Attention all contractors and construction professionals: We know construction sites can be dangerous, and disasters—whether they be extreme weather or faulty machinery—can be unpredictable. Based on OSHA recommendations, from developing emergency preparedness checklists, to training employees, implementing severe weather plans, and more, read on for five job-site safety tips for mitigating damages caused by a disaster —and what to do in the aftermath.
Identify All Risks
It’s important to remember that no two job sites are the same. While one construction site may be prone to flooding, another may pose fire risks. Step one is identifying all the possible risks and worst-case scenarios that can occur—from natural to human-caused incidents. Think severe weather, like hurricanes and earthquakes, or man-made disasters caused by fire, or even criminal activity.
Develop a Disaster Preparedness Checklist
Once all potential risks have been identified based on the job site, it’s time to create a disaster preparedness checklist. Each list should include specific details on what to do in case an emergency strikes—and who on the team is responsible for what. In addition, consider including areas and equipment that need protection, like cranes, generators, and other tools.
Within your checklist, be sure to discuss an evacuation plan with your crew, the appropriate emergency service departments that may need to be contacted (fire, police, etc.), and any other safety information your crew needs to know—like where to find fire extinguishers. Review the checklist in great detail with all construction crew and team members beforehand so there is no confusion should there be a real emergency on site.
Prepare for Severe Weather
As mentioned earlier, no job sites are exactly the same, and weather patterns in one area may be completely different from another. Be sure to check the forecast before starting a project, and remember, in some instances, it may take you by complete surprise, so have a backup plan.
Included in your checklist should be a plan for earthquakes, hurricanes, wind hazards, heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, drought, heat, ice, snow, and more. Supplies, tools, and procedures may differ based on site-specific risks, and understanding your needs can help you prepare for the unexpected and prevent loss or injury.
Establish a Safety Zone
As part of your preparedness checklist, construction companies should establish a safe zone off-site if a disaster strikes. This is where all crew members know to go to seek safety and can access reference materials, such as the emergency plan, blueprints, and contact information easily and efficiently.
Train Construction Crews
In addition to reviewing a complete checklist, inclusive of evacuation procedures and emergency contacts, employees should be fully briefed on how to mitigate risks—and what to do in the aftermath of a disaster. While having a plan will help to keep your crew safe, it doesn’t wipe away all risks. Keep your crew up to date with all safety procedures and reinforce practices through consistent training, drills, and courses. Invite safety professionals and emergency response teams to host seminars. Ensure all employees are familiar with resources like FEMA emergency management tools, OSHA safety efforts, and guidelines for additional job-site best practices. Your response to these emergency scenarios can save timelines, money, and even lives.
There are nearly 670,000 carpenters employed in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Carpenters are creative, detail-oriented, and highly skilled at what they do, working indoors and outdoors. Whether it’s performing small repair jobs, framing buildings, installing walls, floors, and doorframes, doing home renovations with upgrades, room extensions, and additions, or building highways and bridges, carpenters are involved in many types of construction jobs.
The market size, measured by revenue, of the carpentry industry was more than $40 billion in 2022, according to IBISWorld. It’s the 20th-ranked construction industry by market size and the 279th-largest industry segment in general in the United States. The bulk of carpentry industry revenue is generated from work on new housing construction, such as single-family and multifamily homes, and renovations. Demand for carpentry contracting services rises as housing starts rise and more homes are built.
Carpenters are among the top job positions general contractors are having difficulty staffing amid the construction industry’s continued labor shortage. According to Contractor News, automation and globalization have not decreased the need for carpenters. Carpentry is still in high demand, with only a few exceptions. Even when the lumber supply chain is disrupted, the profession remains strong.
Consumer Trends Impacting the Carpentry Industry
Consumers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly natural materials, such as wood, rather than synthetic materials, which is good news for the carpentry industry. Homeowners, for example, are installing quartzite and other natural stone countertops, marble tile, wood cabinets, and vanities, particularly white oak, according to Houzz. Some Houzz designers attribute the surge in interest in natural materials to homeowners’ rethinking man-made materials such as engineered quartz and gravitating instead to natural materials that add character and authenticity to a space.
Connecting the indoors to the outdoors is a trend that continues, accelerated initially during the pandemic when people were home and unable to travel. Remodeling projects include making kitchens more open to the outdoors.
