construction | Construction

Five Tips for Hiring Top-Notch Construction Employees

According to a January USA Today article, construction hiring is surging. While the industry has yet to recover all of the 2.2 million jobs it lost between 2006 and 2010, construction gained jobs at more than twice the overall labor market’s rate in 2014. That’s good news for construction workers and employers like you—unless urgent needs for more laborers cause you to take chances with your hiring process, haphazardly selecting employees who may be less than top-notch.

Before you add another carpenter, electrician, insulation installer, heavy equipment operator, plasterer, ironworker or other construction laborer, consider these tips for making sure they’re all the best of the best.

Consider laborers from other industries. Attitude is often a reliable indicator of potential for success. If you encounter a potential construction employee who has an excellent, positive attitude and willingness to work hard for the opportunity you’re offering, he is worth consideration—even if he has little to no actual experience. You can always train someone in the skills necessary for the position.

Make good use of prescreening interviews. A 10- to 20-minute telephone interview can reveal a lot about a potential construction job candidate. Use the time to confirm the details your candidate has provided in his application as well as explore his career goals. Even the best welder in the business may not be the right choice for you if he intends to retire, go back to school, or change careers in six months.

Use pre-employment assessment tests. In many industries—including construction—employers use online tests to assess candidates’ cognitive abilities, personalities and motivation. The results of these tests can help you choose laborers, office staff and sales professionals who are diligent, reliable and will perform well in their chosen job.

Check references carefully. Take the time to contact your candidate’s former bosses before extending a construction job offer. Don’t limit yourself to the references your applicant has provided. It’s often wise to reach out to the foremen and supervisors who were not included. Especially in cases in which a potential employee is trying to hide something, these parties may give you a more accurate assessment of past performance.

Create an employee referral program. Studies have shown that referred employees are generally a better cultural fit and stay with their new employer longer than workers sourced through other means. Encourage your best workers to refer their friends by offering a cash bonus or other reward if their recommended worker is hired and performs well for a pre-determined amount of time.

Some Considerations to Avoid Pneumatic Tool Dangers

Pneumatic tools are industrial equipment powered by compressed air. These tools include air powered guns, staplers, chippers, drills, scalers, grinders, air ratchets, nibblers, jackhammers, sprays, sanders, and others. A hose channels the compressed air into the tools.

Pneumatic tools are so risky that construction site safety measures must be observed when using them. Reading the manufacturer’s manual on how to use the tools will also help avoid risks.

The main danger these tools pose is getting hit by the accidentally detached hose and hose fastener. Getting hit by accidentally detached tool attachments and fragments is equally dangerous.

Some things should be considered before using pneumatic tools for construction site safety purposes. Always wear safety protectors such as safety goggles or glasses and face shields. This is to protect your eyes from flying fragments accidentally detached from staplers, riveting guns, chippers, or air powered drills.

Wearing safety boots is also important. Some pneumatic tools are heavy and handlers may accidentally slip or fall.

Noise level is high when using pneumatic tools. It is due to the exhaust air discharged at the tools. Most of the time, these tools are not muffled and are noisier than electric-powered tools. Long exposure to these tools may cause hearing damage. It is appropriate to always wear effective hearing protection or install mufflers on the tools.

In reality, the hose is more dangerous than the pneumatic tools. When the air hose is accidentally severed or is detached from the tool, it may violently whip around, hitting anything nearby, including the workers.

To avoid incidents of violently whipping hose, the air hose must be securely connected into the tool. Positive locking devices and short wires can securely fasten the hose into the tool. Install safety excess flow valves at the air source when using a half-inch diameter air hose. This will help reduce the pressure when the hose fails. Workers must pay attention to the air hoses laid across the walkways to avoid tripping.

Here are other construction site safety tips on using an air hose.

Use correct-size hoses that fit in the pneumatic tools.
Hoses must be resistant to cutting, abrasion, crushing, continued flexing, etc.
Check the hoses regularly and replace them if they have defects such as abrasions, cuts, bulges, etc.
Always test the hose before attaching it to the tool by blowing out the airline.
Follow hose manufacturer’s rate on the pressure capacity of the hose.
Do not carry tools by their hoses. Hold the hoses and the tools with both hands, if possible.

Some pneumatic tools tend to break and send fragments flying. Chipping hammers are a good example, as these are attached to chisels. The chisels are sometimes ejected and may hit someone in the workplace. Install retainers or clips to secure the chisels in the chipping hammers.

