The dawning of a new year marks a time to evaluate last year's successes and challenges while looking ahead to new possibilities. This year is very special to those of us who bring you Roofing Contractor, as we celebrate our 25th year in 2006.
As an employee, the designated competent person is entitled to enjoy a workplace that is free from existing or potential identifiable hazards that could cause injury, illness or death. But as an extension of the employer, the competent person has an obligation to represent the employer's safety and health program on site by promptly abating hazardous conditions and correcting unsafe acts.
It is no secret that many contractors don't like bookkeeping and paperwork. I frequently talk to contractors and ask how their year is going. Too many reply they are not sure because they have not received the numbers from their accountant. This is like asking a coach how the team is doing, and he replies that he has to talk to the scorekeeper.
A properly implemented roof management and maintenance program could effectively extend the service life of a roof system and eliminate some of the complexities associated with this critical building component. Detailing the procedures and benefits of a well-executed roof management program can help contractors convince building owners of the merits of instituting such a program, to the advantage of both parties.
The roofing industry is now at a point where we should collectively define a uniform standard for the determination of moisture content in roof systems. It is time to move past the days of the "educated toe," i.e., subjective claims of how the system felt as it was walked across. A standard would benefit all sectors of the industry preventing frivolous lawsuits and unsubstantiated claims driven by the pursuit of profit.
Your worst fears have been realized. You walked into the shop and caught your best technician loading a box of inventory into his personal vehicle. Caught in the act, stealing! What do you do?
Webster's unabridged dictionary defines the verb "innovate" as "to introduce something new, or make changes in anything established." This article explores five ladder innovations designed to make ladders safer, more versatile, and easier to use.
Never, never stop marketing yourself and your firm. Marketing your company in a great economic climate is necessary for several reasons, but primarily because a swift downturn always has the potential of being closer than we think.