Members of the Preferred Contractors Association (PCA) are contractors who are committed to excellence and safety through collaboration with their colleagues, access to education, and utilizing resources and other tools. The PCA, through its member portal, provides a library of resources that include risk management, HR, Workers’ Comp, safety, and compliance to help construction firms improve their operational practices.
Zywave, a leader in insurance software and producer of industry-specific risk management and safety resources, powers PCA’s member portal. PCA members have access to the following materials:
- Discipline & Termination Policies
- Human Resources, including a hotline for answers to your questions
- Reference Center
- Safety & Wellness
- Forms & Policies
- Recruitment & Hiring
- Risk Management
- State Laws
These tools help contractors mitigate their exposure in several key areas, including liability on job sites, employee-related disputes and lawsuits, and workplace injuries.
In addition to putting best-practices resources at your fingertips, PCA provides marketing information to help contractors build and grow their businesses. This includes information on leveraging website marketing, social media, blogging, email marketing, contractor aggregator sites (such as HomeAdvisor, Angi, and Houzz), and review sites like Yelp.
Member Discounts Available
PCA members can take advantage of member discounts through PCA’s partnership with National Purchasing Partners (NPP). Discounts from Verizon, Sherwin-Williams, Airgas, Staples, UniFirst, Microsoft, Impac, Tri-Dim, and others are available to businesses and employees.
Visit the PCA website to find out more about the benefits of membership.
As a contractor, you rely on your tools and equipment to get the job done. Unfortunately, construction tools and equipment are prone to theft, damage, and loss. When any of these things occur, it can mean significant production downtime, a loss of income, and even the cancellation of projects, plus the cost to replace the items.
Mitigate Financial Loss
To protect your valuable tools and equipment and keep your projects on track, Tools and Equipment insurance is available. A Tools and Equipment policy* may provide coverage for stolen or damaged items. You may be paid the costs to repair or replace the covered items that are stolen, vandalized, or damaged, up to the policy amount, less any deductible or applicable coinsurance amount. In addition, some policies will provide loss of income/business interruption coverage and compensate you for the income you did not receive from the time of the incident until a repaired or replaced item became available.
You need this specialized coverage, as a Commercial Property policy doesn’t cover items in transit or left at a job site; it covers inventory and equipment only when kept at a covered location such as your business premises. On the other hand, a Tools and Equipment policy, a form of Inland Marine insurance, covers materials or equipment that are mobile or transportable.
All-Risk Coverage
Coverage can be written on an all-risk basis, covering everything except what is excluded in the policy, such as damage or loss due to wear and tear, corrosion, or rust. Covered property typically includes power tools, hand tools, clothing and protective gear, and miscellaneous equipment like ladders, workbenches, and lighting. You may be able to cover heavy machinery, such as backhoes, excavators, and bulldozers, but the limits of a standard Tools and Equipment policy are typically lower than what you would need to protect these large items adequately. You should get a separate policy for heavy equipment.
*NOTE: The insuring agreement in a policy sets out the covered perils, assumed risks, and nature of coverage that the insurance company provides to its insured in exchange for the premiums paid. Thus, the terms and conditions of the policy will dictate whether coverage exists and the nature of any potential benefits.
It seems like a new social media app is popping up every other day. For small businesses, keeping up with the trends can be a source of frustration — after all, you have work to do, homes to remodel, and houses to build!
But in actuality, a well-maintained social media presence can serve as a low-cost, high-impact form of marketing. By learning how to take a great photo, posting on your social media accounts can go from painful to beneficial. And you may even have some fun along the way! Here is why photography on social media is so important and how to get started.
No Stock Images Here
While it may feel easiest to simply download and post stock photography across your social media, original photography will always win out. People can instantly recognize stock photos, and they’re more likely to scroll past something that seems unoriginal. If you want to stand out from the crowd, hire a photographer or take photos of your work yourself — even if the quality doesn’t seem as “perfect” in your eyes, you’ll have a much better chance at getting a customer’s attention!
Audiences Gravitate Towards Authenticity
On social media, audiences enjoy seeing the “real” side of life, and that includes businesses. Whether you’re showing equipment in use or the friendly faces of a job site, giving a glimpse into the actual human side of your business is a pro move. It allows customers to learn more about your brand and what you stand for and get to know the various people who would generally be “behind the scenes.”