For construction site safety, never point the muzzle of tools that shoot fasteners like nails, staples, rivets, etc. at anyone. These tools apply pressure above 100 pounds per square inch. They may not hold such pressure and may accidentally shoot. Always turn them off when not in use. Equip them with a special device to keep the fasteners from being accidentally discharged.

This is also true with sprayers. Spray guns must be equipped with a safety device that locks the trigger. With this lock, the spray gun should only spray fluid when the safety device is released.

Another hazard the pneumatic tools present is fatigue. This is typically true with heavy jackhammers. It is advisable to always wear rubber grips to have a secure hold onto heavy tools. Efficient gripping prevents more fatigue.

For construction site safety, here are other things to consider before using pneumatic tools.

Post warning signs to let other workers in the workplace know the possible hazards they should avoid in that particular area.
Tools must be regularly cleaned and lubricated.
Do not use tools that you think are about to break or fail. Replace them if possible.
Never use attachments from other sources. Stick to the attachments approved by the tool manufacturer. This is to ensure compatibility of tools and attachments, thus avoiding possible operation failure.

Aside from the hose and pneumatic tools, consider also the air used to power the tools. Compared to electrical tools, compressed air is less-regulated. It may flow exceedingly and may cause tool breakage. To avoid breakage, always adjust the air pressure to the pressure capacity of the hose and tools.

Here are the things to consider for the air supply of the tools.

Air supply must be dry and clean. Air with dust, corrosive fumes, or moisture will eventually cause damage to the tools.
Use filter and lubricators to have a steady supply of clean air to the tools.
Always wear rubber gloves when using pneumatic tools to protect your hand from any possible effect of compressed air.

Construction site safety relies on the proper use of the tools. Never ignore the instructions provided by tool manufacturers. For more safety measures contact us today.

Should You Purchase Subcontractor Default Insurance?

If you’ve always relied on performance bonds to guarantee that your subcontractors fulfill their contracts, you might want to look into subcontractor default insurance. This attractive alternative can provide you with valuable security in the event a subcontractor breaches contract while lowering your premium costs, eliminating the surety investigation period, and allowing you to work with entities that might not qualify for a bond.

The Cost

Subcontractor default insurance—also known as an SDI policy—includes a deductible and co-payment. For this reason, you can purchase it for as little as 50 percent of the cost of a bond premium, which generally runs between 1.0 to 1.25 percent of the value of the subcontract. While SDI policies usually have limits that are less than the total value of the project’s subcontracts, they also provide coverage for indirect default losses including liquidated damages. Performance bonds rarely cover such indirect damages.

The Parties

Performance bonds set up relationships between three parties: the surety (bonding company), the principal (subcontractor) and the obligee (the contractor). A SDI policy reduces the number of involved parties to two, eliminating the surety and removing the surety investigation period should the contractor file a claim. Because the SDI insures the performance of the subcontractors, the insurance carrier will compensate you directly for any costs associated with a subcontractor default. Additionally, one policy can cover all of the subcontractors you use on your project.

When you use performance bonds, the bonding company must investigate claims resulting from the default of your subcontractor. This can cause major delays and often results in cost overruns. Should the surety accept the claim, they then have the power to dictate how it is resolved. They may forfeit the bond’s penal sum, pay for a new subcontractor, finance the defaulted party or, on rare occasions, allow you to proceed as you see fit.

Subcontractor Qualification

When you use a performance bond, the surety company screens the covered contractor. They analyze the contractor’s financial viability, credit history and past job performance. If the bonding company deems the contractor acceptable, they are subsequently bonded. This can limit the contractors you are able to select for your projects.

SDI policies, on the other hand, allow you to work with whatever contractors you choose. You are responsible for any pre-screening. Insurers won’t examine your contractors to determine if they have the resources to perform the job you’ve hired them to complete. But you’ll no longer be limited to selecting from large contractors with extensive track records. You can use smaller, less experienced companies if you feel they are the right choice for your job.

Are you interested in learning more about subcontractor default insurance? Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further insight or to discuss any of your construction-related insurance needs.

Construction and Hazardous Waste

Whether you work in residential or commercial construction, your crew may encounter or generate hazardous wastes. It’s your responsibility to ensure they know how to identify and separate these hazardous materials—from paints and solvents to adhesives and caulks—from the non-hazardous before engaging in proper disposal. Make mistakes and your construction company may incur fines and face property damage lawsuits.

