflective garments are fluorescent.
High visibility safety wear can also be waterproof or flame proof as the need demands, allowing your workers to focus on the task at hand with a greatly reduced risk of external hazards.
One carelessly tossed cigarette butt, a match that wasn’t extinguished, or a welding spark at a job site: any of these things has the potential to put people at risk.
If sparks fly in a confined space, it can be even more dangerous, as escape routes may not be readily accessible. Confined spaces in high-heat environments add other hazards to the mix, as do combustible dust and gas leaks.
If you are unsure about how these environments can put you in danger, read on:
If you work in a welding workshop, you know how hot it can get. The flame of the welder heats up the immediate environment quickly, especially in the case of arc welders, which leverage a much higher heat to do the job. Proper safety clothing and equipment is imperative. Ensure you have the following on hand:
If your boss allows you to smoke or vape on site, keep in mind that by doing so, you are endangering your entire crew. One single spark from a lighter, match or cigarette is enough to cause a major explosion. Additionally, keep all personal items away from your work area, as there may be no way to save them if you have to act quickly. If you must smoke, do so well away from your job site and use extreme caution to avoid any potential fire hazards.
During any kind of materials processing, dust particles fly. Dust from metals are particularly dangerous because they can spark instantly if ignited. If you work in a shop with multiple arc cutters or welding machines, a stray spark could destroy many lives and livelihoods. To protect yourself and your crew, keep your work areas and shop clean and free of dust by sweeping regularly, and keep all areas well-ventilated to prevent combustion before it happens.
Wherever there is fuel of any kind nearby, meaning any flammable liquid or gas, there is a potential for fire. Even in the most controlled situations, accidents still happen. Anybody who works in these conditions should make sure they are well protected against any potential threats. Flame-resistant workwear is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a must for safety.
The message is clear: one spark can change everything – and not in a good way. Protecting yourself involves being diligent about safety every step of the way, and flame-resistant workwear could make the difference between life and death. Browse our selection of protective clothing, and check back often for more safety updates.
]]>Statistically, the most devastating burn injuries and fatalities are caused by clothing that ignites and continues to burn, often fusing to the skin. If you have ever experienced a severe burn on even a small area of your skin, you know how painful this can be. Such injuries can scar or disfigure you for life, cause you to lose the use of your extremities, and could prevent you from ever working again. The cost of medical intervention can be astronomical in these situations, and the pain of multiple surgeries to repair the surface damage may not even compare to the lifelong nerve pain you will have to endure.
There are many benefits to wearing flame resistant workwear. As the name suggests, flame resistant workwear protects you from fire, electrical, arc flash, and other thermal hazards. If you were to be injured by any of these perils, your flame resistant workwear would protect your skin from exposure, and will not melt onto your skin as conventional fabrics would.
Flame resistant workwear is self-extinguishing, and greatly reduces the incidence of injury while increasing chances of survival from a devastating incident. That is not to say it can prevent injury, but in the unfortunate circumstance that you are affected by such an occurrence, your flame resistant workwear can mean the difference between life or death.
Wearing flame resistant workwear can save lives and protect workers from electrical perils as well. The NFPA 70E standard is a federal regulation that mandates flame resistant workwear for electrical workers, or other workers who have a potential risk of being exposed to electrical perils. This includes those who work with batteries, as well as workers who operate electrical equipment as part of their job.
Many industries have safety compliance regulations, and providing your workers with flame resistant workwear might be mandatory. Even if it isn’t required, the fact that you provide your employees with flame resistant workwear may also lower your insurance liability.
When your workers feel confident that you are committed to their physical wellbeing, it will improve the culture of safety for your entire operation. If you are unsure whether your company requires your employees to wear flame resistant workwear, have a hazard analysis performed, either by an outside expert or by using the guidelines in the NFPA 70E.
When you are ready to outfit yourself or your workforce in high quality flame resistant workwear, call Safety Workwear, your Rasco flame resistant specialists, and check back here for important safety updates.
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