You’ll Generate Better Sales & Engagement…
On certain platforms, like LinkedIn and Facebook, you aren’t required to post photos — but business will be better if you do. Posts stand out more when there is a visual component, so people are more likely to pause if they see a photo alongside any marketing message from your account. If you’re on an exciting new project or trying to direct people to your website, try including a fun photo that grabs attention.
…And Your Account Will Grow
At the end of the day, social platforms simply want you to post and to do it a lot. The algorithm will reward you for posting original content, meaning your social media account will reach new prospective customers. If you can get into the habit of posting regularly, you’ll meet new demographics and drive fresh traffic to your business.
Feeling Unsure? Here’s How to Start
If this sounds daunting, try playing around with your phone in a low-stakes environment. Explore the various settings to see how you’re able to adjust the lighting and the focus. You don’t need fancy equipment these days to take a stellar photo!
Once you feel comfortable with your device, keep it on hand at all times so that you can pull it out when an opportune moment arises. It’s often best to take photos while in the moment rather than staging a shot — these authentic, action-based photos will have a better energy and appeal to online audiences. Plus, over time, you won’t need to think about taking pictures for social media. You’ll just have your phone on hand and happen to capture images as fun moments arise.
Every few months, take a step and look at the variety of content you’ve posted. It’s good to diversify the images you’re sharing so that someone new to your account doesn’t think you post the same thing repeatedly. Try to share a mix of images, from faces to landscapes to before-and-after photos. Consider sharing short videos, too, as this is a great way to give even more personality to your online brand.
The construction industry is continually innovating to use sustainable and durable building materials, including for new and replacement roofs. Here are some of the trends in roofing materials.
Innovation in Roofing Materials
The construction industry is continually innovating to use sustainable and durable building materials, including for new and replacement roofs. Here are some of the trends in roofing materials.
Solar Panels
Rooftop solar panels are becoming increasingly common across the country. In addition to being a renewable energy source, solar panels can help reduce energy bills. According to one study, installing solar panels can save the average household around $1,500 per year. As the cost of installing solar panels continues to fall, more people are making the transition.
Environmentally Friendly Roofing Materials
Eco-friendly roofing options to reduce an individual’s carbon footprint include:
- Rubber roofing: Old tires have been repurposed as roofing material. A rubber roof is resistant to natural elements and has a long life span.
- Green roofing: A green roof is a lightweight, layered roofing system that allows plants to grow on top of a waterproofed substructure with little maintenance.
- White roofing: A white roof can help keep a house cool. White roofs (or lighter-colored roofs) reflect more light and do not retain as much heat. As a result, a home will stay cool, and the owners will save money on air conditioning.
- Blue roofing: A blue roof is intended to capture and temporarily store rainwater. Because the control devices that collect rainwater and roof drainage can be managed and adjusted to be most effective, automated roof runoff management systems are also known as active blue roofs. Blue roof systems are sometimes combined with green roof systems to make irrigation and plant watering much more intuitive and effortless. These systems aid in preventing sewer water overflow in densely populated or under-irrigated urban areas, keep buildings naturally cooler, and provide fresh rainwater for various uses.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs and roofing panels are popular options due to their fire resistance. Metal roofing also protects against extreme winds, including gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. They won’t crack, corrode, or break when subjected to high-speed winds. Plus, metal roofs are attractive. Tin, zinc, aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel are available in various colors, finishes, and shapes. Standing seam metal roofs, a type of metal roofing product, are also available.
In addition, metal roofs are considered a more sustainable alternative to asphalt shingles. They consist of at least 25% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. Metal roofs also reflect solar radiant heat rather than absorbing it, reducing cooling costs by up to 25% year-round, especially during the long summer days.
These days, more and more construction projects are going green. No, we’re not talking about painting with a particular shade of emerald — we’re talking about building regarding the natural environment. Buildings are able to achieve hard ratings from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a U.S.-based certification program that awards Gold, Silver, or Platinum status to buildings around the world.