Why is Hazardous Waste a Big Deal?

Hazardous wastes can pollute land, air and water. They can also endanger human and animal health. Improper disposal—for example, with nonhazardous waste—can pose a health threat to workers and cause problems at landfills. It’s also illegal in many areas. Dispose of hazardous construction waste incorrectly and federal or state law may require you to pay for costly cleanup projects.

Regulations related to hazardous waste include the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Hazardous Material Transportation Act (HMTA), the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Additionally, 40 CFR 260-279 addresses federal regulations for hazardous waste management.

What is a Hazardous Waste Exactly?

Hazardous waste includes construction waste that exhibits one or more of the following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity. Ignitable wastes are those with flash points below 140°F. Examples include solvents and mineral spirits. Corrosive wastes are water-based liquids with a pH less than 2.0 or greater than 12.5. Examples of corrosive wastes include battery acid and alkaline cleaning solvents. Reactive wastes, such as hydrogen sulfide and bleach, are unstable and readily undergo violent chemical reactions when they encounter water or other substances. Toxic wastes, which include lead paint and some adhesives, are harmful due to the presence of metals or organic compounds.

Within the construction environment, you or your crew may encounter thermostats containing mercury, lead paint, lead pipes, fluorescent lamps, hazardous varieties of glues and roofing tars, PCB caulking, mercury or lead-based batteries, aerosol and asbestos among other potentially dangerous materials. Common hazardous chemicals include ammonia, fluorine, nitric acid and sulfur dioxide.

You can find more information on hazardous wastes in the in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) catalog of hazardous and solid waste publications.

How Do I Get Rid of It?

If you uncover or generate hazardous waste during construction, contact a reliable hazardous waste management company or a treatment, storage and disposal (TSD) facility. Some landfills will accept certain hazardous wastes as well. To mitigate risk to your workers and the environment, construction contractors should always follow EPA, state and municipal laws and stay informed of hazardous waste regulatory changes on all government levels. You should include hazardous waste discovery and disposal in every site plan and address associated risks in your safety plan.

Is There an Employment Barrier to Female Construction Workers?

The answer to that question is yes, at least according to a new report from the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC). They found that the U.S. construction industry and extraction occupations employ 206,000 women and 7.6 million men. That’s only 2.6 percent compared to 97.4 percent. Why does this disparity in employment persist? The report suggests sexual harassment and hostility, a lack of apprenticeships and mentors, and stereotyped assumptions about women’s capabilities all contribute to the problem. And with 1.8 million fewer construction jobs than before the recession, competition for opportunities in the industry is fiercer than ever.

Sexual Harassment and Hostility

The NWLC’s report mentions a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor in 1999. It found that 88 percent of women construction workers had experienced sexual harassment on the job. It’s likely that an even greater percentage has experienced the hostility that women in the industry regularly report. This may take the form of intimidation, exclusion, and reluctance by supervisors to discipline harassing or hostile male workers.

Stereotypes and Apprenticeships

According to the NLWC report, young women in technical education programs are often encouraged to choose occupations that satisfy traditional gender stereotypes. This means they are rarely welcomed into programs for careers that men have traditionally filled, such as construction. If they do make their way into a construction program, administrators may not tell them about the apprenticeship opportunities that are available. And those that manage to land a construction apprenticeship often drop out. In fact, the NLWC reports that 51 percent of the women in construction apprenticeships between 2006 and 2007 did not complete their programs.

What Should You Do?

Regardless of whether your construction company currently employs women or not, you should develop a written sexual harassment policy. Make sure it provides a clear description of sexual harassment, examples of prohibited actions, disciplinary measures, and the procedures for reporting sexual harassment claims. Experts advise against requiring workers to report claims only to their direct supervisor, as it is sometimes this relationship that is considered a harassing one. Instead, provide a number of reporting options.

Take immediate action on every report of sexual harassment. This means you need to promptly investigate each claim and discipline the harassing party according to your sexual harassment policy. While it is not always necessary that you terminate employment of the harassing party, you do need to ensure that he or she will not harass the victim again. You should also review your sexual harassment policy regularly with all of your workers—both male and female.

To ensure your sexual harassment policy complies with any Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regulations, ask your legal advisor to review it. You may also want to engage the assistance of your risk management advisor to help you analyze your company’s risk of a discrimination or sexual harassment lawsuit and adjust your jobsite policies accordingly.