As businesses pivot to meet new emissions standards and sustainability goals, green building (also known as green construction) is a fast-growing facet of the construction industry. Contractors looking to meet the demands of modern clients should understand the green building process from start to finish, so here’s a quick overview of what it takes to ensure a construction project stays “green.”
It Starts with a Blueprint
All aspects of a project need to work together to ensure a building is green, and that begins with the architects. New builds should be designed to maintain pre-existing natural habitats and ecosystems, so site choice is extremely important. Buildings can also improve their LEED rating if erected near public transport.
Additionally, green buildings need to maximize energy and water usage — this is where engineers play a critical role in the early stages of development. Innovations in heating or air circulation can ultimately save massive amounts of energy (and money!) once a building has been constructed, and lessen overall environmental impact.
Sustainable Construction Practices
When it comes to construction, there is quite a bit that contractors and their teams can do to ensure a project is green. Firstly, choosing eco-friendly building materials is key to reducing a building’s carbon footprint. Innovative products are added to the market every year that replace older, less sustainable offerings — recycled wood, cork, bamboo, or steel have become increasingly popular options. Sourcing materials locally is also encouraged, as it reduces transport distance and lessens a project's emissions.
Secondly, the efforts made during construction to recycle and reduce waste are hugely important. Working efficiently and transparently so that materials aren’t wasted and using leftover materials (such as concrete) for future builds can have a big impact on a long-term project and affect the LEED rating.
New Installations May Require New Training
Contractors in particular may need to train on various types of installations and technology that are becoming increasingly common in green building projects. Solar panels, for instance, are growing in popularity in commercial and private builds and can be installed on roofs or on the ground. Other types of energy-efficient devices, such as motion-sensor lighting, are also becoming popular in LEED-rated green buildings. Many of these skills can be taught in quick certification programs, opening up a new path for longtime contractors or construction workers.
Additionally, a popular and low-cost way of meeting LEED green standards in many countries is by purchasing modular or prefabricated building elements. An entire home can be created in a warehouse, transported, and reassembled on site, ultimately cutting down on any excess materials waste. It’s beneficial for modern construction crews to become familiar with these modular processes, as they expand in popularity for their cost, convenience, and low environmental impact.
Landscaping services include initial landscaping and ongoing maintenance for commercial and residential clients. Chemical line and pest control, “line-clearing” (branch removal around utility lines), irrigation systems, landscape construction, and tree care are all possible services. In addition, some landscaping companies offer snow removal services during the winter months (policy must be endorsed to include the exposure for snow removal).
There are 621,733 landscaping and lawn maintenance businesses in the United States, according to IBIS World. Sixty-two percent of customers come from single-family residential homes, with the average homeowner spending $100 to $200 per month for general landscaping, maintenance, lawn care, gardening, and upkeep (HomeAdvisor). Seventy-one percent of landscapers offer design and construction services, while 63% provide tree care.
Over the past three years, the industry has grown 6.6% annually and is anticipated to continue its successful path in 2023 despite economic headwinds. The positive outlook is partly due to ongoing green initiatives and increasing preferences for using outdoor spaces as entertainment, lounge, walking, and sitting areas. Industry employment is expected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Department of Labor.
Going Green
Depending on the region, the shift to a more ecological, water-saving-focused landscape will continue, according to an article in The Edge by the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Drought-tolerant landscaping (known as xeriscaping) is gaining popularity and involves using low-water plants, practical turf, and efficient irrigation practices to create landscapes and gardens that require less water.
Consumers are also looking for indigenous plant species to be planted on their properties, as native gardening reduces air pollution, requires less fertilizer and pesticides, and keeps away invasive insect species.
Green roofs and walls, also known as living roofs and walls, are becoming more popular in commercial landscapes. These features include incorporating plants and vegetation into a building’s roof or walls, which can have various benefits, such as lowering energy costs, improving air quality, and providing a natural habitat for wildlife.
Outdoor Spaces
People are spending money on landscaping, as they spend a lot of time outside. Post-pandemic, they are still looking at their properties as vacation-worthy backyards.
Businesses are also looking for ways to create comfortable, functional, and visually appealing outdoor workspaces. This could entail adding covered patios, outdoor seating areas, and even small gardens.
Contractors understand the need for General Liability insurance to protect against third-party bodily injury liability and property damage liability losses. Claims may involve a third party slipping and falling on your premises or a job site or your finished work causing bodily injury or property damage. When seeking bids on a project, a client will ask for proof of General Liability insurance.
CGL insurance primarily protects policyholders from losses associated with third-party liability claims arising out of a company’s business operations. A typical CGL insurance policy covers claims for: third-party property damage and bodily injury associated with the insured’s negligence in performing it’s work or operations. It does not cover claims for: professional errors; employee injuries; employee discrimination; or damage to the company’s own business property.
Professional liability insurance is sometimes referred to as “malpractice” insurance or “errors and omissions” insurance. Professional liability insurance protects against liability to third persons for losses caused by the insured’s performance of professional services, and specifically includes intangible and economic losses (as contrasted with general liability insurance). There are usually exclusions for “bodily injury” or “property damage” claims (as these claims are covered by general liability insurance).
Professional Liability insurance may pay for legal costs and judgments/settlements (up to the policy limit) if the contractor is found to be responsible for damages.*
Why do contractors need this coverage?
As the traditional construction delivery model evolves and the lines of responsibility between contractors and design firms overlap, contractors are assuming design liability, either directly or indirectly, thereby increasing their exposure.
Furthermore, design/build as a project delivery method influences project owners’ expectations for all types and sizes of construction – not just large-scale projects. Owners are now looking for a single point of contact so that they have to deal with only one entity if a project issue arises, and in most cases, that is the contractor.
*NOTE: The insuring agreement in a policy sets out the covered perils, assumed risks, and nature of coverage that the insurance company provides to its insured in exchange for the premiums paid. Thus, the terms and conditions of the policy will dictate whether coverage exists and the nature of any potential benefits.
It’s no secret; 2022 brought with it economic uncertainty, labor shortages, and supply chain issues—all of which impacted contractors and small business owners around the globe. While the world continues to change, adapting to industry trends is key to keeping your construction company alive during these challenging times. From developing a brand mission to implementing tech to elevate the customer experience, investing in multi-channel media, and tapping into real-time data, there’s no better time to optimize your marketing strategy for 2023 than now.
Develop Your Brand & Purpose
Whether buying clothes, food, or bidding contractors, customers are turning to companies with a strong brand purpose that aligns with their values. Turns out, there should be more to your website, profiles, and social platforms than a list of services and contact information; clearly outline your story and mission in a way that’s authentic, value-centric, and conversational. With competition booming, set yourself apart by spotlighting your quality of work, exceptional customer service, years of education, experience, and sustainable business practices. Another way to develop your company’s identity and connect to a greater purpose is by donating your skills and time to local charities and community-building causes dedicated to helping those in need.
Elevate the Customer Experience with Tech
You can’t be available to answer questions 24/7, especially if you’re facing a workplace shortage. However, artificial intelligence (AI) can. More and more businesses are introducing technologies such as AI to help engage with customers online. Chatbots can be implemented directly into your current professional website to help answer current and prospective clients' initial questions before putting them in touch with a real-life representative. Remember, the chat function shouldn’t replace personal outreach but can act as a first point of contact for someone looking for a response ASAP.
Invest in Multi-Channel Marketing
While expanding marketing tactics across platforms isn’t exactly new, it’s crucial to find more leads in 2023. Think about it; your customers' online habits have changed, and they aren’t just scrolling through Facebook—they’re actively searching for and researching contractors across multiple channels like review-based search engines, hyperlocal digital publications, virtual neighborhood groups, and more before landing on your website, social platforms, or calling you directly. Expand your marketing horizons and create a seamless experience by meeting customers where they are.
Not sure where to start? Join industry associations and connect with like-minded contractors and small business owners to see what’s working (and not working) for them as a kicking off point.
Use Data to Support (and Modify) Your Marketing Strategy
Once you’ve developed a multi-channel marketing strategy, it’s time to leverage customer data to optimize your efforts. Capture more leads and grow your contracting business by better understanding your prospective clients—by identifying demographic information, interests, and the way they navigate and interact with your website. You can run relevant ad campaigns hyper-focused to target the right audience.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to contractor marketing, but leading with authenticity, experimenting with tech, implementing an omnichannel approach, and leveraging historical data will help lay the foundation for a successful strategy in 2023.